August 23, 2023 - The force is strong with fans of classic first-person shooters as Nightdive Studios, renowned for their recent remasters of iconic games like System Shock and Quake 2, is set to revive another legendary title: Star Wars: Dark Forces. This beloved single-player-only Star Wars first-person shooter originally made its debut in 1995 on PC and introduced players to the adventures of Kyle Katarn, a character who would later evolve into a Jedi in the Jedi Knight series. While lightsabers might be conspicuously absent in Dark Forces, it is still fondly remembered for its challenging missions and memorable boss battles. According to Larry Kuperman of Nightdive, fans can look forward to a remaster that respects the original's essence and delivers a nostalgic yet revitalized experience.
One of the most exciting aspects of this announcement is that the Dark Forces remaster is slated for release on all major gaming platforms, including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. This move ensures that both long-time fans and newcomers to the franchise can enjoy the classic Star Wars action.
Preserving the Legacy
The remaster aims to breathe new life into the 28-year-old Dark Forces game, much like Nightdive's approach to the recent Quake 2 remaster. The studio is leveraging its in-house Kex Engine to update the gameplay and cutscenes. This modernization will bring welcome enhancements such as improved controls, 4K resolution, widescreen support (a far cry from the original's 4:3 aspect ratio and 1024x768 resolution), and a silky smooth 60fps. Larry Kuperman stated, "What we really try to do is bring back the way you felt when you played the original. That's our mission." He emphasized their commitment to preserving the game's essence, saying, "Our mantra is always about preservation. And you don't preserve things by changing them." This philosophy speaks volumes about Nightdive's dedication to honoring the source material.
Given the advancements in technology since 1995, it's intriguing to see how the remaster will compare to the recent fan-made 4K remaster. It's safe to say that the Dark Forces community is in for a treat.
Accessible Nostalgia
Larry Kuperman also hinted that the Dark Forces remaster would be "popularly priced," implying a cost range of somewhere between $20 to $30. This pricing strategy ensures that players of all backgrounds can embark on Kyle Katarn's adventures without breaking the bank.
While Dark Forces was the groundbreaking inaugural Star Wars FPS, it's worth noting that a new Star Wars FPS is currently in development at Respawn Entertainment. This studio is known for its exceptional work on titles like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. Although there's no indication that the upcoming game will be connected to the Dark Forces series, it's exciting to anticipate what Respawn has in store for fans of Star Wars and first-person shooters.
As we eagerly await the return of Star Wars: Dark Forces, Nightdive Studios appears poised to rekindle the magic of this classic title while preserving its nostalgic charm. Whether you're a fan of the original or someone eager to experience the game's timeless appeal for the first time, this remaster promises to deliver a memorable journey to a galaxy far, far away. May the Force be with you as you prepare to relive the adventures of Kyle Katarn.
Leave a Reply