Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster

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.

84%Game Brain Score

graphics, story

stability, replayability

91% User Score Based on 1,704 reviews

Critic Score 77%Based on 10 reviews

Platforms

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About

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.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster screenshot

91%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,714 reviews

graphics106 positive mentions

stability26 negative mentions

Excellent remaster that enhances the visuals while preserving the original gameplay experience.
Faithful to the original, with modern controls and quality of life improvements, making it accessible for new players.
Nostalgic trip for fans of the original game, with added bonus content like concept art and a playable demo level.

Price is considered steep for a remaster of a nearly 30-year-old game, leading many to suggest waiting for a sale.
Some level designs are confusing and maze-like, which can frustrate players unfamiliar with the original.
Lack of a save feature during missions, requiring players to restart levels if they die, which can be tedious.

graphics
340 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
31%
68%
1%
The remastered version of "Star Wars: Dark Forces" features significantly enhanced graphics that maintain the original's aesthetic while offering modernized visuals, smoother gameplay, and upgraded cutscenes. Players appreciate the ability to toggle between the remastered and classic graphics, highlighting the crispness and clarity of the new visuals, although some feel the improvements could have gone further. Overall, the remaster successfully revitalizes the game for contemporary audiences while preserving its nostalgic charm.
- “The remaster improves upon the [url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/32400/star_wars_dark_forces_classic_1995/]Star Wars™ Dark Forces (Classic, 1995)[/url] in several ways: right from the start, it offers enhanced visuals, smoother gameplay, and upgraded cutscenes & sound design.”
- “The graphics are lifted to look gorgeously crisp on my 4k monitor yet it retains the charm of the originals - and the uplift is so carefully done that it really doesn't change what the artists did in the original.”
- “The updated graphics and quality-of-life improvements are perfectly implemented by Nightdive.”
- “There's been little work to the graphics in general; it looks as if all they did was AI upscale the textures and call it a day.”
- “I know there were 3 years between them, but Half-Life 1 aged considerably better than this game, even factoring in the graphical update.”
- “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.”
story
266 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
81%
2%
The story of "Dark Forces" follows Kyle Katarn, a mercenary for the Rebel Alliance, as he embarks on a mission to dismantle the Empire's dark trooper project and retrieve the Death Star plans. While the narrative is generally considered simple and somewhat short, it is enhanced by engaging cutscenes, character development, and a nostalgic connection to the Star Wars universe, featuring familiar characters and settings. Overall, the storytelling is seen as a significant step forward for its time, providing a more cohesive and immersive experience compared to other shooters of the era.
- “The story, characters, sounds of the guns, soundtrack—all of them are perfect.”
- “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, and features some cameos (Jabba the Hutt, Boba Fett, Darth Vader, Mon Mothma, General Madine) that I quite enjoyed.”
- “But the story is really interesting: long before Disney's madness, how they created a one-man army, (for example: who stole the Death Star plans) who defeated the Empire almost alone.”
- “The story is serviceable but unremarkable.”
- “Seeing some of the Star Wars characters and expanded narrative of the Death Star plans isn't as interesting 30 years later and after a constant influx of Star Wars content and reboots over that time, and even if it were, there isn't much here narratively except for Boba Fett showing up to be an embarrassment, Jabba trying to kill you, and Vader commenting on events between some missions.”
- “Story is barely there, you just shoot people.”
music
210 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
73%
7%
The music in the remastered version of the game retains its classic MIDI roots, with some users appreciating the nostalgic feel while others criticize its repetitiveness and timing issues. Although there are options to toggle between different soundfonts, many players feel that the music lacks the polish expected from a modern remaster, with some even finding it off-key or jarring. Overall, while the soundtrack features iconic Star Wars themes, it suffers from technical shortcomings that detract from the overall experience.
- “The music is especially memorable, showcasing the iconic Star Wars melodies that we all know and love.”
- “Great music, great atmosphere, fun missions, solid gameplay.”
- “The soundtrack, the enemies speaking when spotting you, or even the way the blasters sound; everything puts you in the universe immediately.”
- “The soundtrack, although slightly improved, is still just a set of midi files using an updated soundfont.”
- “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.”
- “However, music is a huge part of the vibe of Star Wars, and regardless of setting, or patching the game with your own sound font, the music in this is bad.”
gameplay
166 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
65%
5%
The gameplay of the remastered "Star Wars: Dark Forces" retains the classic mechanics of the original, offering fast-paced, straightforward shooting reminiscent of old-school FPS titles like Doom. While the remaster enhances visuals and introduces quality-of-life improvements such as dedicated mouse look and a weapon wheel, some outdated mechanics and navigation challenges persist, which may detract from the experience for new players. Overall, it provides a nostalgic yet polished experience for fans, though its appeal may be limited for those unfamiliar with the original.
- “Smooth, fast gameplay and graphics surprisingly pop.”
- “The gameplay feels smooth, and the controller support is great.”
- “With enhanced gameplay, revamped visuals, and a wealth of accessibility options, this is easily the best way to experience Dark Forces and revisit an oft-forgotten era of Star Wars.”
- “Combined with the repetitive gameplay, it’s hard to recommend the game to someone who isn’t already nostalgic for it.”
- “The game’s outdated mechanics and average gameplay make it a less appealing option compared to other retro shooters.”
- “Star Wars: Dark Forces is a product of its time, with decent visual remastering, but the gameplay sadly doesn’t hold up.”
