Review: Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered Revives a Cult Classic

The original Shadows of the Damned is a true cult classic. It combined the eccentric style of Suda51 with the tight, horror-centric game design of Shinji Mikami. Released in 2011, the game blended humor, horror, and a bizarre, grindhouse-inspired aesthetic. With Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered I was worried the game would show it’s age, but after returning to it I think it’s as special in 2024 as ever.

Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered follows demon hunter Garcia Hotspur as he journeys into the underworld to rescue his kidnapped girlfriend from the clutches of Fleming, the lord of demons. Alongside him is his witty, transforming sidekick Johnson, a talking skull that doubles as his weapon of choice. The game’s irreverent tone, surreal atmosphere, and intense action quickly won over a niche but devoted audience, including myself.

When it first launched, the prospect of Suda51’s unconventional storytelling paired with Mikami’s mastery of third-person shooters was mouth-watering. It was an exciting fusion of two creative powerhouses, leaving a lasting impression on those who experienced it. But over time, the game slipped out of the public consciousness, becoming one of those hidden gems that gamers would bring up when talking about underrated classics.

On the technical side, my tempered expectations regarding what to expect from Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered were met. The remaster looks and runs well, at least on PC, where I encountered no serious performance issues. The framerate remained a steady 60 FPS throughout, ensuring smooth gameplay. It really adds to a game like this. Even if you can’t notice the smoother frames you’ll feel it while shooting.

However, there is a strange oddity concerning the PC port. That is, there are no graphical options to adjust. You can’t even change the resolution manually, which is very strange in this day and age. The game does seem to automatically match the display resolution, and it worked great on my 1440p monitor. Yet, for players with unique setups like ultrawide monitors, the lack of customization could end up being a problem.

Visually, the character models experienced an upgrade, though they weren’t exactly cutting-edge even back in the original release. The game’s dark, surreal art direction, however, tends to add a certain blur over the visuals. This stylistic choice creates a moody, dreamlike atmosphere, but it can sometimes work against the sharper textures of the remaster. Despite this, the atmosphere remains intact, with the game retaining its gritty and bizarre charm. Plus, the addition of new costumes is a fun touch, adding a bit of extra flair for returning players.

One of the most welcome aspects of this remaster is its pricing. Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered is priced lower than most new games. This makes it easier to recommend to newcomers and longtime fans alike. It’s a good approach that respects the fact that this is, at its core, an update to a cult game rather than a full-fledged remake.

But the question remains, how well does Shadows of the Damned hold up beneath the updated visuals and smoother performance? The gameplay definitely feels closer to the original Resident Evil 4. The over-the-shoulder combat mechanics involve precision aiming and strategic use of Johnson’s various weapon forms. It’s still a solid experience, but certain aspects—like the controls and camera—can feel a bit clunky in 2024. Those accustomed to modern third-person shooters may find the movement a little stiff. However, it’s more than serviceable, especially if you remember games of this era.

There’s a certain charm in the simplicity of Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered that stands out, especially in today’s era of sprawling worlds and complex systems. The game’s environments are compact and tight, creating an experience that is more focused and direct. The upgrade system is straightforward, offering just enough customization without overwhelming the player.

While you won’t find intricate puzzles like in some of Shinji Mikami’s other projects, the emphasis here is on action with a few clever twists. This streamlined approach fits right into Suda 51’s offbeat style, allowing the bizarre world and story to take center stage. It’s a refreshing reminder of an era when games didn’t always strive for maximalism. Instead it’s a more concise, focused vision.

Yet, Shadows of the Damned’s true strengths lie in its story, dialogue, and aesthetics. The offbeat humor and imaginative underworld setting are as entertaining as ever, giving the game a unique personality that stands out even today. Garcia Hotspur and Johnson are a duo that brings much of the personality to Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered. The story isn’t particularly deep or layered, but it embraces its absurdity, delivering a wild, over-the-top adventure filled with tongue-in-cheek humor and innuendos.

Johnson’s versatility as both a guide and a weapon, coupled with Garcia’s brash, unapologetic attitude, creates a dynamic that’s as entertaining as it is offbeat. If you’re familiar with Suda 51’s work, you’ll instantly recognize the blend of irreverent dialogue and surreal charm that defines their interactions. This is a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered is a wild ride that embraces its weirdness. Offering a mix of campy horror and dark comedy that’s rarely seen in games. If this remaster gives a new audience the chance to experience Garcia Hotspur’s journey in 2024, then it has more than accomplished its mission. Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered is a welcome return for a cult classic that deserves another moment in the spotlight.

Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered will release on October 31, 2024, for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC and Nintendo Switch.

8

Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered

Shadows of the Damned, an action-adventure road trip through hell, has been remastered! Get ready for a story about rock, love, and just a little bit of demon slaying. PC version reviewed. Review copy provided by company for testing purposes.

Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered is a thrilling return to a cult classic, embracing its unique blend of campy horror and dark humor. If its goal was to revive interest in this wild journey, it has definitely succeeded.

Food for Thought

• The games atmosphere and humor hold up in 2024.
• The addition of costumes were nice, but I personally love the original Garcia look.
• The lack of PC customization is a bummer, but I felt the game was pretty optimized on my rig.
• I hope this remaster means a sequel is coming.

A copy of this game was provided by the publisher for review. Reviewed on PC.