Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Switch Review

Tomb Raider I-III Remastered

Developed by: XProger

Published by: Aspyr

Date of Release: February 14, 2024

Price: $29.99

Back in the good old days of 1996, PC gaming was really starting to enter the realm of real 3D games rather than the sprite based affairs of Doom and Duke Nukem 3D. Games such as Descent and Quake had really made an impact, and proved the power of polygons beyond a doubt. Tomb Raider exploded onto the scene with it's third-person 3D exploration and action, choosing to show the main character on screen at all times, rather than viewing the game through their eyes as FPS games of the era chose to do. And what a choice that was, as the main character in question was none other than Lara Croft, who would immediately become the face of 3D action/adventure gaming for quite some time. With Tomb Raider II and III hitting the scene in the coming years, Lara's status in the 3D action scene was set in stone. And now Aspyr has brought that original trilogy to modern systems, with a decent glow-up for Lara to boot.

Here's the kicker though: Aspyr has been pushing out half-assed "remasters" for some time now, and they have all been pretty much colossal piles of jank, basically taking community-made patches incorrectly applying them to games that have been quickly and poorly ported to consoles without much thought to things such as graphical aspect ratios and proper optimization. A perfect example of such a scenario can be seen in their "remasters" of Star Wars Jedi Outcast and Jedi Academy, both of which took the games original 4:3 aspect ratio and simply chopped the top and bottom off of the image to make it "widescreen", losing quite a bit of the viewport and first person weapon model in the progress. Third person view modes are just as bad, cutting off visibility for the legs of the character models.

Fortunately however with Tomb Raider I-III Remastered that is not the case this time around, as Aspyr had wisely decided to hire someone who actually gives a shit to oversee the project for them. Thanks to the work of fan modder Timur Gagiev, AKA XProger and his team, the Tomb Raider Trilogy has actually been treated with the care and respect it deserves, basing the remaster on his previously unauthorized personal remaster project. It may be shocking, but for once Aspyr has not shat the bed with one of it's remasters. Tomb Raider is definitely the series to finally break the Aspyr curse.

All three games in the trilogy have been overhauled with upscaled cinematics, redrawn textures, 60fps gameplay and much needed modern controls (you can choose between modern and tank controls in the settings), however at the click of a button you can switch back to the original pixelated software-rendered 30fps experience at any time you wish. Comparing the old look to the new is very much impressive, with the character models and a fair amount of the level architecture getting an impressive boost as well. Add to that a photo mode that can be used to create some very interesting shots, and this is quite an impressive package, and one that is well worth the asking price. Anyone who is a long time fan of Tomb Raider should pick this collection up immediately, and those who want to experience Lara Croft's adventures for the first time would be hard pressed to find a better way to get started than this fine remaster.

Graven Review

Graven

Developed By: Slipgate Ironworks

Published By: 3DRealms/Fulqrum

Date of Release: January 23, 2024

Price: $24.99

Long ago in the dusty early days of PC gaming there was a series known as the Serpent Rider Trilogy. Coming from Raven Software long before they were sent off to toil in the CoD mines, the Serpent Rider trilogy of Heretic, Hexen and Hexen II were amazing medieval first person RPG affairs. Heretic and Hexen were both built on a heavily modified Doom engine, and Hexen II was built upon the monumental Quake engine. They all shared a dark gothic ambiance that really has not been matched to this day, and stood out quite a bit from the rest of the doom clones of the era. For many years I've hoped that the series would make an epic comeback but that has yet to happen. Thankfully Slipgate Ironworks has come forward with the magnificent Graven, which is certainly a worthy spiritual successor.

Graven is a grand first person RPG that definitely hearkens back to the days of old, both in gameplay and looks. Though it is built on the modern Unreal Engine 4, the pixelated textures and low-poly graphics evoke memories of the past, particularly of games such as Hexen II. Through its graphics and sound presentation, Graven does a masterful job of invoking the rich ambiance of the classic Raven adventures while still managing to maintain it's own impressive identity. The soundtrack definitely hearkens back to my many hours of playing Hexen.

The level design in Graven is vast, varied and sprawling, with the first hub alone taking over 5 hours to complete. The details of the first decaying swamp town and it's surroundings are meticulously crafted with so much fetid detail that you can almost smell the burning corpse piles and peat bogs, and the following hubs keep up the quality for sure. There are plenty of secrets to find, and enemies will respawn occasionally to keep things interesting. The weapons you use to fight said foes are quite interesting as well, and the limited inventory slots serve to make you really think about what tools you need at any given time. 

