The Thing: Remastered
Release Date: December 5, 2024
Action, TPP, survival horror, movies, remaster/remake, singleplayer
OpenCritic
Steam
A new version of the survival horror from 2002, based on the popular horror movie license. The Thing: Remastered was created by Nightdive Studios, offering much refreshed graphics. We play as Captain J.F. Blake, trying to solve the mystery of Outpost 31 in Antarctica.
The Thing: Remastered is a refreshed version of the survival horror shooter titled The Thing, released in 2002. Like the original, this game was based on the license of the 1982 cult film of the same title.
The development of the remaster was handled by the specialized team at Nightdive Studios, known for refreshing classics. Their portfolio includes such projects as System Shock Remake, Turok Remastered, and Killing Time: Resurrected.
Plot
Similar to the original, The Thing: Remastered is a continuation of the events from the horror movie. At the Outpost 31 research facility in Antarctica, an alien life form appeared, capable of taking on a human form. It wiped out the research team stationed there.
The main character of the game is Captain J.F. Blake, leading the rescue team of the United States Army Special Forces. The protagonist and his entourage arrive at the scene to investigate the case and unravel the mystery of the scientists' death. However, their stay at Outpost 31 quickly becomes a real fight for survival. Not only is the place teeming with monsters created by a mysterious being, but at any moment any member of Blake's team can turn into one of them.
Gameplay
In The Thing: Remastered we watch the action from a third-person perspective (TPP). The game allows us to choose up to four team members, to whom we can give simple orders. They represent professions such as soldier, medic, and engineer.
While traveling through Outpost 31, we must constantly be on our guard, because danger lurks at every step. The visible threat are the opponents that we eliminate, making use of a rich arsenal that includes machine guns and explosives, as well as a more sophisticated flamethrower. On our path stand various adversaries, such as screeching, spider-like heads, humanoid wanderers, and gigantic, tentacled beasts.
That's not everything, as we are also dealing with a less tangible danger here. Our companions can get infected, and then their new, murderous nature will remind itself at the least expected moment. It is possible to protect against this threat by regularly examining members of the unit and survivors encountered along the way (who may join us), however abusing this option intensifies the fear of our colleagues, while simultaneously reducing their trust in us, which can ultimately lead them to rebellion or even paranoia.
New engine and refreshed graphics
The Thing: Remastered uses the proprietary KEX Engine technology. While working on this project, the authors focused primarily on the graphic design. The remaster stands out from the original thanks to improved character models, textures and animations, as well as improved lighting and particle effects.
Videos and Screens
[1:09] The Thing: Remastered - Release Trailer
[1:26] The Thing: Remastered Gameplay Trailer
ZTGD: 8 / 10 by Ken McKown
I loved this game when it was released back in the day, and I still love it today. I do wish it stuck to its initial concept throughout the entire experience, but what is here is still tense and well executed here. Pair that with the excellent updates that Nightdive is known for, and this is a game I can wholeheartedly recommend. I really appreciate the mantra of Nightdive as they continue to remaster classics from a different time, and not just the well-known ones. The Thing is an encapsulation of gaming during the PS2 era, and I am all here for it.
WayTooManyGames: 6.5 / 10 by Kyle Nicol
Nightdive has, once again, to no one’s shock, delivered another stellar remastering effort. Whilst The Thing is far from being considered a perfect game (for some, even a straightforward “good” game), or even something I would have personally chosen to get the remaster treatment, it’s still a solid title that did its best to recapture the essence of the movie. If anything, I am glad that Nightdive went the extra mile to remaster something that wasn’t exactly good, but surely needed to become widely available once again; it felt like finally being able to experience a forgotten piece of video game history.
TechRaptor: 7 / 10 by Austin Suther
Ported by Nightdive, The Thing: Remastered looks fantastic and has all the bells and whistles you'd want from a remaster. As a follow-up to the cult 1982 movie, the story didn't quite do it for me, and the gameplay, mostly with its AI companions, can be a bit annoying.
The main pros of the game
- Visual Improvements: Users praise the graphical updates, including higher quality models, textures, and lighting, which enhance the overall atmosphere of the game.
- Performance: Many reviews highlight that the game runs smoothly, with options for high frame rates and no significant bugs or crashes reported during gameplay.
- Nostalgia Factor: Fans of the original game and the 1982 film appreciate the nostalgic experience and the faithful recreation of the game's core elements.
- Atmosphere and Story: The game successfully captures the eerie atmosphere of the original film, with a story that intrigues players and encourages exploration.
- Quality of Life Improvements: Changes to controls, inventory management, and AI behavior have made the game more accessible and enjoyable compared to the original.
The main cons of the game
- Short Length: Many users note that the game is relatively short, with playtimes around 5-7 hours, which some feel does not justify the price tag.
- AI Issues: Despite some improvements, the AI for both enemies and companions is still criticized for being clunky and unhelpful at times, leading to frustrating gameplay moments.
- Gameplay Mechanics: Several reviews mention that the gameplay feels dated, with some mechanics not being fully fleshed out, particularly the trust and fear systems among squad members.
- Lack of Audio Variety: Users express disappointment with the sound design, noting the absence of ambient music and sound effects, which detracts from the overall horror experience.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- More Achievements and Content: Players desire additional Steam achievements, collectibles, and possibly a new game+ mode to enhance replayability.
- Enhanced Survival Horror Elements: Many reviews suggest that the game could benefit from deeper survival horror mechanics, such as resource management and more challenging gameplay.
- Better Sound Design: Users wish for improved audio, including a more dynamic soundtrack and ambient sounds to enhance immersion.
- Expanded Story and Gameplay Depth: Some players feel that the story could be more engaging and that the gameplay could incorporate more modern design elements to elevate the experience.
Summary
- Overall, while The Thing: Remastered is celebrated for its nostalgic value and visual upgrades, it also faces criticism for its length, AI issues, and some remaining dated mechanics. Users generally recommend waiting for a sale before purchasing due to the perceived high price for a relatively short experience.
Summary generated on:
The Thing: Remastered Summary
Game Series: The Thing
Platforms:
PC Windows
PlayStation 4
Xbox One
Nintendo Switch
PlayStation 5
Xbox Series X/S
Developer: Nightdive Studios
Publisher: Nightdive Studios
The Thing: Remastered System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core i5-3570 3.4 GHz / AMD Ryzen 3 1300X 3.5 GHz, 2 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce GTX 650 Ti / 1 GB Radeon HD 7750, 5 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit
Recommended: Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5 GHz / AMD Ryzen 5 1600 3.2 GHz, 4 GB RAM, graphic card 8 GB GeForce GTX 1070 / Radeon RX Vega 56, 5 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit
Iconic Horror Game Returns. Official Announcement of The Thing: Remastered
The developers of System Shock Remake, Nightdive studio, officially announced a refreshed version of the cult horror game The Thing.
video games
Kamil Kleszyk
June 10, 2024