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Grim Fandango Remastered

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Grim Fandango Remastered
Item: Grim Fandango Remastered
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2015

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Third Person Perspective, Puzzle and Logic, Top-Down Perspective, Point & Click, Single Player

AvailableJan 26, 2015

PlatformXbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC

DeveloperDouble Fine Productions

Overview

Something's rotten in the land of the dead, and you're being played for a sucker. Meet Manny Calavera, travel agent at the Department of Death. He sells luxury packages to souls on their four-year journey to eternal rest. But there's trouble in paradise. Help Manny untangle himself from a conspiracy that threatens his very salvation. One of the most acclaimed adventure games of all time is now back, better than ever. Grim Fandango's epic story of four years in the life (or death) of Manny Calavera, travel agent to the dead, has been remastered to look, sound, and control even better than when it won GameSpot's Game of the Year award upon its original launch. Grim Fandango still stands as a classic of the genre, with unforgettable characters and unique combination of film noir and Mexican folklore.

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Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Grim Fandango Remastered are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praise the game for its well-crafted and engaging narrative, filled with humor, wit, and memorable characters. Nintendo Life describes the story as pithy and self-referential, paying homage to different inspirations and featuring a menacing conspiracy in the Land of the Dead. Nintendo World Report also commends the strong narrative, fun characters, and clever script. Similarly, Critical Hit highlights the four-year tale of Manny Calavera, the protagonist, and praises the chosen Southern American art-deco aesthetic and the love-letter to film noir. The game's storytelling is described as deft, engaging, and filled with warm humor by GameSpot. JeuxActu mentions that the story is original, memorable, and supported by colorful characters and well-crafted dialogue. The story is also considered one of the best in the adventure game genre by Gameplanet, with nuanced and deep characters and a believable yet fantastical reality. While the majority of the critics have positive opinions about the story, there are a few mentions of pacing issues and wandering plot. PlayStation Universe notes that while the story is intriguing and filled with humor, it suffers from these issues. Game Informer also mentions that the world-building and characterization are excellent, but they don't necessarily fit together in a satisfying story. However, these criticisms are minor compared to the overall positive reception of the story. In conclusion, the story of Grim Fandango Remastered is highly regarded by the critics. It is praised for its engaging narrative, well-crafted dialogue, and memorable characters. The game's unique setting in the Land of the Dead, combined with its film noir influences and humor, creates a gripping and timeless tale. While there are some minor criticisms regarding pacing and plot coherence, the overwhelming consensus is that the story is a standout aspect of the game. Critics such as Nintendojo, Gamestyle, and GameTrailers highlight the sharpness, humor, and variety of the story, further supporting the positive analysis. Overall, Grim Fandango Remastered's story is considered to be one of the best in the adventure game genre, offering an engaging and compelling experience for players.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics rave about the captivating narrative, witty dialogue, and memorable characters in Grim Fandango Remastered. Praised for its homage to film noir and Southern American art-deco aesthetic, the story follows protagonist Manny Calavera through a gripping four-year tale. While some critics note pacing issues and plot inconsistencies, the overwhelming consensus is positive, with many hailing it as one of the best in the adventure game genre.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

42%

Mixed (50-79)

55%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Grim Fandango Remastered are varied. Many critics praise the gameplay for its cleverly designed puzzles, logical progression, and unique vibe. Nintendojo specifically mentions the game's "cleverly designed puzzles" and "logical progression," while JeuxActu praises the gameplay for being timeless and requiring players to think and try different approaches to solve puzzles. The puzzles are often hinted at through visual and aural cues, making the game feel more modern than its age might suggest, according to Gaming Nexus. GameSpot also commends the innovative control scheme and intuitive puzzle design, which keeps the focus on the puzzles themselves and makes sense within the game's world. These positive aspects of the gameplay contribute to an engaging and enjoyable experience for players. However, there are also criticisms of the gameplay in Grim Fandango Remastered. Some critics, such as Arcade Sushi and COGconnected, highlight frustrating elements of the gameplay mechanics. Arcade Sushi mentions unreliable movement controls and a messy inventory system, while COGconnected criticizes the game for having obtuse and illogical puzzles that require frequent use of walkthrough guides. Gamestyle also expresses disappointment with the gameplay elements, citing the lack of a point-and-click interface and reliance on old and tedious gameplay mechanics as frustrating obstacles to progress. These negative aspects of the gameplay can hinder the overall experience for players and lead to frustration and confusion. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Grim Fandango Remastered offers a challenging and rewarding gameplay experience. The puzzles, although occasionally obtuse and illogical, are praised for their twisted sense of humor and logical solutions. The game's unique premise, variety of control options, and enjoyable point-and-click interface are also mentioned positively by critics such as Game Over Online and God is a Geek. However, there is acknowledgment of some flaws in the gameplay, including the potential for getting lost and the lack of a hint system, as noted by NintendoWorldReport. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment is that Grim Fandango Remastered provides an engaging and intriguing gameplay experience, particularly for fans of classic adventure games.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on Grim Fandango Remastered gameplay. Praise for clever puzzles and unique vibe, but criticized for frustrating mechanics like unreliable controls and illogical puzzles. While some flaws noted, overall consensus is that the game offers a challenging and rewarding experience with its twisted humor and engaging point-and-click interface.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

