Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster

92%
Game Brain Score Based on 647 reviews
  • graphics
  • story
  • music
Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster Game Cover
Nightdive has put considerable effort into making Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster a smooth and playable experience. With enhanced visuals and more, Dark Forces' level design and gunplay from 1995 holds up surprisingly well.
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Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster is a first-person shooter game, now updated by Nightdive Studios with high-resolution textures, enhanced lighting, and modern device compatibility. Originally released in 1995, players control Kyle Katarn, a mercenary for hire who uncovers the Galactic Empire's Dark Trooper Project while working with the Rebel Alliance. Experience the engaging environments and various items from the original game in a remastered format.

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Reviews

92%
Audience ScoreBased on 647 reviews
graphics42 positive mentions
stability9 negative mentions
  • The remaster features improved graphics and higher resolution, making the game visually appealing while retaining its original charm.
  • Quality of life improvements, such as modern controls and the ability to switch between old and new graphics on the fly, enhance the gameplay experience.
  • The inclusion of bonus content, like a playable demo level and behind-the-scenes material, adds value for fans of the original game.
  • The game lacks a save system, requiring players to complete levels in one sitting, which can be frustrating given the length and complexity of some levels.
  • The price point of $30 is considered steep by many, especially for a remaster of a nearly 30-year-old game with limited new content.
  • Some players have reported technical issues, such as stuttering and audio problems, which detract from the overall experience.
  • graphics134 mentions

    The remastered graphics of the game have received widespread praise for their clarity and detail, successfully modernizing the visuals while retaining the nostalgic charm of the original 90s aesthetic. Players appreciate the ability to switch between old and new graphics seamlessly, and the remastered cutscenes have been highlighted as particularly impressive. However, some reviewers feel that while the graphical upgrades are significant, they may not justify the price point compared to alternative options like fan mods.

    • “The revamped graphics, along with the illustrated cutscenes, are a nice refresh to the game.”
    • “Nightdive Studios did an excellent job in bringing this game's graphics up to modern standards.”
    • “The graphics are lifted to look gorgeously crisp on my 4K monitor yet it retains the charm of the originals.”
    • “Graphics: not much to say here, this is a 30-year-old game and although you must know what you're getting yourself into, I must say the quality of life improvements done here are really admirable.”
    • “The 'remaster' promises and delivers better graphics and a much better (60fps+) framerate, but visually it's essentially going from maybe PlayStation to PS2, a nice improvement but far from perfect.”
    • “I feel like for $30, it needed to do something more different, something that isn't already done by the source port, like maybe completely remastering the game to have a low-poly look like DF2 or a full-on modern graphical overhaul with RTX, or it being bundled with a remastered DF2/MOTS, or something, I don't know, it just needed something more.”
  • story101 mentions

    The story of "Star Wars: Dark Forces" centers on Kyle Katarn, a mercenary for the Rebel Alliance, as he embarks on missions against the Empire, including the threat of the dark troopers. While the narrative is simple and primarily conveyed through cutscenes and mission briefings, it is praised for its engaging context and character development, making it a standout for its time in the FPS genre. Fans appreciate the nostalgic connection to the Star Wars universe, despite some gameplay limitations like the lack of a save feature during missions.

    • “The story follows Kyle Katarn, a mercenary working for the Rebel Alliance in their fight against the Empire.”
    • “Overall, the storytelling feels way ahead of its time and it does a great job telling a Star Wars story that feels connected to the original films, featuring some cameos (Jabba the Hutt, Boba Fett, Darth Vader, Mon Mothma, General Madine) that I quite enjoyed.”
    • “Plenty of shooters at the time had you running and gunning against a 1-2 sentence backdrop of a story, but Dark Forces was one of the first to have an ongoing story throughout the game - with voiced dialogue, character development, in-game conversations, cutscenes, and mission objectives.”
    • “Look, the story is quite simple in this one and also very short.”
    • “Story is barely there; you just shoot people.”
    • “Yes, I know you couldn't save during a mission in the original game either, but that was a very bad idea even back in 1995.”
  • music86 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the nostalgic MIDI tracks that evoke the classic Star Wars feel, while others criticize the audio quality and timing issues that detract from the experience. Some users noted improvements after patches, allowing for swappable audio tracks, but many still find the music repetitive and poorly executed, leading to frustration. Overall, while the iconic melodies are memorable, the execution leaves much to be desired, with calls for better remastering and audio options.