All in all, Slipgate Ironworks has crafted a fine experience here. The gameplay loop overall is quite satisfying, however I must lodge a complaint in the fact that the game severely lacks an automap feature. Eventually after much trial and error I did memorize the locations, but it would have been a lot easier to get around with a map. It's certainly not enough of an issue to affect my enjoyment however. I would definitely recommend Graven to anyone who is a fan of the classic raven adventures.

Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered Review

Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered (Switch)

Developed By: Iguana Entertainment/Nightdive Studios

Published By: Nightdive Studios

Date of Release: November 30, 2023

Price: $29.99

The year was 1997. First person shooters were slowly proving their dominance as they took over the PC gaming scene. However consoles were often considered a poor platform for the genre, as they were generally underpowered compared to PCs, and the control options were definitely ill-suited for the gameplay. That all changed with the Nintendo 64 and its bizarrely shaped analog controller. The first successful FPS game on console would be Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, made by Iguana Entertainment and licensed from the Valiant comic book series Turok: Son of Stone. The N64 had the hardware OOMPH to render the lush 3D worlds of Turok, and proper analog control to boot. Turok walked on the N64 so that Goldeneye and further titles could run, and pave the way for modern console FPS titles for years to come. Turok soon had its first sequel in 1998’s Turok 2: Seeds of Evil, which also did quite well. 

However that brings us to the current topic, Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion. Turok 3 directly continues the series story, following the Fireseed family’s quest to protect the world from evil. Released close to the end of the N64s life in the year 2000, Turok 3 was by far the most advanced in the original N64 incarnation of the series, with a gameplay and storytelling structure almost reminiscent of PC FPS classics such as Half-Life. It absolutely pushed the system's hardware to its limits, and was certainly a high note for the series to end on. Until this day however it’s never seen a re-release, but that has changed with Nightdive Studio’s Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered. 

Released on the PC and all major consoles, they've taken Turok 3 in all it's glory and done their usual refinements such as improved visuals and controls, and they've also restored a shedload of cut content as well. All the usual care that Nightdive puts into their remasters is on full display here, and they've brought Shadow of Oblivion fully into the year 2023. With the reworked cutscenes, remastered soundtrack, and general improvement on the environment design with all the little details and greebles they've added, not to mention going back to the source on the textures for a full rebuild, it really makes Turok 3 feel brand new again. The Switch version as well has some amazing gyro controls, and makes that version quite fun to play.

The only thing really missing from this remaster is the multiplayer from the original game, which is certainly a sad omission to see. However it's certainly understandable considering how much time it would have taken to get everything working. The sheer amount of work they put into the campaign makes the package well worth it IMO. It's nice to have closure to the trilogy, and to be able to play them all on the go with the Switch now is a great experience. I would definitely recommend this remaster to all Turok fans new and old. Here's hoping they decide to follow this one up with a remaster of Turok Rage Wars!

Rise of The Triad Ludicrous Edition Review (Nintendo Switch)

Rise of The Triad Ludicrous Edition (Nintendo Switch)

Developed By: Apogee Software, Nightdive Studios

Published By: Apogee Entertainment, New Blood Interactive

Date of Release: September 29, 2023

Price: $19.99

Rise of The Triad certainly holds a special place in the hearts of PC gamers. Developed by the legendary studio Apogee Software and released in 1994, this classic FPS quickly gained a cult following due to its breakneck speed, over-the-top action, and quirky sense of humor. Even today, this classic gem remains a standout example of old-school gaming. And now in the year 2023 the efforts of Apogee Entertainment, Nightdive Studios, and New Blood Interactive have all come together to resurrect this absolutely timeless classic. And now shortly after launch, we have the console versions available, albeit without the multiplayer modes from the PC version, though they WILL be patched in later.

At its core, Rise of The Triad follows the traditional FPS formula, but with a delightful twist. Players take on the role of a member of the High-risk United Nations Taskforce (H.U.N.T.), tasked with infiltrating the secret island base of the evil Triad organization. Players can choose their preferred character at the beginning of the the game from one of five unique characters, each with their strengths and weaknesses. The original Hunt Begins shareware episode starts off the party, and the lengthy main game campaign which consists of 32 action-packed levels rounds out the experience. Add to that the Extreme RoTT campaign, as well as a whole new episode crafter by industry veterans. All these included episodes are filled with hordes of enemies, traps, and secret areas, which makes quite a satisfying experience. The level design tends to emphasize verticality along its mazelike structure, with plenty of floating and moving platforms and jumps that demand precise timing. This adds a unique flavor to the gameplay, setting it apart from many other FPS titles of its time.

