Official Review
Gameplay Mechanics
At its core, "Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered" is a third-person shooter with survival horror elements. The game's mechanics revolve around Garcia's demon-slaying arsenal, primarily controlled by Johnson, who can transform into various weapons. This remaster retains the original's core gameplay while making subtle improvements to enhance the overall experience.
The control scheme has been adapted well for the Switch, with smooth aiming using the Joy-Con sticks. The game introduces a new dodge mechanic, adding a layer of mobility that was absent in the original release. This addition significantly improves combat fluidity, allowing players to weave between enemy attacks more gracefully.
A standout feature is the light/dark mechanic, where players must manage areas of darkness that drain Garcia's health. This creates a unique tension, forcing players to strategically use light sources to navigate treacherous environments. The remaster preserves this mechanic while fine-tuning its balance, ensuring it remains challenging without becoming frustrating.
Graphics and Sound
Visually, "Hella Remastered" shows its age but still manages to impress with its distinct art direction. The game's grotesque yet darkly humorous world comes to life on the Switch's screen, with improved textures and lighting effects enhancing the overall atmosphere. Character models, particularly for main characters and key enemies, have received noticeable upgrades, showcasing more detail and smoother animations.
In handheld mode, the game maintains a stable framerate and resolution, though some minor dips can occur in particularly chaotic scenes. Docked mode offers a crisper image quality, but the difference is not drastic, making the handheld experience equally enjoyable.
The audio department shines brightly in this remaster. The original's eclectic soundtrack, composed by Akira Yamaoka of Silent Hill fame, sounds better than ever, with enhanced clarity that brings out the nuances in its punk-infused tracks. Voice acting remains top-notch, with Steve Blum's performance as Garcia standing out for its perfect blend of machismo and vulnerability.
Story and Characters
The narrative of "Shadows of the Damned" follows Garcia Hotspur's journey through a nightmarish underworld to rescue his girlfriend, Paula, from the demon lord Fleming. This remaster doesn't alter the core story but includes additional dialogue and cutscenes that provide more context to the world and characters.
Garcia and Johnson's relationship remains the heart of the game, with their banter providing much-needed levity amidst the horror. The additional content in the remaster further develops their dynamic, offering insights into their past and motivations. While the overall plot might not break new ground in storytelling, its execution and the chemistry between characters make for an engaging experience.
The game's unique blend of Western and Japanese horror influences creates a distinct narrative tone that sets it apart from other titles in the genre. The remaster preserves this quirky essence while refining some of the more dated elements of its humor.
Performance
On the Nintendo Switch, "Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered" performs admirably. Loading times have been significantly reduced compared to the original release, with transitions between areas feeling snappy. The game targets and largely maintains 30 frames per second, with occasional dips during intense combat scenarios or particularly effects-heavy scenes.
One notable improvement is the implementation of gyroscopic aiming, which adds precision to shooting mechanics when enabled. This feature works particularly well in handheld mode, offering a level of control that rivals traditional console setups.
However, some technical issues persist. Texture pop-in is noticeable, especially when quickly traversing larger areas. Additionally, some players may experience occasional audio glitches, though these are infrequent and don't significantly detract from the overall experience.
Comparison
Compared to its original 2011 release, "Hella Remastered" offers a definitive improvement in almost every aspect. The visual upgrades, while not revolutionary, breathe new life into the game's unique art style. The addition of new gameplay features like the dodge mechanic addresses some of the original's clunkier aspects, resulting in a more refined experience.
When compared to versions available on other current platforms, the Switch version holds its own remarkably well. While it may not match the raw graphical fidelity of its PlayStation or Xbox counterparts, the ability to play on the go gives it a unique advantage. The Switch's hardware limitations are cleverly worked around, with the game's art style lending itself well to the system's capabilities.
Final Thoughts
"Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered" on the Nintendo Switch is a welcome revival of a cult classic that deserves a second chance in the spotlight. Its blend of horror, humor, and action holds up surprisingly well, with the remaster addressing many of the original's shortcomings while preserving its unique charm.
The game is recommended for fans of quirky, off-beat titles that aren't afraid to push boundaries in both gameplay and narrative. Its mature themes and sometimes crude humor may not be for everyone, but those who appreciate Suda51's distinctive style will find much to enjoy here.
For Nintendo Switch owners looking for a unique action-horror experience that doesn't take itself too seriously, "Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered" is an easy recommendation. It offers a solid 8-10 hours of gameplay that's perfect for both short bursts in handheld mode and longer sessions on the big screen.
While not without its flaws, the game's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. The engaging combat, memorable characters, and distinctive atmosphere create an experience that stands out in the Switch's library. Whether you're revisiting this cult classic or discovering it for the first time, "Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered" offers a hellishly good time that's well worth your attention.
Score: 8/10
A remaster that does justice to its source material while making smart improvements, "Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered" is a infernally fun ride that Switch owners shouldn't miss.
