Nightdive studios have an uncanny gift for Exhuming classic games and breathing new life into them.
Clearly on a roll after bringing back Shadowman last month, Nightdive is back with a remaster of arguably one of the best console FPS of the 90’s that no bugger played. Exhumed (or Powerslave in the US). An ancient aliens/ Egyptian themed doom clone that arguably laid the foundations for Metroid Prime.
Powerslave Exhumed finally gives more people a chance to play this incredible game. (Without paying the obscene prices the original console versions go for.)
What’s interesting to note is that the original versions of (Powerslave) Exhumed on the PSOne, Saturn, and PC were all very different games. It’s generally agreed that the Saturn version was by far the best of the bunch. Closely followed by the PSOne version that compromised some of the level geometry and design. Finally, there was the PC version. This removed the Metroidvania elements of the console versions and was a completely linear shooter (but had better quality assets).
This makes what Nightdive have created in Powerslave Exhumed all the more exciting. Rather than remake one version of the game, Nightdive has instead used the best parts of each previous version to create what is by far the definitive edition of the game.
It’s a slick package too. The visuals have been upgraded far past what they looked like originally (1080p on Switch, 4k on everything else). It maintains a solid 60fps, and, best of all, has modern twin-stick controls.
Being a Nightdive remaster, you can also modify every element of it. From lighting and pixel size to button inputs and FOV, even on consoles. (More devs need to do this with every game as a matter of course, and I cannot shout this from the hills enough.)
From the screens, you might think it’s a bit of a romp, and it is, but it’s also got one of the most fucked up backstories to a game ever. You take on the role of a lone survivor of a group of commandos sent in to stop an alien invasion. These ancient Egyptian aliens have landed in Egypt, enslaved all the men they could find, then tortured and killed all the women and children. By mummifying them alive (for shits and giggles, no less). Ten year old me was creeped out by this, and decades later, the thought still makes my skin crawl.
On the surface, at least, Powerslave Exhumed is an Egyptian themed Doom clone. Except, instead of battling demons, you’re fighting Jackel-headed aliens and giant bugs.
There’s a great selection of weapons too. These include your trusty scimitar, machine guns and pistols, and some mystical weapons. In a nice twist, all your weapons, both conventional, and not so much, are powered by mana. This subtle change makes combat a little more open-ended and gives you the flexibility to use whatever weapons you want, whenever you want.
The combat is an absolute blast and mowing down waves of monsters never fails to feel incredibly satisfying. While the improved controls make moving around the environment feel better than ever.
But the best thing about Poweslave Exhumed is its structure. It’s essentially Metroid Prime six years before Prime came out. But, while it’s split into stages, linked together by a gorgeous world map, you will play each level multiple times, as you gather new weapons and abilities. Like a Metroidvania, these allow you to do all sorts like breathing underwater, jumping higher, and walking on hazardous terrain. Certain weapons, like bombs, can also be used to open up new areas, help you find keys, and uncover other secrets throughout each expansive stage.
In short, If you have fond memories of (Powerslave) Exhumed you are in for a real treat. If you have even a passing fondness for old school shooters, hell, shooters of any stripe, you need to play Powerslave Exhumed.
If you like ancient aliens theories or Egyptian mythology – play Powerslave Exhumed.
Just go and play Powerslave Exhumed. Why are you still here?