indieRift Game(s) of the Year 2024: Days of Game of the Year Future Past Award – The Thing: Remastered

THE THING: REMASTERED

This faithful restoration of the cult-classic 2002 third-person shooter brings back memories of my brother and me frantically trying to survive as one of our squadmates revealed themselves to be an alien in disguise, intent on tearing our faces off. It was undoubtedly one of the standout titles in our PS2 library, and thanks to Nightdive Studios, it shines once again in all its terrifying glory.

The Thing: Remastered serves as a sequel to John Carpenter’s iconic 1982 film, placing you in the shoes of Blake, a soldier sent to investigate the remains of Outpost 31 in Antarctica. Your mission to rescue survivors quickly takes a twisted turn when you discover that your commanding officer is orchestrating sinister experiments with parts from the shape-shifting organism. You must rely on NPC allies, engineers, medics, and soldiers, to help you navigate the dangers of this hostile environment, whether that means fixing doors, providing healing, or engaging in combat against terrifying foes.

While the game is straightforward in its design, it retains the engaging gameplay that fans remember. The remaster offers an array of improvements without completely overhauling its original charm. You’ll find updated textures, enhanced lighting, and support for ultra-wide monitors, which elevate the experience without losing the essence of what made the game special. The enemies might not be groundbreaking, but they’re easy to dispatch, allowing for a satisfying flow of action throughout your journey.

Clocking in at around 4-6 hours of gameplay, The Thing: Remastered is perfect for those who want a nostalgic experience without the lengthy commitment that modern games often require. I had a blast revisiting this classic, finally making it through a game I never quite beat back on the PS2. It’s refreshing to experience a title that gets straight to the action without unnecessary fluff, a testament to its lasting impact.

The Thing: Remastered on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2958970/The_Thing_Remastered/