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Video games are a form of entertainment that generally leaves us with rewarding experiences, or at least that’s the intention of many companies. But it should also be emphasized that there are creative people with a lot of personality and talent, which is reflected in their works. Today we are talking about two geniuses of the sector, who have led different franchises, but who have many aspects in common.
We refer to Shinji Mikami, considered the father of Resident Evil, and Goichi Suda, responsible for No More Heroes, Lollipop Chainsaw, among others. Both joined forces to create something that combined very striking elements, proposing a title that did not seek to follow the usual flow, but, on the contrary, to change a little what we knew at the time.
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This is how Shadows of the Damned was born in 2011, an unusual but very interesting experience. Despite the time that has passed since its launch, we now have news of a remaster that aims to give us the opportunity to revisit this story, offering a title both for the most novice players and for so that the most veteran players can benefit from it.
Two geniuses and a video game – Share!
Technical section
We are at a key moment where Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered aims to demonstrate that this return brings several improvements that will please García fans. The original title already had a particular and striking style.
In this episode, we once again embark on a journey with no apparent return, which will lead us into a world plagued by demons. However, this does not mean that there are no improvements in the game. The first novelty is that it has been adapted to a rate of 60 fps and 4K resolutionsomething that has become common in these types of adaptations for new material.
I must also say that, despite these improvements, they are a little rare, to the point of giving a feeling of laziness. We are not facing a remake, but if we compare it with what Capcom did with Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, there are clear differences between the two. Although, to be honest, it is inappropriate to compare a large company with a smaller one, I hope you understand: this is an under-exploited opportunity.
Otherwise, there are no notable changes that make the game stand out more than it already did. Because, make no mistake, he still looks great with this B-movie air, which is part of his identity and which he still retains despite time.
I cannot fail to mention that Q Hayashida was in charge of designing the creatures and monsters we see in the game, with this grotesque and terrifying touchwho continues to give us good times throughout our adventure.
In addition, the title retains its characteristic dubbing in Spanish, as well as the voices in English, preserving this aspect. Another element that remains, and which is one of the things we love about this game, is its original soundtrack, mastered by Akira Yamaoka, which leaves us with excellent songs that perfectly match what we see on the screen .
In the end, we’re looking at a modest remaster, at least in my opinion, but that doesn’t take away from what Shadows of the Damned achieved at the time. The best thing is that it is offered at a reduced price, and not the one we are usually used to, so we can forgive this return, which more than one will appreciate, especially if they have never had the opportunity to play it before.
A modest remaster that could have given more of itself – Share!
Gameplay
We have given a brief overview of what Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remaster offers us on a technical level, and in this section we also find some new features. Our protagonist, Garcia Hotspur must return to chasing demons the only way he knows how.
The story begins with an introduction that will delight many, especially those who have never played before. We are at peace with our daughter when, by the will of fate – or rather by a very persistent demon – she is kidnapped, and we are faced with the dilemma of going to rescue her. We are not going to a castle or a bunker full of enemies; This time, we go straight to the underworld in search of him.
What you need to know is that the demon who kidnapped your girlfriend is the Lord of Demons, a powerful entity who forces you to follow him into his territory to save Paula from a terrible fate. Here comes into action Garcia Hotspur, a Mexican who, by chance, is a demon hunter.
We will be accompanied by a demon called Johnson, who will be very useful to us, since he can transform into our weapon and will allow us to kill any evil being that crosses our path.
In our repertoire of skills, move, dodge and run. Additionally, with Johnson we can shoot and hit with a special torch. Since we will be in the underworld, darkness will be an element present several times, giving an advantage to enemies. We therefore have light shots which will weaken the creatures before eliminating them completely.
The action is varied, since creatures will suddenly appear and could easily kill our hero. We will have to dodge and be attentive to the environment, because, on many occasions, we will have to solve puzzles to avoid dying due to the darkness, deadly for humans.
We will also find jewels or gems that perform various functions depending on their color: white ones are the currency of the game, while red ones allow García to be improved, improving his attack or life statistics, among others.
We can buy concoctions that regenerate our life, but we can also find them by exploring a bit or breaking objects, like boxes scattered around the stage.
One aspect we appreciated is the dark tone that hides enemies around every corner. After passing through several areas, bosses begin to appear, which always provide a good challenge. Although it all depends on your abilities, it’s just a matter of adapting as the minutes go by. Additionally, the game allows you to choose between three difficulty levels at the start.
The game is structured in a series of episodes which are shortened due to the interest generated by the plot and the way in which it develops. Something that extends the duration and our stay in the title is the possibility of a new game + this preserves our weapons, allowing us to return with enough arsenal to try a second time.
In addition, There are some striking cosmetics for García that are new additions and which we will discover for ourselves. In short, it’s a fun, gripping, bloody game, full of demons and with a special touch, which makes us love it and makes it a recommendable title, whether you’re a fan of the genre or not.
There’s nothing better than casting out demons – Share!
Duration
Let’s talk about a somewhat controversial aspect of video games, particularly in experiences far from open worlds or the classic RPG which stands out for its dozens of hours of play. In this case, we are not going to hide it: the game is short, and it has always been this way.
However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t enjoyable or lacks elements that make us want to come back. On the contrary, Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remaster is a work that invites you to continue playing once finished, despite an intense duration of 8 to 10 hours, we will come back thanks to the boot mode +.
We also can’t forget that there are collectibles and a few extra incentives that invite you to play again. To be honest, the game lasts as long as it needs to, and that’s more than enough for this type of experience.
It’s still short, even if it now gets the new game mode + – Share!
Conclusion
Garcia Hotspur’s story is so unique that his return is not only welcome, but retains the essence of his original outing. For those who already played it back then, perhaps the improvements are not enough to plunge us back into hell, although that does not prevent us from continuing to enjoy this title.
Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remaster does not incorporate some substantial new features, although, in its favor, we can point out that it arrives at a reduced price. Compared to other remasters released at high prices with few improvements, this title deserves a chance. Let’s not forget that behind the game are Shinji Mikami and Goichi Suda, two giants in their field.
In my opinion, this is a recommendable game, whether or not you are a fan of its creators. It’s a different proposition, full of humor, shooting, demons and lots of action. It may have aged a little, but that doesn’t take away from its fun, something many of us forget when choosing a title.
*Thanks to Grasshopper Manufacture for the code to perform this game analysis.
Franklin Eduardo
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Playability and fun
80/100
The good
- The seal of Shinji Mikami and Goichi Suda together
- Being able to continue in New Game+ mode
- It preserves its essence and continues to be a cult work
- A story full of romance, demons and lots of gore
- A game that reserves nothing for the user and that’s good
- The reduced price if compared with other similar remasters
Bad
- It may not look like this for any player
- The remaster could have been used a lot more
- That there is still no sequel to this cult work
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