42%

Mixed (50-79)

55%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Grim Fandango Remastered are varied. Many critics praise the improvements made to the character models and lighting effects. Nintendo Life commends the higher resolution textures and improved lighting models, while COGconnected appreciates the refined character models and new lighting system. These enhancements are also mentioned positively by Push Square and ZTGD, who note that the remastered version looks smoother and cleaner than the original. The unique art style of the game, which combines influences from art-deco and film noir, is also widely praised. JeuxActu describes the visual design as exceptional, and PlayStation Universe highlights the colorful and eccentric graphics inspired by various cultural influences, such as the Mexican Day of the Dead festival and Aztec designs. However, there are also criticisms regarding the remastered visuals. Several critics, such as GameSpot and Game Informer, mention that the new character models and shadows sometimes look out of place or obscure important details in dark scenes. Arcade Sushi and Metro GameCentral note that while the character models have been upgraded, the pre-rendered backgrounds and full motion video cutscenes still look dated. Game Revolution points out the contrast between the enhanced character models and the untreated environments, which creates an awkward visual experience. Digital Spy also mentions that some environments remain unchanged despite the overall spruced up visuals. Additionally, Game Over Online and God is a Geek criticize the lack of significant improvements to the background scenery, with the former calling the remastering effort lazy at times. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Grim Fandango Remastered offers some notable visual improvements, particularly in terms of character models and lighting effects. The unique art direction and visual identity of the game receive widespread praise. However, there is a general sentiment that the remastered version falls short in certain areas, such as the lack of significant changes to the backgrounds and the occasional mismatch between the new character models and the original environments. Despite these criticisms, the majority of critics acknowledge that the visuals of Grim Fandango Remastered have held up well and still offer an enjoyable visual experience. IGN and TheSixthAxis, for example, highlight the cleaned-up detail and lighting of the characters, while also acknowledging the option to switch between the original look and the remastered version.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on the visuals of Grim Fandango Remastered. While many praise the improved character models and lighting effects, some note issues like out-of-place shadows and dated backgrounds. The unique art style blending art-deco and film noir influences is widely acclaimed, but criticisms include unchanged environments and occasional visual mismatches. Overall, the remaster offers notable enhancements but falls short in some areas, maintaining an enjoyable visual experience despite its flaws.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

92%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of the critics praised the sound design and music of Grim Fandango Remastered, with many highlighting its positive aspects. Nintendo Life commends the game's eclectic score, which seamlessly blends Latin flavor with noir gloom, creating a unique and immersive atmosphere. They also applaud the brilliant voice performances, which further enhance the overall experience. NintendoWorldReport echoes this sentiment, describing the music as an eclectic mix of melodies and sounds from around the world, contributing to the cool and funny atmosphere of the game. Arcade Sushi praises the fantastic voice acting and music, with excellent writing and performances, and a redone soundtrack using a full orchestra. They specifically mention the use of a fantastic noir/big band sound, which plays great on modern speaker systems, enhancing the overall quality of the music. CGMagazine also highlights the enhanced music, mentioning a fantastic noir/big band sound that adds to the game's modern appeal. Game Informer expresses their admiration for the rerecorded score, describing it as fantastic, full of bleating trumpets and cool jazzy tunes. They also appreciate the addition of a commentary track. Gamestyle praises the accompanying voice acting and music, describing them as brilliant. They particularly highlight the near pitch-perfect line delivery and the mix of jazz and Spanish guitar, which effectively sets the tone of every scene. However, they mention that the sound mix could have been better, as some dialogue is incomprehensible due to overlapping voices. While the majority of the critics had positive opinions about the sound design and music of Grim Fandango Remastered, there were only a few minor negatives mentioned. Gamestyle's critique regarding the sound mix, where some dialogue becomes incomprehensible due to overlapping voices, is one such negative aspect. However, this criticism does not seem to be a major concern among the other critics, as they mainly focus on the positive aspects of the sound design and music. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Grim Fandango Remastered are exceptional. The positive comments from multiple critics, such as Nintendo Life, NintendoWorldReport, Arcade Sushi, CGMagazine, Game Informer, Gamestyle, and Gameplanet, highlight the brilliance of the voice acting, the eclectic and immersive score, and the use of a full orchestra. The critics also appreciate the contribution of the music to the overall atmosphere of the game, with mentions of the fantastic noir/big band sound, the mix of jazz and Spanish guitar, and the combination of mariachi with classic film noirs. The few negatives mentioned, such as the sound mix issue raised by Gamestyle, do not significantly impact the overall positive reception of the sound design and music. Therefore, it can be concluded that the sound design and music of Grim Fandango Remastered were highly praised and contributed greatly to the overall enjoyment and immersion of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Grim Fandango Remastered's exceptional sound design and music, praising the eclectic score that blends Latin and noir elements seamlessly. Voice acting and orchestra-enhanced soundtrack receive high acclaim, setting a unique and immersive tone. Despite minor critiques like sound mixing issues, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with critics lauding the game's audio for enhancing the modern appeal and atmospheric quality of the experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