What truly sets Rise of The Triad apart from the games that inspired it at the time is the blistering speed and non-stop action of its gameplay. Running and strafing at breakneck pace, players must face an array of enemies, from standard foot soldiers to bizarre bosses, all played by members of the original development team and digitized into the game. Moreover, the game introduces an impressive variety of weapons, including handguns, rocket launchers, and the infamous "Excalibat" – a powerful baseball bat with a devastating home run swing. Add to that some crazy whacked out powerups such as God mode, magic mushrooms that make your screen go wild and your shots even wilder, and even a Dog Mode where you become a massively powerful doggo, and you can see why this game had a reputation for cheeky humor.

Though certainly dated by todays standards, for its era Rise of The Triad showcased cutting-edge graphics. The game utilized the Wolfenstein 3D engine, but it improved upon it significantly. The environments were colorful, detailed, and effectively conveyed the game's distinctive atmosphere. The sound design also deserves praise. The game's soundtrack featured energetic and adrenaline-pumping tunes, perfectly complementing the high-speed gameplay. Additionally, the sound effects were satisfying and memorable, with plenty of digitized voice samples for the enemies (some even beg you to spare them!), and absolutely bombastic weapon sounds, all coming together to add an extra layer of immersion to the overall experience. On the topic of the soundtrack, the Ludicrous Edition preserves both the OPL3 MIDI soundtrack as well as a freshly recorded version of Roland Sound Canvas SC-55 version. On top of that Andrew Hulshult's masterful arrangement from Rise of The Triad 2013 is also included, and players can choose between the three options at any time during gameplay, as well as listen to them through the built in jukebox.

With this remastered Ludicrous Edition, the developers have managed to restore a massive amount of cut content that never made it into the original game such as additional enemies (there are female guards now!), new levels, new HUDS and weapon sounds, as well as adding better lighting and full support for 1080p60 graphics in docked mode. The smoothed-out gameplay makes Rise of The Triad feel even more fluid than before if that can be believed. It just goes to show once again how versatile Nightdive's KEX engine is. The lengths that they went to just to include all these extras is a seriously impressive feat, and really makes the package worth it. On top of that, the Nintendo Switch version has the option to use gyro controls, something you just don't tend to see on the PC. The gyro aiming is snappy and responsive, and really makes the game feel fresh. If you try the Switch version, definitely give the gyro controls a go!

There is no doubt at all that Rise of The Triad remains an enduring classic in the world of retro FPS gaming. Its unique pedigree very much set it apart from other FPS titles of its time, and that still holds true to this day. Despite its age, the game's timeless charm and engaging gameplay make it a must-play for retro gaming enthusiasts. The work that everyone involved put into this remaster is frankly awe-inspiring, and is certainly a benchmark for what a remaster of a game like this should be. Whether you're nostalgic for the '90s or a newcomer who wants to cut your teeth on classic shooters, Rise of The Triad Ludicrous Edition is a game worth experiencing. I'm definitely looking forward to the upcoming multiplayer patch, as well as the collector's edition coming from Limited Run Games.

Disclosure: I recorded the SC-55 tracks for this remaster, but that has no bearing on my review!

Amid Evil: The Black Labyrinth Review

Amid Evil: The Black Labyrinth

Developed By: Indefatigable

Published By: New Blood Interactive

Date of Release: August 17, 2023

Price: $9.95

Amid Evil, the retro-inspired first-person shooter from developer Indefatigable and publisher New Blood Interactive already offered an exhilarating and enchanting experience that pays homage to the classic era of fast-paced shooters while injecting its own unique twists and turns. With its mesmerizing visuals, imaginative level design, and creative arsenal of weapons, Amid Evil delivers a captivating journey through arcane landscapes that will keep both old-school and modern FPS fans engaged. And now with the release of it's prequel DLC campaign titled The Black Labyrinth, there is even more reason to revisit this amazing experience.

One of the standout features of Amid Evil: The Black Labyrinth is its striking visual style, powered by the formidable Unreal engine. The game takes players on a whirlwind tour of diverse realms, each with its own distinct theme and atmosphere. From eerie, moonlit forests to lava-choked infernos, Amid Evil showcases a masterful blend of pixel art and modern effects such as RTX raytracing and reflections, creating an eye-catching amalgamation of retro aesthetics and contemporary graphics. The attention to detail in the level design contributes to the game's immersive and often surreal environment, making every new area a delight to explore.

