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CRITIK

Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered
Item: Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Comedy, Horror, Puzzle and Logic, Single Player

AvailableOct 31, 2024

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4

DeveloperGrasshopper Manufacture

Overview

Shadows of the Damned, an action-adventure road trip through hell, has been remastered at last! Get ready for a story about rock, love, and just a little bit of demon slaying.

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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)

43%

Mixed (50-79)

57%

Negative (0-49)

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

The story of Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered receives praise from several critics for its unique and unconventional narrative approach. Critics like GameSpew and Vandal highlight the game's peculiar humor, intense boss battles, and surreal moments, making the adventure of García Hotspur rescuing his girlfriend engaging and entertaining. Hobby Consolas also appreciates the addition of characters like Johnson, which adds depth and humor to the plot. Meristation describes the story as surreal and engaging, showcasing the game's ability to immerse players in a twisted underworld narrative. On the flip side, some critics point out the potential drawbacks of the story in Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered. CGMagazine mentions that the edgy humor in the game may feel out of place in today's context, hinting at a dated aspect of the storytelling. GamingBolt and TheXboxHub note that while the irreverent humor and writing style may have been unique at the time of the game's release, they might not resonate as well with modern audiences, potentially impacting the overall enjoyment of the narrative. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a positive reception of the story in Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered. The mix of action, terror, and humor, as highlighted by Hobby Consolas, resonates well with many reviewers, creating an engaging and memorable experience. While some critics raise concerns about the humor feeling outdated, the majority appreciate the game's unique narrative style, entertaining dialogues, and quirky characters. The amalgamation of surreal elements, intense boss battles, and humorous banter contributes to a narrative that stands out for its unconventional approach and B-movie charm, ultimately making Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered a compelling storytelling experience for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics praise Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered for its unique narrative style, intense boss battles, and quirky humor, making García Hotspur's adventure engaging. Some critics find the edgy humor dated, but overall, the game's mix of action, terror, and humor resonates well, creating a compelling and memorable storytelling experience with a B-movie charm.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

29%

Mixed (50-79)

64%

Negative (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered received mixed feedback from critics. Some positive aspects highlighted by reviewers include the unique gameplay elements such as using darkness as a gameplay mechanic, evolving weapons, challenging boss fights, a variety of guns, and enemy types. Critics like GameSpew and Vandal appreciated the engaging combat experiences and the addition of features like New Game Plus mode and special costumes, which added replay value to the game. Additionally, Hobby Consolas praised the gameplay for offering a classic and enjoyable experience reminiscent of Resident Evil 4, with over-the-shoulder shooting mechanics and a variety of weapons. On the negative side, several critics pointed out issues with the gameplay that detracted from the overall experience. CGMagazine and SpazioGames mentioned dated gameplay aspects, clunky controls, imprecise shooting mechanics, occasional enemy AI glitches, and camera issues. Multiplayer.it and TheSixthAxis highlighted control issues, lack of refinement in tight spaces, and the feeling of outdated and clunky gameplay. GamingBolt and TheXboxHub also noted mechanical issues such as rough movement, sluggish camera, and occasional control problems that affected the gameplay flow. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a mixed reception of the gameplay in Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered. While some reviewers appreciated the unique gameplay elements, variety of weapons, and engaging combat experiences, others criticized the dated feel, control issues, and lack of refinement in certain aspects of the gameplay. Despite the mixed opinions, the game seems to offer a blend of classic mechanics with some modern enhancements, providing an experience that may appeal more to players who enjoy over-the-shoulder shooting with unique gameplay mechanics.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered gameplay divides critics. Positives: unique darkness mechanics, evolving weapons, tough boss fights, variety of guns/enemies. Engaging combat, New Game Plus, costumes add replay value. Some liken it to Resident Evil 4. Negatives: dated gameplay, clunky controls, imprecise shooting, AI glitches, camera problems. Mixed reviews point to classic appeal with modern tweaks, suited for fans of over-the-shoulder shooting with a twist.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

21%

Mixed (50-79)

64%

Negative (0-49)

