PO'ed: Definitive Edition
- May 16, 2024
- Nightdive Studios
PO'ed: Definitive Edition is a remastered version of the 1995 shooter game, where you play as a spaceship captain seeking revenge on aliens who kidnapped your crew and hijacked your ship. The game features updated visuals, increased framerate, and up to 4K 144 FPS performance, providing a more enjoyable and smoother gaming experience. Prepare to face 16 different types of alien enemies, ranging from rock-throwing ogres to plasma-shooting robots, while navigating through 24 explosive levels filled with action-packed gameplay.
Reviews
- Nightdive Studios has done a great job remastering PO'ed, preserving its unique charm and quirks while improving controls and performance for modern systems.
- The game features a bizarre and distinct art style that stands out, along with a fun jetpack mechanic that adds verticality to gameplay.
- For fans of retro FPS games, PO'ed offers a nostalgic experience filled with absurd humor and memorable enemy designs.
- The level design is often confusing and poorly executed, making it easy to get lost and frustrated during gameplay.
- Many weapons are either ineffective or poorly balanced, leading to a frustrating combat experience, especially against erratic flying enemies.
- The movement mechanics feel overly slippery and imprecise, which can detract from the overall enjoyment of the game.
- gameplay16 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "po'ed" is characterized by its simplicity, focusing on finding exits while shooting enemies with a variety of weapons. However, many players find the mechanics and level design to be bland and unchallenging, with basic enemy behaviors that can be either straightforward or frustrating. While there are some enjoyable elements, the overall experience is often deemed unenjoyable for those seeking a more engaging challenge.
“The gameplay of Po'ed is fairly simple: find the exit while shooting anything in your way with a variety of weapons.”
“I realize that the level design may not be for everyone, but it's nothing insurmountable (just consult some gameplay videos to proceed without issues).”
“Despite the unenjoyable state of the gameplay, though, there is a lot of really cool stuff in this game.”
“Just watch gameplay or play on easy, there is nothing to enjoy here if you want something challenging to engage in.”
“This game has some of the crappiest FPS mechanics a 90's shooter can have, and I respect it for it.”
“Enemies are also pretty basic in terms of mechanics, either being very straightforward or extremely annoying.”
- humor14 mentions
- 86 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The game's humor is described as a blend of 90s gross-out toilet humor and satirical parody, reminiscent of classic titles like Boogerman and Ren & Stimpy. While the comedic elements are appreciated, some players suggest that the humor may not resonate with everyone, particularly those unfamiliar with the genre's roots. Overall, the humor is considered a highlight, contributing to the game's fun and engaging atmosphere, despite some technical issues that may warrant waiting for a patch before purchasing.
“All negatives aside, the humor of the game is pretty hilarious, and I do enjoy aspects of the game. I would only recommend this to people looking for a satirical parody of Doom.”
“The game invokes humorous character design, and yet plays like a very serious game, with many cool weapons, puzzles, and lots of jetpack action prior to Duke Nukem.”
“Aesthetically, this is the midway point between Earthworm Jim and MDK in first-person shooter form -- cartoonish enemies and weapons in that 90's gross-out humor vein, with the wild, futuristic abstraction of texture abominations that is MDK's environment design.”
“Like, is this supposed to be funny?”
“Like, is this supposed to be funny?”
- music12 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game's music is largely criticized for its absence, with players noting that it feels empty due to the lack of a soundtrack, aside from the intro music. While the composition of the few tracks available is considered good, the limited number of two tracks means players rarely experience them, leading some to play external music during gameplay. Overall, the music aspect is seen as a significant drawback, contributing to a dull atmosphere.
“The game lacks music and just feels really empty, as well as the texture work being dull (I don't blame Nightdive as this was a 3DO game originally).”
“I will warn though, the game does not have any music at all (other than intro music) and a rather confusing layout for maps.”
“The composing is pretty good, but be that as it may, you barely get to listen to it since there are only two tracks (which I personally sorted by playing the Quake III Arena soundtrack during gameplay in the background).”
- graphics10 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The graphics of "po'ed" are described as visually bizarre yet charming, blending cartoonish elements reminiscent of 90s games like "Earthworm Jim" and "MDK." While it may not achieve the aesthetic heights of classics like "Duke Nukem," the unique art style, satisfying gunplay, and appealing level designs contribute positively to the overall experience. The combination of abstract textures and quirky character designs enhances the game's ambiance and adds to its distinct appeal.
“Aesthetically, 'Po'ed' is visually bizarre and it honestly really works in its favor.”
“Aesthetically, this is the midway point between 'Earthworm Jim' and 'MDK' in first-person shooter form -- cartoonish enemies and weapons in that 90's gross-out humor vein, with the wild, futuristic abstraction of texture abominations that is 'MDK's' environment design.”
“Whilst it never pulls off the aesthetic as effectively as something like 'Duke Nukem', the attempt is still very much appreciated, as it adds a certain level of charm that elevates the game as a whole.”
“Aesthetically, this is the midway point between Earthworm Jim and MDK, in first-person shooter form -- cartoonish enemies and weapons in that 90's gross-out humor vein, with the wild, futuristic abstraction of texture abominations that is MDK's environment design.”
“Whilst it never pulls off the aesthetic as effectively as something like Duke Nukem, the attempt is still very much appreciated, as it adds a certain level of charm that elevates the game as a whole.”
“Aesthetically, PO'ed is visually bizarre and it honestly really works in its favor.”
- atmosphere9 mentions
- 89 % positive mentions
- -22 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is described as weird and grotesque, reminiscent of the unique style of the '90s, with strong sound design that enhances the overall experience. While the ambient sounds and distinct enemy audio contribute positively, the level design is noted for being cryptic and challenging to navigate, adding to the game's surreal ambiance. Overall, the atmosphere is both impressive and perplexing, creating a distinctive and immersive experience.
“This is a weird and grotesque title, a child of the unrepeatable and brilliant '90s atmosphere.”
“There's surprisingly good atmosphere, mainly as a product of the strong style.”
“The sound design is pretty good; nothing is obnoxious, enemies are distinct, and the ambient sounds add to the strange atmosphere.”
“The atmosphere is weird; nothing makes sense, and the maps are practically impossible to parse.”
“The game lacks a cohesive atmosphere, making it difficult to immerse myself in the world.”
“The overall ambiance feels disjointed and fails to create any sense of tension or engagement.”
- story2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story features intriguing enemies, such as women with arm guns and butt monsters, but their appearances are limited to only a few initial missions, leaving players wanting more engagement with these unique characters.
- character development2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features a blend of humorous character design and serious gameplay elements, including engaging puzzles and action sequences, reminiscent of classic titles like Duke Nukem. This contrast enhances the character development, making it both entertaining and dynamic.
- replayability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the improved framerate and enhanced controls, which contribute to a more enjoyable and accessible gameplay experience. These quality-of-life features make the game easier to complete, potentially encouraging multiple playthroughs.