Amid Evil's weapon selection deserves special mention. Departing from the conventional arsenal of guns found in many shooters, the game arms players with an array of mystical weapons, including enchanted staves, deadly swords, and destructive spells. Each weapon has a unique secondary fire mode that encourages experimentation and strategic thinking. The creative design of these weapons, combined with their satisfyingly impactful sound effects, lends an undeniable sense of power to the player's actions, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. The game's pacing is built around relentless action, delivering waves of enemies that challenge players' reflexes and decision-making abilities. Fast movement, quick thinking, and adapting to different combat scenarios become vital as you navigate through each level's varied challenges. The difficulty curve can be quite steep at times, providing a worthy challenge for genre veterans, but newcomers might find themselves struggling to keep up.

However, Amid Evil: The Black Labyrinth is not without its minor shortcomings. The narrative and story elements are intentionally minimalistic, prioritizing gameplay over plot depth. While this approach aligns with the game's retro influences, some players may find themselves wanting more context for the world they're exploring. Additionally, the absence of a multiplayer mode might disappoint those who enjoy competing or cooperating with friends online.

All in all though, Amid Evil: The Black Labyrinth is a captivating and visually enchanting journey into a mystical realm that successfully captures the essence of classic first-person shooters such as Heretic and Hexen while adding its own flavor. Its breathtaking art style, imaginative level design, awesome score by Andrew Hulshult, and creative weapon mechanics make for an engaging experience that is sure to resonate with fans of the genre. Amid Evil : The Black Labyrinth stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of old-school FPS gameplay in a modern gaming landscape.

Quake II (remastered) Review

Quake II (remastered)

Developed by: id Software, Nightdive Studios, Machinegames

Published by: Bethesda Softworks

Date of Release: August 10, 2023

Price: $9.99

The year is 1997. 

The development house id Software has released Quake II. It stands as a monumental sequel that solidified the franchise's reputation as a pioneer in the first-person shooter genre. Building upon the success of its predecessor, it brought a blend of innovative gameplay mechanics, immersive atmosphere, and cutting-edge technology that set new standards for the gaming industry at the time. Quake II showcased remarkable strides in graphical fidelity for the era, which certainly served to amplify its stunning realization of a gritty, industrial-inspired aesthetic that fully immersed players in a dystopian world controlled by the hostile Strogg alien race. 

While Quake II diverges from its predecessor's Lovecraftian horror themes, it introduces a compelling sci-fi narrative loosely based on the classic WWII file The Guns of Navarone. Players assume the role of a space marine infiltrating the Strogg homeworld to eliminate their leader and put an end to their ongoing invasion of Earth. The game's story is delivered through environmental storytelling, briefings, and mission objectives, allowing players to gradually piece together the broader story of the conflict. The focus on narrative is far more involved than in the original Quake, and it really ads a lot to the overall experience.

At its core, Quake II preserves the fast-paced and frenetic gameplay that its predecessor is known for. Players navigate a variety of interconnected hub-based levels, each filled with challenging enemy encounters and intricate puzzles. A diverse arsenal of weapons, from iconic classics like the shotgun and rocket launcher to bombastic futuristic offerings such as the railgun and hyperblaster are littered throughout the campaign, offering a satisfying and visceral gunplay experience.

The level design of Quake II demonstrates both a firm grasp of artistic creativity and technical prowess alike, with intricate architecture and a sci-fi aesthetic that went well beyond most games of the time. The game's atmosphere is heightened by the meticulously designed environments, from claustrophobic corridors to varied outdoor areas, expertly showcasing the alien hellscape of the planet Stroggos. Despite the hardware limitations of the time, the game's graphical prowess still holds up remarkably well even in modern retrospective.

The sound design of Quake II contributes significantly to its immersive atmosphere. Quake II is a veritable symphony of auditory delights. The metallic clangs of weaponry, the guttural roars of enemies, and the eerie soundscape of alien worlds blend seamlessly to immerse players in its universe. The redbook audio soundtrack composed by Sonic Mayhem, is a masterpiece of industrial metal and otherworldly ambiance, which expertly punctuates the gameplay with moments of tension, triumph, and introspection. In more hyperbolic terms, it frigging shreds.