90%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Grim Fandango Remastered has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the majority of critics. Many critics praised the voice performances as brilliant, top-notch, and superb. Nintendo Life, Arcade Sushi, Gamestyle, Metro GameCentral, NZGamer, PlayStation Universe, Gameplanet, God is a Geek, IGN, PC Gamer, Twinfinite, and games(TM) all commended the voice acting for its quality and authenticity. Critics noted that the voice acting elevated the game's standards, added realism to the script, and brought the quirky dialogue choices and banter of the main character, Manuel Calavera, to life. The performances were described as near pitch-perfect, well-written, well-acted, and generally interesting. The voiceovers were uniformly excellent, and the wry wit delivered by the voice actors was genuinely funny. The voice acting was also praised for its contribution to the game's offbeat humor and its ability to make the journey worthwhile for both old and new players. Overall, the positive opinions of the critics highlight the strong and impressive voice acting in Grim Fandango Remastered. While the majority of critics had positive opinions about the voice acting in Grim Fandango Remastered, there were a few minor criticisms. TheSixthAxis mentioned that the character of Glottis was found to be annoying by the reviewer. However, this was a minor issue and did not significantly impact the overall consensus of the voice acting. The general sentiment among the critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the negative aspects being minimal and not detracting from the overall quality of the voice performances. In conclusion, the voice acting in Grim Fandango Remastered received high praise from the majority of critics. The performances were described as brilliant, top-notch, superb, and near pitch-perfect. The voice acting was commended for its quality, authenticity, and contribution to the game's offbeat humor. While there were a few minor criticisms, such as the annoyance of a specific character, the overall consensus among the critics was overwhelmingly positive. The voice acting in Grim Fandango Remastered sets a standard for the industry and is considered one of the game's standout features.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics overwhelmingly praised the voice acting in Grim Fandango Remastered as brilliant, top-notch, and superb, with performances described as near pitch-perfect and genuinely funny. While some critics had minor criticisms, the overall consensus was highly positive, highlighting the strong and impressive voice acting that elevated the game's standards and added realism to the script. The voiceovers were uniformly excellent, contributing to the game's offbeat humor and making the journey worthwhile for players, both old and new.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

23%

Mixed (50-79)

62%

Negative (0-49)

15%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Grim Fandango Remastered, the Nintendo Switch version seems to stand out positively. According to Nintendo Life, the Switch port runs noticeably smoother than other portable versions. This suggests that the game runs well on the Switch platform, providing a smooth and enjoyable experience for players. On the other hand, the PlayStation 4 version of Grim Fandango Remastered receives mixed reviews regarding its technical performance. Critical Hit mentions some infrequent bugs and performance issues, but considers them minor annoyances. However, Game Informer highlights issues with controls and disappointing visual enhancements, such as new lighting effects obscuring important details. Gamestyle goes further, reporting technical issues and bugs, including invisible inventory items and game-breaking lock-ups, which can result in lost progress. Gaming Nexus also mentions technical issues, while JeuxActu expresses frustration with bugs and script or collision issues requiring game restarts. ZTGD even states that technical issues hampered their enjoyment of the game and prevented further progress. For the PC version, the technical performance of Grim Fandango Remastered appears to be more stable compared to the PlayStation 4 version. Game Over Online states that the remastered edition works fine on modern computers and operating systems, unlike the original game which had issues. PC Gamer mentions faithful retextured 3D models and revamped lighting in every scene, indicating a positive technical upgrade. However, GameTrailers points out instability, including crashes during transitions between videos and gameplay, as well as the lack of auto-saves or checkpoints, which can be frustrating. Gameplanet also reports various bugs, including issues with commentary, audio cut-offs, and scene transitions. The Sixth Axis mentions technical issues like framerate drops and voice and lip sync problems, but notes that the developer was still working on improving the game's performance at the time of the review. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the technical performance of Grim Fandango Remastered is mixed. While the Nintendo Switch version seems to have a smoother performance, the PlayStation 4 and PC versions encounter various technical issues and bugs. These issues range from minor annoyances to more severe problems that can hinder gameplay and result in lost progress. However, it is worth noting that some critics also highlight positive aspects, such as faithful remastering and visual upgrades. Players considering the game should be aware of the potential technical issues on certain platforms and weigh them against the positive aspects before making a purchase decision.

