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Killing Time: Resurrected

Impressive efforts with a few noticeable problems holding them back. Won't astound everyone, but is worth your time and cash.
90%Game Brain Score
music, gameplay
stability, grinding
95% User Score Based on 308 reviews
Critic Score 82%Based on 6 reviews

Platforms

Nintendo SwitchXbox Series X|SPCPlaystation 5Playstation 4Xbox OneXboxSteam DeckWindowsPlayStation
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About

In Killing Time: Resurrected, players explore the Conway Estate while battling supernatural enemies, solving puzzles, and uncovering a mystical Egyptian artifact's dark secrets. This remastered edition boasts high-resolution character artwork and upscaled environmental textures from the original 3DO and PC versions. With a blend of gunplay, strategy, and paranormal graphics, players must put an end to the curse and restore order.

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Killing Time: Resurrected screenshot
Killing Time: Resurrected screenshot
Killing Time: Resurrected screenshot
Killing Time: Resurrected screenshot
Killing Time: Resurrected screenshot
Killing Time: Resurrected screenshot
Killing Time: Resurrected screenshot
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95%
Audience ScoreBased on 308 reviews
music27 positive mentions
stability6 negative mentions
  • Killing Time: Resurrected is a well-executed remaster that combines the best elements of both the original 3DO and PC versions, enhancing gameplay and visuals significantly.
  • The game features a unique blend of FMV storytelling and open-world exploration, creating an engaging atmosphere that captures the charm of 90s gaming.
  • Nightdive Studios has added quality of life improvements, such as modern controls and enhanced graphics, making it accessible and enjoyable for both new players and fans of the original.
  • The map design can be confusing and labyrinthine, leading to frustration as players may get lost while trying to find keys and navigate the large environments.
  • Some players have reported issues with hit detection and collision, particularly with certain enemies and objects, which can detract from the overall experience.
  • The game is relatively short, with some players feeling that the price point does not fully justify the length of gameplay, especially for those unfamiliar with the original.
  • music
    81 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is a standout feature, blending nostalgic ambiance with a quirky mix of 1920s-inspired jazz, ragtime, and opera, creating a unique and engaging atmosphere. While some tracks are described as catchy and enjoyable, others can be jarring or "obnoxious," leading to mixed opinions on the overall soundtrack. Despite the lack of an official way to purchase or listen to the soundtrack outside the game, many players appreciate its distinctiveness and the way it enhances the gaming experience.

    • “The music is also all over the place in the best way possible; you could have some legitimately ominous and creepy ambience but then walk into a different room and get hit in the face with the most upbeat jazz tunes you've ever heard.”
    • “The unique atmosphere, combined with distinctive visuals and music, creates a haunting experience.”
    • “The soundtrack is exceptional - I’ve always loved it.”
    • “The music is alright until some squizo music starts playing non-stop.”
    • “The rest of the music is obnoxious and has me questioning if whoever the hell the composer is was either doing crack or just rubbing his ass over a synthesizer.”
    • “Back on sound, the music also varies from 'yeah, that's alright', like the music in the intro docks, the forest ambience, that's all fine and well, but that's like 3 songs.”
  • gameplay
    58 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Killing Time" is a nostalgic blend of fast-paced first-person shooter mechanics reminiscent of the Doom engine, featuring exploration, key-hunting, and a variety of enemies. While the core gameplay may feel dated, the remastered version enhances controls, graphics, and frame rates, making it a more enjoyable experience. Players appreciate the unique atmosphere, cheesy FMVs, and the combination of survival-horror elements, though some find the mechanics lackluster compared to modern standards.

    • “The gameplay is fast-paced, featuring a variety of visually striking enemies, secrets, and puzzles.”
    • “Combined with the proto survival-horror gameplay where all enemies and items are finite, and the usual run-and-gun doom-style action, this is one hell of a sleeper I'm glad more people will now get to experience.”
    • “I’m incredibly grateful to Night Dive for resurrecting this hidden gem, enhancing it with HD graphics, smoother gameplay, and an improved frame rate.”
    • “The gameplay is very much of its era, but the game itself is dripping with personality.”
    • “But as a video game and shooter in 2024, this is pretty lackluster when it comes to mechanics.”
    • “The main gameplay loop of the game is exploring around the mansion's grounds looking for keys to unlock more areas to explore.”
  • story
    52 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story is notable for its innovative use of full-motion video (FMV) cutscenes featuring professional actors, set against a rich 1920s art-deco backdrop, which enhances the creepy atmosphere and overall narrative experience. Players navigate a non-linear world while uncovering the intriguing lore through ghostly apparitions, making the storytelling feel immersive and unique for a first-person shooter of its time. While the gameplay may not be groundbreaking, the combination of engaging storytelling, atmospheric music, and detailed environments creates a memorable experience that appeals to fans of action-horror games.