The original Quake was a pioneer in the concept of online multiplayer in the FPS genre, with its innovative QuakeWorld technology, and Quake II absolutely takes it to the next level. The fast-paced multiplayer modes, ranging from deathmatch to capture the flag, became the foundation for future online shooters to follow. Furthermore, the ease of modding Quake II allowed the budding modding community to grow and flourish, leading to the creation of countless user-generated maps, total conversions, and gameplay enhancements. This flexibility extended the game's lifespan and demonstrated the sheer potential of player-driven content creation.

Quake II remains an enduring testament to the golden age of FPS gaming, showcasing innovation, technical prowess, and addictive gameplay. Its influence on the genre is undeniable, with multiplayer and modding becoming integral components of modern gaming culture. Even decades after its release, Quake II retains its status as a classic that encapsulates the spirit of fast-paced, immersive, and thrilling first-person shooters. Whether you're a veteran gamer or a newcomer, Quake II deserves a place in your gaming library for its historical significance and timeless enjoyment.

The year is 2023. 

It is the future.

Quake II has up until now been available for purchase on Steam and GoG, but it is just a mere shell of its former glory. The game doesn't work very well on modern systems with its default configuration, and the absolutely shredding soundtrack by Sonic Mayhem is missing. Source ports abound, but they take a fair bit of tinkering to get things working just right, and you still need to find a copy of the soundtrack, usually by less than legal means. Well just throw all that out the door, Nightdive Studios have you covered!

Quake II is back, and it's hungry for fresh meat! Nightdive Studios has teamed up with id Software and Machinegames to bring Quake II back from the dead. To paraphrase an old ad for the console version of the game, they've ripped it's heart out and and strapped it into a new body. Said body is Nightdive's in house KEX engine, which has powered so many freaking good remasters as of late, such as Rise of The Triad Ludicrous Edition, the original Quake remaster, Turok 1 and 2, Shadow Man Remastered, Strife Veteran Edition, Powerslave Exhumed, and theres too many to list really.

The remaster for Quake II has a massive freaking laundry list of improvements, from improved models with better polycounts and textures (and ZERO vertex wobbling! Of course you can use the old models if you crave the oldschool look.), better lighting and dynamic shadows, and a massive load of restored content that was originally cut during development. There are now weapon and inventory wheels to select your gear, and an optional compass that will lead you to the next waypoint. The enemy AI and pathfinding has also been improved, with enemies being able to dodge shots and even jump from ledges in pursuit of the player. The previously mostly-harmless berserkers can even leap at you from across the screen to deliver a beatdown, finally making them a challenge!

Another improvement that finally brings Quake II from being an unplayable piece of garbage to the pinnacle of FPS glory is the addition of muzzle flashes for all weapons. Yep, you read that right! EVERY WEAPON NOW HAS A MUZZLE FLASH! THE GAME IS NOW PLAYABLE! OMGWTFBBQ!!!!111one. All sarcasm aside, I have seen so many people complain about the original game's lack of muzzle flashes, so you can all rest easy, this remaster has you covered!

Quake II now comes with the original main campaign plus the two original expansion packs, The Reckoning and Ground Zero, completely baked in with all the improvements of the main game. On top of that you get the formerly Nintendo-exclusive Quake II 64 (with an accompanying CRT shader!), AND a brand new 28-level campaign expansion from Machinegames, titled Call of The Machine. Like the Quake remaster before it, there is an absolute wealth of rich gameplay to be had here. On top of the gameplay there's also an id Vault gallery with concept art and videos, and a whole lot of other goodies that I won't spoil. Also the Switch version has HD rumble and gyro aiming, which makes things that much more interesting. It's always fun to play around with motion controls IMO.

And then there is the multiplayer. Hooooo boy, there's multiplayer. Supporting local 8-player splitscreen, LAN and online crossplay between all platforms. All modes from the original game are supported, including Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, AND Co-op! The competitive modes even support AI bots to play against. Quake II has always been an amazing online fragfest, and the remaster just makes it that much easier with it's built-in server browser.

So as I stated in the first half of this review, Quake II is still one of the finest retro FPS games of all time, and this remaster firmly cements its place in history all while making it accessible for generations to come. Nightdive and id Software have even gone so far as upgrading previous owners of Quake II on supported platforms (Steam, GoG and MS Store) a free upgrade to the remaster, and for new customers the price is only $9.99. In this day and age of overpriced barebones re-releases (I'm looking at you, Rockstar) its so nice to see a studio that cares that much about giving their customers a good value. Even if you're someone who passed on Quake II originally, or didn't like it at all when you played it before, I seriously reccomend trying the remaster. The quality of life improvements added bring a breath of fresh Stroggos air, and the experience can't be beat.