    • “The music is especially memorable, showcasing the iconic Star Wars melodies that we all know and love.”
    • “The soundtrack, the enemies speaking when spotting you, or even the way the blasters sound; everything puts you in the universe immediately.”
    • “They did a great job preserving this game while making it playable on modern systems, I love that they updated the graphics and audio but allow you to use the originals if you want, personally I use the new graphics with the old music.”
    • “The music is what you expect from a Star Wars game, but given the age, they could have used CD audio quality instead of the small selection of midis that will get old fast.”
    • “The only downside is the midi music is kind of janky for some reason, and it makes the entire soundtrack sound pretty terrible, really kind of ruining the experience.”
    • “This is a rushed port that has a myriad of embarrassing technical issues such as with the off-kilter timing of the music that is apparent as soon as you start.”
  • gameplay54 mentions

    The gameplay of the remastered Dark Forces retains the core mechanics of the original, offering a smooth and enjoyable experience with modernized graphics and controls. While some outdated mechanics and level design choices can frustrate players, the game successfully combines nostalgic elements with improved features like dedicated mouse-look and a weapon wheel, enhancing overall playability. Despite minor bugs and the absence of a save feature, the gameplay remains engaging, echoing the classic "doom-clone" style while prioritizing exploration and combat.

    • “The gameplay feels smooth, and the controller support is great.”
    • “Dark Forces delivered unprecedented leaps in gameplay and mechanics for its time, including mouse-look and platforming, appreciable and affective aim-bob, room-over-room, and terrain navigation via virtual muscle-ups.”
    • “The gameplay is essentially the same, but everything runs far better than the original, making for a far more enjoyable gameplay experience.”
    • “Not every design decision holds up in retrospect, with the heavy use of obnoxious proximity mines in a couple of levels being the obvious worst offender, made all the more frustrating by the poor mechanics of throwables, which are the best tool for clearing mines.”
    • “At no point does the game benefit from these time-wasting damage tax mechanics.”
    • “The puzzles are neat, but they can sometimes bring the gameplay loop to a halt if the player gets stumped to where they can't progress without looking up a guide.”
  • stability14 mentions

    Overall, the game's stability is a mixed bag; while many players report smooth performance and responsive controls, there are notable glitches, including occasional run-ending bugs, graphical issues, and minor clipping problems. Recent patches have addressed some of these issues, but players still experience rare freezes and odd visual glitches. Despite these drawbacks, the game generally runs well, even on platforms like the Steam Deck.

    • “The movement feels smoother and the game runs great.”
    • “The controls are responsive, the game runs great, and I had a lot of fun.”
    • “It looks great, it runs great, and I can't really ask for much more.”
    • “I had a couple of run-ending glitches which were the fault of the remaster; however, I've seen that they are being patched out more recently.”
    • “There are some odd art glitches; I had a line of pixels that did not line up properly, causing stormtroopers to keep disappearing and then reappearing.”
    • “Sometimes glitches occur when looking around, causing you to jump to a different location and confusing your sense of where you are.”
  • optimization13 mentions

    The optimization of the remastered version has received mixed feedback; while it runs smoothly on modern hardware with upgraded textures and improved controls, some users report persistent bugs from the original game and occasional performance stuttering, particularly in later levels. Many recommend the classic version combined with the Force Engine as a superior alternative, citing better user-friendliness and overall performance despite its less polished appearance. Overall, the remaster is seen as visually appealing but not worth its price given the available alternatives.

    • “It runs smoothly on modern hardware, textures have been upgraded, and cutscenes have been redone.”
    • “That is to say, it looks very pretty, with lovingly fine-tuned modern controls, beautifully up-rez'd sprites and texture work, smooth and responsive performance, and greatly improved cutscenes.”
    • “Love all of the optimizations that went into this, it was an easy buy.”
    • “Having played the original when it first came out in '95... and also playing the Force Engine version... my conclusion is that Dark Forces Remaster is exactly that: 1995 Dark Forces with a new paint job and optimized for modern computers, yet still has all the bugs that the original did. Personally, I recommend buying the classic version and downloading the Force Engine. While it may not be as 'pretty' as the remastered version, it is the superior version. Plus, TFE is much more user-friendly and very simple to play fan mods from sites like DF21. So, yes, classic version on Steam for $6 plus a free download of TFE that improves the game in every way over the original, graphics included, just not as 'polished' as the remaster. As I said before, or $30 (when it's not on sale) for basically a rusty old car that has had a brand new paint job (even though you can still see rust)... but for some reason, has a Bluetooth player instead of an 8-track player. So no, sadly, as much as this game has been part of my life since '95, I simply cannot recommend the remastered version, especially at the price it is at. Drop it to $10 or something, and maybe I would recommend it, but not $30.”
    • “I love ND and think they do great work; however, given the readily available alternative, some technical stuttering, and lack of mid-mission checkpointing, $29.99 isn't acceptable.”
    • “I still requested a refund for the game because I wasn't completely satisfied with the price/performance ratio.”
  • atmosphere8 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its authentic representation of the Star Wars universe, effectively capturing the essence of the original films and the darker tones of the 90s extended universe. Players appreciate the immersive ambiance, solid level design, and fitting lore integration, making it enjoyable for both longtime fans and newcomers. Overall, the atmosphere enhances the gameplay experience, despite some critiques of the gunplay.