14%

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

The critics generally agree that Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered brings some positive changes to the game's graphics and visual design. CGMagazine and Meristation appreciate the improved textures, lighting, and character models, enhancing the vibrant and grotesque art style. The SixthAxis also praises the increase in resolution to 4K, allowing for more detail appreciation and highlighting the distinctive comic book aesthetics with bold lines and moody environments. The XboxHub notes noticeable improvements in visuals from the original game, with smoother animations, visually striking character designs, and a well-realized hellish landscape. On the negative side, several critics point out shortcomings in the remastered graphics of Shadows of the Damned. GLHF on Sports Illustrated criticizes the small hitboxes, uncertain aiming, and lack of improvement in the remaster. Hobby Consolas highlights visual glitches like duplicated faces and stuttering, impacting the overall visual experience. Multiplayer.it and Nintendo Life both mention technical shortcomings, dirty and dark visuals, bland environments, and frequent frame drops, indicating a lack of significant graphical enhancements in the remaster. Overall, while there are mixed opinions on the graphics and visual design of Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered, the general consensus leans towards the remaster making some improvements but falling short of significant enhancements. Critics like GameSpew and PlayStation Universe acknowledge the tidying up of visuals and improved performance but note minor bugs, slight framerate drops, and low-resolution elements in cutscenes. Vandal and GamingBolt also mention stability and performance improvements with minor enhancements in textures, but the remastering efforts are considered unambitious. The varied feedback suggests that while the remaster brings some positive changes, it may not fully satisfy all players in terms of graphical upgrades and visual improvements.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered impresses with enhanced graphics and visual updates like improved textures and character models, praised by CGMagazine and Meristation. The SixthAxis applauds the 4K resolution and bold art style, while XboxHub notes smoother animations and striking designs. However, critics like GLHF and Hobby Consolas criticize issues like small hitboxes and visual glitches. Mixed opinions suggest the remaster falls short of major improvements, with minor bugs and performance issues noted by GameSpew and Vandal. Overall, while some enhancements are appreciated, the remaster may not fully satisfy all players seeking substantial graphical upgrades.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

11%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Sound Design and Music of Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered, highlighting it as a standout feature of the game. CGMagazine commended the haunting soundtrack by Akira Yamaoka and polished sound effects for enhancing the eerie atmosphere, while GameSpew and Hobby Consolas both emphasized the fantastic music by Yamaoka as a key contributor to the overall experience. Meristation also lauded the original soundtrack and sound design for effectively enhancing the game's atmosphere, particularly noting the well-executed dual light-darkness mechanic. TheSixthAxis appreciated the spooky mariachi music that complemented the Mexican Day of the Dead stylings, further enhancing the game's thematic elements. In terms of negatives, there were no significant criticisms regarding the Sound Design and Music of Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered among the critics reviewed. TheXboxHub did not provide any negative feedback related to the audio aspects of the game, focusing instead on praising the top-notch voice acting, distinct weapon sounds, and engaging demon shrieks. This lack of negative commentary from the critics suggests a high level of consistency in their positive reception of the game's audio elements. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered. Multiplayer.it noted the entertaining dialogues and standout soundtrack by Akira Yamaoka as key elements that enhanced the overall experience with effective audio elements. SpazioGames echoed similar sentiments, praising the quality of the music composed by Yamaoka and its seamless integration into the gameplay experience. Nintendo Life highlighted the excellent music by Yamaoka, specifically mentioning the flawless scores that enhanced the Mexican-themed setting with Spanish guitars and banda. The collective praise from the critics underscores the exceptional quality of the Sound Design and Music in Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered, making it a key highlight of the game that significantly contributes to its overall appeal.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics unanimously praised the haunting sound design and music in Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered, with standout features including the eerie soundtrack by Akira Yamaoka and polished sound effects. The lack of negative feedback from critics highlights the high level of consistency in their positive reception. Overall, the game's audio elements have been hailed as exceptional, enhancing the gameplay experience and contributing significantly to its appeal.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