TL;DR

technical performance

Grim Fandango Remastered shines on Nintendo Switch with smooth performance, while PlayStation 4 version faces mixed reviews due to bugs and control issues. PC version offers stability but some technical glitches. Critics highlight visual upgrades but warn of potential gameplay hindrances. Players should consider platform-specific technical issues before buying.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

18%

Mixed (50-79)

82%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Grim Fandango Remastered are generally positive. Several critics, such as Nintendo Life and Game Informer, highlight the inclusion of developer commentary as a positive aspect that adds value to the replayability of the game. This feature allows players to gain insights into the development process and potentially discover new details or perspectives. Additionally, JeuxActu and NZGamer mention the length and difficulty of the game as factors that can vary depending on the player's problem-solving skills, which can contribute to replay value. The inclusion of director commentary in the remastered version is also mentioned by Arcade Sushi and NZGamer as a positive aspect that enhances the replayability for fans of the original game. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the lack of new features or improvements over the original game. Gamestyle points out that while replaying Grim Fandango Remastered is not a chore, the absence of significant enhancements may make it less appealing for those who have already played it. PC Gamer also mentions that enjoyment of the game depends heavily on tolerance for outdated adventure game design, which implies that some players may find the gameplay mechanics or puzzles repetitive or frustrating upon replaying the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Grim Fandango Remastered has a decent replay value. The inclusion of developer and director commentary is widely appreciated, as it offers new insights and perspectives for players who have already experienced the game. The varying length and difficulty, depending on the player's problem-solving skills, also contribute to the replayability. However, the lack of significant improvements or new features may diminish the appeal for those who have already played the original game. Despite these concerns, the overall sentiment is positive, with critics like Arcade Sushi and God is a Geek emphasizing the enjoyment and value of replaying Grim Fandango Remastered for both fans of the original and newcomers to the game.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics generally praise Grim Fandango Remastered for its replay value, citing developer and director commentary as valuable additions. The game's length and difficulty, varying based on player skills, enhance replayability. However, some critics feel the lack of new features may deter those familiar with the original. Overall, the consensus is positive, with reviewers highlighting the insights offered by commentary and the enjoyable experience for both fans and newcomers.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

77%

Mixed (50-79)

23%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment of the critics regarding the Overall Verdict of Grim Fandango Remastered is overwhelmingly positive. The majority of the critics praised the game for its enchanting and evocative storytelling, timeless gameplay, and memorable characters. Nintendo Life describes it as an "enchanting and evocative game" that remains a highlight in the adventure game genre. Game Informer acknowledges the game's few new additions but states that they are far from indispensable, highlighting the game's status as a relic of its day. However, despite this sentiment, the overall consensus is that Grim Fandango Remastered is a must-play experience and a worthy revival of the original game. In terms of positives, the critics lauded the game's story, characters, and world-building. GameSpot commends the game for its great story, innovative gameplay, and vibrant visuals. Gaming Nexus describes it as a thrilling adventure that is full of funny characters and unexpected twists. TheSixthAxis praises the game's enjoyable and memorable experience, great humor, and strong lead character. These positive aspects of the game contribute to its overall appeal and make it a standout title in the adventure game genre. However, there were a few negatives mentioned by some critics. Gamestyle criticizes the technical issues and missing features from its superior PC counterpart, making it difficult to recommend the PS4 version over the PC version. PlayStation Universe mentions the lack of a hint system and laborious puzzles, which may make the game feel like a punishment to play in 2015. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment remains positive, with the majority of critics still recommending Grim Fandango Remastered as a must-play game. In conclusion, the overall sentiment of the critics regarding the Overall Verdict of Grim Fandango Remastered is highly positive. The game is praised for its enchanting and evocative storytelling, memorable characters, and timeless gameplay. While there were some criticisms regarding technical issues and missing features, the majority of critics still consider Grim Fandango Remastered a must-play experience and a worthy revival of the original game. Overall, the game's positive aspects outweigh the negatives, making it a standout title in the adventure game genre.

TL;DR

Critics overwhelmingly praise Grim Fandango Remastered for its enchanting storytelling, memorable characters, and timeless gameplay. Despite some technical issues and missing features, the consensus is clear: this game is a must-play experience and a standout in the adventure genre.

CRITIK

Reviews

121 reviews found

100

Twinfinite

Feb 2, 2015