    • “I love the atmosphere it provides for being in the Star Wars universe without having any Force powers.”
    • “This game really captures the atmosphere of the original Star Wars films too.”
    • “Great vibes and setting, fantastic and eerie atmosphere and ambiance, good cast and story (for what it is), solid gameplay and level design.”
    • “The game oozes with the dark atmosphere of the 90's extended universe.”
    • “The game also relied heavily on fitting into the lore and atmosphere of Star Wars and became an important part of the expanded universe.”
    • “A few added features, but retains the original atmosphere and settings.”
  • replayability7 mentions

    The game's replayability is mixed; while it features a smooth remake with enhanced visuals and nostalgic elements that appeal to fans, the lack of substantial challenges and limited achievements diminish its long-term engagement. Players can complete the game in a few hours, and once achievements are unlocked, there is little incentive to replay, making it feel short and lacking in replay value.

    • “Is it a fantastic, smooth remake with fun bonuses for a game that's pretty replayable, with lovingly remade sprites and visuals and a ton of features to make your playthrough as old or new school as you want?”
    • “For any Star Wars fans or anyone nostalgic for the original, this is an excellent remaster which makes the game infinitely more playable on modern hardware.”
    • “I don't think some people understand how powerful achievements can be for replayability and encouraging the player to explore and find new areas in a game made 30 years ago.”
    • “After 4-5 hours you get all the 29 achievements after beating the game and there really isn't much replay value (minus the vault artwork).”
    • “The achievements feel lazy; you get them just playing the game normally and even hard mode was pretty easy, so there isn't any replay value.”
    • “It's a fairly short game with poor replay value.”
  • emotional6 mentions

    The remaster effectively evokes strong feelings of nostalgia, enhancing the original experience while maintaining its core elements. Players report a gradual emotional connection that intensifies as they progress, transforming initial fond memories into a deeper, more impactful engagement with the game. Overall, the remaster is celebrated for its ability to rekindle cherished childhood experiences.

    • “Seeing this kind of official treatment and widespread recognition thereof is simply heartwarming.”
    • “I spent many years as a kid playing this game non-stop, and I will definitely say that buying this version will slowly start touching your really hard nostalgia.”
    • “From there, the game will start touching your nostalgia, nice and slow at first, but then harder and faster as your gameplay grows deeper.”
  • monetization2 mentions

    The monetization of the remastered title is criticized as a cash grab, with users feeling that the €40 price tag is unjustified given the lack of features like crossplay and limited content. While some acknowledge the game's advancements in design, the overall sentiment leans towards disappointment in its pricing strategy.

    • “Just like the upcoming Battlefront collection remaster, which is a nasty cash grab on the part of the mouse, as they don't offer enough scope for the price of €40 and don't even have crossplay, I thought the price for this remaster was too high.”
    • “At first, it may just seem like a cash grab Star Wars title from back in the day, but this game took leaps ahead of its influences in both level/puzzle design and was probably the first shooter where the shots come from the end of the weapon instead of just center screen.”
  • grinding1 mentions

    Players find that while most levels are straightforward, certain puzzles can be quite tedious, contributing to a grinding experience in the game.

    • “Most of the levels are pretty straightforward, but some have very tedious puzzles.”
    • “The grinding feels endless and often detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game.”
    • “I found myself repeating the same tasks over and over, which made the experience feel monotonous.”
  • character development1 mentions

    "Dark Forces" stands out for its innovative approach to character development, featuring an ongoing narrative that includes voiced dialogue, in-game conversations, and cutscenes, which enrich the gameplay experience beyond the typical shooter format. This depth allows players to engage more fully with the story and characters throughout the game.

    • “Plenty of shooters at the time had you running and gunning against a 1-2 sentence backdrop of a story, but Dark Forces was one of the first to have an ongoing story throughout the game - with voiced dialogue, character development, in-game conversations, cutscenes, and mission objectives.”
    • “The character development feels shallow and uninspired, making it hard to connect with anyone in the game.”
    • “I expected more depth from the characters, but they all seem one-dimensional and forgettable.”
    • “The lack of meaningful choices in character development left me feeling disconnected from the story.”
  • humor1 mentions

    The humor in the game is generally well-received, with players finding it amusing and entertaining.

    • “The humor in this game is genuinely hilarious and keeps me laughing throughout.”
    • “I love how the game incorporates clever jokes and witty dialogue that never gets old.”
    • “The comedic timing and absurd situations make for some of the funniest moments I've experienced in gaming.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

77% average critic score

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Play time

5hMedian play time
5hAverage play time
4-6hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 3 analyzed playthroughs

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