17%

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

The voice acting in Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered has received a mix of positive feedback from critics. CGMagazine appreciated the clearer voice acting in the remaster, stating that it breathed new life into the quirky dialogue. TheXboxHub also praised the voice acting, mentioning the amusing banter between Garcia and Johnson filled with sexual innuendo, which provided an entertaining experience. Hobby Consolas highlighted the voice acting for the demon companion Johnson, noting that it added sarcasm, wisdom, and fear to the characters, enhancing the overall engagement with the story. The SixthAxis commended the original voice acting for delivering lines with enthusiasm and fun, contributing to the enjoyment of the game. On the flip side, GLHF on Sports Illustrated pointed out the limited barks for the protagonist, which became repetitive over time. Nintendo Life also mentioned some clunky dialogue despite acknowledging that the voice acting, especially for Garcia Hotspur and Johnson, added humor and charm to the game. CGMagazine noted that while the voice acting brought new life to the dialogue, some humor may come off as cringe-worthy, indicating a potential inconsistency in the delivery of comedic elements. Overall, the general consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered plays a significant role in enhancing the game experience. Positive aspects such as the engaging performances of characters like Johnson, the enthusiasm in line delivery, and the amusing banter between key characters were highlighted. However, there were some concerns raised about repetitive barks for the protagonist and occasional cringe-worthy humor. Despite these minor drawbacks, the majority of critics found the voice acting to be a strong suit of the game, contributing to its overall charm and entertainment value.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics are divided on the voice acting in Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered. While some praise the engaging performances and amusing banter, others criticize repetitive barks and cringe-worthy humor. Overall, the voice acting adds charm and enhances the game experience, making it a standout feature for most reviewers.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

58%

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

In terms of technical performance on the PS5, critics like Meristation and Vandal noted positive aspects such as smooth gameplay at 4K 60 FPS and improved stability in frame rates. These improvements showcase a good technical performance for Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered on the PS5 platform. However, several critics, including MeuPlayStation and Hobby Consolas, highlighted various issues affecting the technical performance on the PS5. These included significant FPS drops, stuttering, visual glitches, lack of usable save systems, unskippable cutscenes, and problems with autosave functionality. These technical shortcomings impacted the overall gameplay experience negatively, indicating room for improvement in optimizing the game for the PS5 platform. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests a mixed reception regarding the technical performance of Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered across different gaming platforms. While some critics like GameSpew appreciated the overall performance improvements in the remastered version, others, such as Multiplayer.it and SpazioGames, criticized the lackluster technical performance, outdated gameplay mechanics, and control issues. The varying opinions indicate a need for further optimization and enhancements to address technical issues and provide a more consistent and enjoyable gaming experience across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praise PS5 performance of Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered for smooth 4K 60 FPS gameplay, but slam it for FPS drops, visual glitches, and other technical issues. Mixed reviews reflect the need for improvements to optimize the game for a better gaming experience on all platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

13%

Mixed (50-79)

88%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of positives, several critics highlighted the addition of a New Game+ mode and extra costumes as enhancing the replay value of Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered. Critics like Hobby Consolas and Vandal appreciated these features, which provide players with the opportunity to revisit the game with new content and experiences. The ability to carry upgrades into successive playthroughs, as noted by PlayStation Universe, was also seen as a significant improvement that adds depth to the replayability of the game. Additionally, the reduced price point, as mentioned by Meristation, was seen as a positive aspect that may attract players looking for a more affordable gaming experience. On the negative side, some critics pointed out limitations that may impact the game's replay value. CGMagazine noted that the remaster lacks significant new content or gameplay features, potentially restricting its appeal to those already familiar with the original game. MeuPlayStation highlighted quality of life issues and the inability to change difficulty settings from the first playthrough, which could detract from the overall replayability of the game. The linear nature of the game, as mentioned by Hobby Consolas, was also seen as a potential drawback that may limit long-term engagement for players seeking more varied experiences. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive side regarding the replay value of Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered. The addition of a New Game+ mode, special costumes, and the opportunity to carry upgrades over playthroughs were generally well-received features that enhance the replayability of the game. While some critics highlighted limitations such as lack of significant new content or gameplay features, as noted by CGMagazine, and quality of life issues, as mentioned by MeuPlayStation, the overall sentiment suggests that the remaster offers enough incentives for players to revisit the adventure and enjoy a fresh experience with added features.

