Nostalgic Gameplay Meets Frustrating Checkpoints

Remember the 3DO? No? Well, don't worry, because Nightdive Studios certainly does. They've taken this obscure 1995 exclusive and given it the full spa treatment, complete with a fresh coat of paint and complimentary cucumber water. The result? A shooter that's both a nostalgic trip with a surprisingly fresh experience.

Welcome to the Party, Pal

The story wont win ant awards, but it goes like this: you're a bright-eyed Egyptology student in the dirty '30s, ready to hit the books. Instead, you find yourself trapped in a mansion owned by a crazy heiress who botched an immortality ritual. Classic Tuesday, am I right? Now you're knee-deep in ghosts, ghouls, and enough supernatural nonsense to make The Exorcist jealous.

FMV Craze That Never Quit

Before 3D graphics took center stage, many early 32-bit games were all about one standout feature: Full Motion Video, or FMV—the dazzling diva of the 90s gaming scene. Developers went absolutely bonkers cramming as much live-action footage as they could into games. 

Killing Time: Resurrected is like a time capsule from that era when every game developer thought they were the next Spielberg. It's cheesy, it's over-the-top, but still abundantly fun. Nightdive Studios has preserved these FMV sequences, allowing us to relive that moment when developers desperately wanted their creations to be more movie-like than games.

3DO Nostalgia with Modern Flair

The original Killing Time was a 3DO exclusive, which explains a lot about its design choices. Nightdive has done a good job of maintaining the game's 3DO roots while sprucing it up for modern hardware. They've added twin-stick controls and gyro aiming—features that 3DO owners could only dream of back in the day. It's like playing a piece of gaming history that's been given a new lease on life.

The exploration-heavy gameplay feels distinctly 90s, with its maze-like levels and key-hunting puzzles. But now you can actually look up and down without feeling like you're piloting a forklift. It's the best of both worlds—classic gameplay with quality-of-life improvements that make it actually enjoyable to play in 2024.

A Treasure Hunt with Guns

Killing Time: Resurrected is all about exploration. There's no hand-holding here, folks. You're dropped into this haunted estate and left to your own devices. It's like an escape room but with more shotguns and significantly higher stakes.

It's clear that the developers have a soft spot for wacky shooters. They've not only polished up the original game but also added in cut content that never made it to the 3DO version. It's like finding the director's cut of your favorite cult movie, complete with commentary track and bloopers reel.

From a nostalgia point of view, the game is a delightful oddity that's been given a new lease on life. Is it perfect? Nah. Is it fun? I think so since I am a big 3DO fan. So if you're in the mood for a blast from the past with a side of, well, absurdity, give it a shot. Just remember to RSVP before entering the mansion—those 1930s spirits are sticklers for etiquette. 

Pros:

• Nostalgic FMV Cutscenes: Fun, cheesy, and reminiscent of 90s gaming.
• Modern Controls: Twin-stick controls and gyro aiming make for a smoother experience.
• Exploration Focus: Engaging level design encourages thorough exploration.
• Added Content: Includes previously cut content for an expanded experience.
• Unique Storyline: A quirky plot filled with supernatural shenanigans.

Cons:

• Old-School Gameplay: May feel dated compared to modern shooters.
• Pacing Issues: Some players might find exploration slow or tedious.
• Graphics Limitations: While polished, it still retains some retro visuals that may not appeal to everyone.
• Niche Appeal: The odd premise may not resonate with all gamers.
• Checkpoint System: Dying takes you back to the last checkpoint, not save point, which can be frustrating as you'll have to redo progress.
• Limited New Features: May not bring enough 'new' features to justify the price for some players.
• Backtracking: Color-coded key system leads to excessive backtracking, especially in later stages.