Rise of The Triad Ludicrous Edition Review

Rise of The Triad Ludicrous Edition

Developed By: Apogee Software, Nightdive Studios

Published By: Apogee Entertainment, New Blood Interactive

Date of Release: July 31, 2023

Price: $19.99

Disclosure: I recorded the SC-55 tracks for this remaster, but that has no bearing on my review, RoTT is badass either way!

Rise of The Triad certainly holds a special place in the hearts of PC gamers. Developed by the legendary studio Apogee Software and released in 1994, this classic FPS quickly gained a cult following due to its breakneck speed, over-the-top action, and quirky sense of humor. Even today, this classic gem remains a standout example of old-school gaming. And now in the year 2023 the efforts of Apogee Entertainment, Nightdive Studios, and New Blood Interactive have all come together to resurrect this absolutely timeless classic.

At its core, Rise of The Triad follows the traditional FPS formula, but with a delightful twist. Players take on the role of a member of the High-risk United Nations Taskforce (H.U.N.T.), tasked with infiltrating the secret island base of the evil Triad organization. Players can choose their preferred character at the beginning of the the game from one of five unique characters, each with their strengths and weaknesses. The original Hunt Begins shareware episode starts off the party, and the lengthy main game campaign which consists of 32 action-packed levels rounds out the experience. Add to that the Extreme RoTT campaign, as well as a whole new episode crafter by industry veterans. All these included episodes are filled with hordes of enemies, traps, and secret areas, which makes quite a satisfying experience. The level design tends to emphasize verticality along its mazelike structure, with plenty of floating and moving platforms and jumps that demand precise timing. This adds a unique flavor to the gameplay, setting it apart from many other FPS titles of its time.

What truly sets Rise of The Triad apart from the games that inspired it at the time is the blistering speed and non-stop action of its gameplay. Running and strafing at breakneck pace, players must face an array of enemies, from standard foot soldiers to bizarre bosses, all played by members of the original development team and digitized into the game. Moreover, the game introduces an impressive variety of weapons, including handguns, rocket launchers, and the infamous "Excalibat" – a powerful baseball bat with a devastating home run swing. Add to that some crazy whacked out powerups such as God mode, magic mushrooms that make your screen go wild and your shots even wilder, and even a Dog Mode where you become a massively powerful doggo, and you can see why this game had a reputation for cheeky humor.

Though certainly dated by todays standards, for its era Rise of The Triad showcased cutting-edge graphics. The game utilized the Wolfenstein 3D engine, but it improved upon it significantly. The environments were colorful, detailed, and effectively conveyed the game's distinctive atmosphere. The sound design also deserves praise. The game's soundtrack featured energetic and adrenaline-pumping tunes, perfectly complementing the high-speed gameplay. Additionally, the sound effects were satisfying and memorable, with plenty of digitized voice samples for the enemies (some even beg you to spare them!), and absolutely bombastic weapon sounds, all coming together to add an extra layer of immersion to the overall experience. On the topic of the soundtrack, the Ludicrous Edition preserves both the OPL3 MIDI soundtrack as well as a freshly recorded version of Roland Sound Canvas SC-55 version. On top of that Andrew Hulshult's masterful arrangement from Rise of The Triad 2013 is also included, and players can choose between the three options at any time during gameplay, as well as listen to them through the built in jukebox.

With this remastered Ludicrous Edition, the developers have managed to restore a massive amount of cut content that never made it into the original game such as additional enemies (there are female guards now!), new levels, new HUDS and weapon sounds, as well as adding better lighting and full support for modern resolutions and uncapped framerates. The smoothed-out gameplay makes Rise of The Triad feel even more fluid than before if that can be believed. It just goes to show once again how versatile Nightdive's KEX engine is. There's also the GZDoom based Return of The Triad campaign included as a separate executable that you can choose when you launch the game. The lengths that they went to just to include all these extras is a seriously impressive feat, and really makes the package worth it.

There is no doubt at all that Rise of The Triad remains an enduring classic in the world of PC gaming. Its unique pedigree very much set it apart from other FPS titles of its time, and that still holds true to this day. Despite its age, the game's timeless charm and engaging gameplay make it a must-play for retro gaming enthusiasts. The work that everyone involved put into this remaster is frankly awe-inspiring, and is certainly a benchmark for what a remaster of a game like this should be. Whether you're nostalgic for the '90s or a newcomer who wants to cut your teeth on classic shooters, Rise of The Triad Ludicrous Edition is a game worth experiencing.