TL;DR

replay value

Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered received praise for its New Game+ mode, extra costumes, and upgrade carry-over, boosting replay value. Critics noted the lower price point as a plus. However, some mentioned limitations like lack of new content and difficulty setting change restrictions. Overall, reviewers lean towards the positive side, highlighting the game's enhancements for replayability despite some drawbacks.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

36%

Mixed (50-79)

61%

Negative (0-49)

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

The critics generally appreciate Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered for its unique charm, engaging story, and entertaining gameplay. Meristation praises the game for its improved visuals, stable performance, and reduced price, making it a recommended experience for both newcomers and fans of the original game. TheSixthAxis also highlights the game's B-movie narrative, distinctive visual design, and fun voice acting, which contribute to an enjoyable experience for those who appreciate its campy and over-the-top style. Additionally, Hobby Consolas commends the imaginative gameplay and competitive price point, suggesting that despite the lackluster remaster quality, the game is still worth revisiting from the previous console generation. On the downside, several critics point out technical issues and lack of significant enhancements in Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered. MeuPlayStation mentions FPS drops, lack of improvements, and absence of language support as potential drawbacks that may overshadow the fun and charm of the game. SpazioGames criticizes the outdated gameplay mechanics and technical issues, stating that these aspects overshadow the positive elements like music and humor, leading to an unsatisfactory overall experience compared to modern standards. Furthermore, GameSpew acknowledges minor issues in gameplay and technical performance, indicating that while the game is engaging, there are still areas that could have been improved upon. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered is mixed. While some reviewers like Meristation and TheSixthAxis appreciate the game's unique style, engaging narrative, and fun gameplay, others such as SpazioGames and MeuPlayStation point out technical shortcomings and lack of significant enhancements that may impact the overall experience. The general sentiment leans towards the game being a nostalgic trip for fans of the original, offering an enjoyable but imperfect experience that may not fully meet contemporary standards. Despite its flaws, Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered seems to have its merits, particularly for those who enjoy its quirky humor and over-the-top action.

TL;DR

Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered receives mixed reviews for its unique charm, engaging story, and entertaining gameplay. Critics highlight improved visuals and fun voice acting but criticize technical issues and lack of significant enhancements. While some appreciate its campy style, others find it lacking compared to modern standards. Overall, it offers a nostalgic trip for fans of the original with enjoyable but imperfect gameplay.

CRITIK

Reviews

62 reviews found

Meristation

PlayStation 5

Oct 25, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered is praised for its honest approach, improved visuals, stable performance, and reduced launch price. It is recommended for newcomers and fans of the original game, although returning players may find fewer incentives. The game is described as fun, engaging, and well-crafted.

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TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Oct 29, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered offers a mature-themed shooter experience that is consistently enjoyable, with satisfying gameplay elements and engaging audio design.

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TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 5

Oct 30, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered retains its unique charm with its B-movie narrative, distinctive visual design, and fun voice acting. Despite some dated gameplay elements, the game offers an enjoyable experience for those who appreciate its campy and over-the-top style.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Oct 28, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered offers little improvement over the original game, but it remains a good time with its mix of humor and serious moments. Limited optimization for the PS5 is evident, but the game is still enjoyable, especially at the price of $25.

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GameSpew

PlayStation 5

Oct 28, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered is a unique and engaging experience, especially for fans of irreverent humor and over-the-top action, despite some minor issues in gameplay and technical performance.

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Hobby Consolas

PlayStation 5

Oct 25, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite the lackluster remaster quality, Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered is recommended for its imaginative gameplay, entertaining story, and competitive price point. It is a unique experience worth revisiting from the PS3 and Xbox 360 era.

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Vandal

PlayStation 5

Nov 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered is described as a new generation port of the original game, offering graphical improvements but lacking significant additions. It maintains its humor and unique style, making it a good opportunity to experience or revisit the adventure of García Hotspur and Johnson.

Multiplayer.it

PlayStation 5

Oct 25, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered retains the unique charm of the original game but falls short in technical enhancements and gameplay refinements. Despite its flaws, it delivers a rock and unapologetic experience at an accessible price point.

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GamingBolt

Xbox Series X

Nov 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered is a blast from the past with bombastic action and lean design. While the writing and humor may feel dated, the enjoyable combat and simple design make it worth revisiting for fans of the original or newcomers.

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CGMagazine

PlayStation 5

Oct 25, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered offers a nostalgic trip for fans but may not fully hold up to contemporary standards, feeling more like a game made in 2011 with visual and audio upgrades.

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