stability
36 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
28%
72%
The game's stability is a mixed bag, with many players reporting significant bugs, glitches, and choppy performance, particularly in level progression and visual elements. While some users noted improvements and smoother controls, they still encountered issues like stuck doors, disappearing enemies, and random freezes. Overall, while the game runs well for some, the persistent bugs can detract from the experience, especially for new players.
- “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.”
- “The big problem is that the maze factor is not only annoying, it's also buggy with some levels actually being able to bug out by completing an objective then going the wrong way, causing lifts and doors to get stuck, forcing you to restart the entire level from scratch. Many notorious bugs exist and have always existed, so new players to the game will absolutely run into these.”
- “Sadly, I ran into these issues within the first hour: the ship never arrived at the roof of the first mission (yes, I got the plans), some bindings don't immediately apply, random crouching, visual glitches give away secrets, and I couldn't find a way to look up and down from the keyboard.”
- “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.”
optimization
26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
46%
31%
23%
The optimization of the remastered version has received mixed reviews; 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 free Force Engine for a more user-friendly experience, citing better overall performance and value compared to the remaster's higher price point. Overall, while the remaster looks visually appealing, its optimization does not fully justify its cost for some players.
- “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, which is free to download and fixes all the bugs the original had, my conclusion is that the 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, it 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 found the price of the Turok 3 remaster to be quite high, but I still had and still enjoy the game because the original game is hardly playable on the Nintendo 64 these days, and emulators are a dubious story. Nightdive has done a very good job on Turok 3, but I still requested a refund for the game because I wasn't completely satisfied with the price/performance ratio.”
atmosphere
22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
59%
14%
The game successfully captures the classic Star Wars atmosphere, immersing players in the iconic universe through its exceptional level design, music, and lore integration. Reviewers praise the ambiance and vibes, noting that it evokes the feel of the original trilogy while providing engaging gameplay, despite some minor flaws. Overall, it is highly recommended for both longtime fans and newcomers for its nostalgic and atmospheric experience.
- “I love the atmosphere it provides for being in the Star Wars universe without having any Force powers.”
- “Great vibes and setting, fantastic and eerie atmosphere and ambiance, good cast and story (for what it is), solid gameplay and level design.”
- “You can feel the atmosphere from the original trilogy.”
- “This game really captures the atmosphere of the original Star Wars films too.”
- “The game also relied heavily on fitting into the lore and atmosphere of Star Wars and became an important part of the expanded universe.”
replayability
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
66%
17%
Overall, the replayability of the remastered version of Star Wars: Dark Forces is considered low, with many players noting that the game can be completed in a few hours and offers little incentive to replay after achieving all 29 achievements. While the updated graphics and features enhance playability for modern audiences, the core experience remains largely unchanged, leading to a lack of depth and challenge that diminishes 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.”
- “There's just not a lot of replay value here.”
- “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.”
emotional
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The remaster evokes strong feelings of nostalgia, as it successfully enhances a classic game while preserving its core experience. Players express a heartwarming connection to their childhood memories, with the game gradually intensifying those nostalgic emotions as they progress. Overall, the remaster not only modernizes the gameplay but also rekindles fond memories, making it a deeply emotional experience for long-time fans.
- “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 deep 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.”
monetization
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization strategy for this game has been criticized as a blatant cash grab, particularly given its high price of €40 for a remaster that lacks features like crossplay and offers limited content compared to other, more affordable options in the genre. While some acknowledge the game's advancements in design, the overall sentiment leans towards disappointment in its value proposition.
- “This is the ultimate cash grab when you can get dozens of games that do this genre way better for much less...if not free.”
- “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.”
grinding
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, particularly due to repetitive corridor maze puzzles that can detract from the overall enjoyment. While many levels are straightforward, the presence of these frustrating challenges can make the experience feel laborious at times.
- “Overall, still a really fun game if you exclude the tedious corridor maze puzzles.”
- “Most of the levels are pretty straightforward, but some have very tedious puzzles.”
- “Most of the levels are pretty straightforward, but some have very tedious puzzles.”
character development
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
"Dark Forces" is praised for its innovative approach to character development, featuring an ongoing narrative that includes voiced dialogue, in-game conversations, and cutscenes, which set it apart from other shooters of its time that typically offered minimal story context. This depth of storytelling enhances player engagement and investment in the 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.”
humor
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is generally well-received, with players finding it consistently amusing throughout.

77%Critics’ scoreBased on 10 critic reviews

Buy Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster

STAR WARS™: Dark Forces Remaster
$29.99
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6h Median play time

7h Average play time

5-12h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 8 analyzed playthroughs

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