    • “The fmv storytelling, done by professional actors, and the 1930s art-deco setting are very noteworthy, even now.”
    • “First of all, awesome fmv cutscenes unravel a fun and interesting story behind the estate and its inhabitants.”
    • “The story is an interesting one, told through fmv scenes that play in real time in the game's environment.”
    • “Your character, who aside from the intro and ending never speaks, is heading to this forgotten by time island to follow up on a mission his Egyptology professor did.”
    • “Clearly, they designed this game with the intention of attracting non-shooter fans who might be enticed by the innovative storytelling.”
    • “The way it used FMV sequences placed into the game as sprites is something I don't remember ever seeing, and the emphasis on storytelling in what is basically an otherwise mindless shooter was cool.”
  • graphics
    40 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The remastered graphics of the game have received widespread praise for their sharpness, color vibrancy, and overall improvement, particularly in humanoid enemy designs, while some players feel that certain ghostly enemies did not benefit as much from the update. The hand-crafted upscaling and integration of FMV elements evoke a nostalgic 90s aesthetic, enhancing the game's unique atmosphere and making it stand out in the genre. Overall, the remaster has successfully revitalized the visuals, gameplay, and frame rate, creating a definitive version that appeals to both retro enthusiasts and new players alike.

    • “The upscaling of the videos, the graphics, the HD support; I mean, this is top-notch work worthy of the highest accolades in the industry.”
    • “Upscaled digitally and remastered by hand, FMV graphics have never looked better, and easily make the game stand out because of this art direction.”
    • “I’m grateful for the HD graphics, smoother gameplay, and restored content that makes this the definitive version.”
    • “Graphics have been sharpened and generally improved, most notably with the humanoid enemies; however, the pest and ghostly enemies are, in my opinion, not improved. The old PC version of them was better, but I guess that's a matter of taste.”
    • “The rest of the changes made to Killing Time via this remaster are aesthetic and gameplay tweaks to address flaws with the original game's execution, not technical hangups from being a PC game from 30 years ago.”
    • “I love the cheesy aesthetics, the so bad they're good FMVs, and the surprisingly big 'open' world map, but the gameplay and weapons are just fine.”
  • atmosphere
    21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its unique blend of retro music, surreal visuals, and a haunting, ominous vibe that creates a mesmerizing and tense experience. Reviewers highlight the intriguing mix of silly and genuinely tense elements, contributing to an overall top-notch ambiance that keeps players engaged. The art and sound design significantly enhance the game's captivating atmosphere, making it a standout feature.

    • “The atmosphere in this game is just top notch; it has an ominous vibe throughout pretty much every part of it, and a lot of areas look surreal.”
    • “Its unique atmosphere, coupled with distinctive visuals and music, creates a haunting, mysterious experience.”
    • “The silly mixed with the genuinely tense atmosphere and every single other aspect in-between.”
    • “I kept coming back because the atmosphere and that '90s boutique console FMV were appealing, but the controls were rough.”
    • “Alongside the game’s overall atmosphere, it creates an experience that’s as tense as it is mesmerizing.”
  • optimization
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's optimization is highly praised, delivering flawless performance at 1440p and 180Hz with upscaled textures. However, some users report occasional random stuttering, particularly during loading areas, despite the game being capable of maintaining up to 120fps.

    • “The optimization is flawless at 1440p 180Hz with zero issues.”
    • “The performance and upscaled textures are great.”
    • “Random stuttering occurs, mostly during loading areas.”
    • “Random stuttering occurs, mostly during loading areas.”
    • “Optimized performance up to 120fps.”
  • humor
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in "Killing Time" is characterized by a blend of dark and tongue-in-cheek elements, providing a unique and entertaining experience. Players find the game's absurd situations, such as being attacked by housekeepers and clowns, to be both hilarious and stylish, complemented by a quirky soundtrack that adds to the overall comedic tone.

    • “Killing Time is a pretty unique open-world old-school shooter game with pretty dark humor.”
    • “Also, the soundtrack is pretty hilarious... what the hell were the devs smoking?”
    • “I swear, getting smacked around by housekeeper ladies hasn't been this funny, or god forbid being grabbed by clowns.”
  • stability
    8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game demonstrates strong stability, with users noting that it runs smoothly and visually impressively. While there are a few minor glitches reported, they are infrequent and do not significantly hinder gameplay, allowing for a generally reliable experience.

    • “The game really does hold up great both visually, and it plays and runs great as well.”
    • “A stable way to play this game without music cutting out, jank, and glitches that soft lock you from completing the game.”
    • “Killing time isn't an especially buggy game, but I did have the aforementioned scenario happen to me precisely once (thankfully, pretty early on).”
    • “Only a couple of minor glitches, but I appreciate the crypt section and the extras.”
  • grinding
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious, particularly due to confusing map design that makes navigation challenging. This often leads to frustrating backtracking, as players may miss key items and have to revisit large areas to complete their objectives.

    • “The main downside is that the map design can be tedious as it can be hard to know where to go at times.”
    • “I missed a small area and had to revisit the entire island at the end of the game just to find one last key item, which turned into a tedious process.”
  • replayability
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game features multiple endings, significantly boosting its replayability and encouraging players to explore different choices and outcomes.

    • “The game also offers multiple endings, enhancing its replay value.”
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82%Critics’ scoreBased on 6 critic reviews
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