Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered Review – Suda 51’s Unhinged Hellbound Shooter Seems Even Crazier Thirteen Years On

As a long-time gamer who has seen it all, from pixelated classics to modern AAA masterpieces, I must say that Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered is one wild ride. This game is like a rollercoaster that’s been designed by a madman, and I mean that in the best possible way.

At one point in Shadows of the Damned, protagonist Garcia ‘G’ Hotspur growls something along the lines of “I’m not bothering to question the logic behind that.” This strategy applies well to you as the player when interacting with Grasshopper Manufacture’s 2011 third-person action game. Even in its remastered ‘Hella Remastered’ form, this game remains incredibly eccentric and offbeat.

In the role of demon hunter Garcia, you embark on a journey deep into the underworld to rescue your girlfriend Paula, who has been abducted by the grotesque demon lord Fleming. From the start, this game is filled with explicit humor and innuendo that is quite noticeable – it’s like a neon sign flashing in 2024. Despite its over-the-top nature, it manages to establish an intriguing atmosphere. Shadows of the Damned is a game that wears its boldness and brashness with pride, refusing to apologize for who it is. There’s something undeniably captivating about its unapologetic attitude.

Despite finding myself often uncomfortable with Shadows’ unconventional storyline, its self-aware silliness, and Paula’s frequent appearance in minimal clothing throughout the game, I must admit that it is one of Suda 51’s more engaging projects. This game caters to a mature audience, but it retains an entertainingly rebellious spirit similar to No More Heroes or Lollipop Chainsaw. It’s delightfully absurd, showcasing Suda at his most uninhibited and unrestrained, with no shortage of graphic violence, occasional nudity, and wildly bizarre scenes that may leave you questioning reality.

In this game, it’s clear that the style of Resident Evil mastermind Shinji Mikami, who served as producer during a highly anticipated collaboration, is evident primarily in the Resident Evil 4-style over-the-shoulder viewpoint and laser-sight aiming. However, the creative input of Goichi Suda, as writer alongside designer and director Massimo Guarini, is unmistakable throughout.

Despite some initial awkwardness in the gameplay mechanics, particularly with the shooting, there’s enough depth here to keep you going. You’ll find yourself searching for red gems that can be used to enhance your helpful talking skull companion, Johnson, who transforms into various gun types. Additionally, these gems can be used to increase your maximum health. Gathering white gems provides you with currency to spend on ammo, red gems, and health-restoring drinks at the demon-human hybrid merchant Christopher. Managing periods of energy drain involves shooting wall-mounted goat heads to remove the shadows. Although Shadows of the Damned can sometimes feel repetitive, it’s clear that Grasshopper has made an effort to add variety, consistently introducing new elements into the game.

In simpler terms, Johnson has various new challenges such as fresh adversaries or modifications to his standard handgun, rifle, and shotgun. Sometimes, Garcia uses a massive gun called the ‘Big Boner’, which is particularly useful against bulky demons in certain scenes that can be tricky and frustrating. As for humor, you might find Garcia’s oversized weapon resembling a large… umm… extended object. In gameplay terms, there are no softened rough edges; you’ll encounter occasional unskippable cutscenes when you fail a section and need to restart. However, Garcia can leap and dodge in any direction, adding an athletic touch to the gameplay.

Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered offers a wildly eccentric gaming experience, complete with all flaws intact. This is essentially a basic remastering job, making it virtually the same game you may have played over a decade ago. If you missed out on Shadows of the Damned initially, Hella Remastered could be worth exploring, particularly if you appreciate continuous chaotic action, amusing dialogue such as “I adore slaying demons” and “I’m Mexican, not Mexican can’t”, borrowed from the 2003 film ‘Once Upon a Time in Mexico’. The game mechanics might show signs of aging, but it remains entertaining despite its share of difficulties and weaknesses. A sequel that addresses these issues would be quite intriguing!

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2024-10-25 16:12