Killing Time: Resurrected Review

Initial release date: October 17, 2024

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S

Developers: Nightdive Studios, The 3DO Company, Studio 3DO

Engine: KEX Engine

Genre: Shooter game

Publishers: Ziggurat, Nightdive Studios

If I were a cynic, I would suppose that new game ideas are getting scarce. It appears like every other release is a remake of a classic. on fact, the developers of today’s review, Nightdive Studios, appear to specialise on nothing else!

They collaborated with 3DO and Ziggurat Interactive to create Killing Time: Resurrected, a fresh version of the classic game. The original was a noteworthy title for the 3DO platform in the 1990s, dating back to 1996. This recreation promises to contain opponents and weaponry from both the 3DO and PC versions, which appear to differ. The dilemma is if a game released nearly 30 years ago can still excite us today, or if we should go for a more modern experience.

Killing Time Resurrected: Shooting Madness

The storyline in games used to be much better. Killing Time is not an exception. We are taken to the 1930s and an island cloaked in mystery. We play as an Egyptology student sent to assist Tess Conway, an heiress, in her quest for immortality via a mythical Egyptian water clock. As expected, something goes wrong, the experiment fails, and Tess and her high-society acquaintances vanish, leaving us the only survivors.

To make matters worse, everyone else has been turned into ghosts, zombies, or driven insane. We are left to fight our way through the island, unraveling the riddle and finding a solution. The plot is unexpectedly intriguing, with a hint of dark comedy.

The presentation is an intriguing blend of old and new. The island itself has a slightly pixelated appearance, which is characteristic of its era. However, it’s the foes that make things interesting. Many are portrayed in full-motion video (FMV), which produces an unsettling effect as you shoot them. The sprites are likewise paper-thin, with no 3D depth when viewed from the side, much like Paper Mario’s adversaries. While this offers a distinct visual style, the island’s population of seemingly identical twins (all foes of the same type appear identical) can be irritating.

Dive in, however, and you’ll discover that the settings are non-linear, giving you complete freedom of exploration. Certain parts are secured by conventional colored key doors, however a detailed map will help you travel the island. Additionally, you can switch between the original 3DO visuals and the updated PC version. I enjoyed the classic pictures, with their delicious clunkiness and cheesy charm, but for a horror game, the graphics are more amusing than terrifying.

Freedom to Explore

The sound design is also decent, with good voice acting from the originals and passable gun sounds. However, the music is a mixed bag, with good ambient themes and jarring synth-heavy compositions.

The gameplay consists of exploration, rudimentary problem solving, and shooting anything that moves. The weapon choices is standard: a handgun, dual pistols, a shotgun, a machine gun, and a seemingly ineffectual flamethrower. A crowbar is your melee weapon, and with limited ammunition, you’ll frequently rely on it to survive. The shooting mechanics are functional, but they lack impact, as does the damage feedback. There is no sense of impending danger, as in games like Doom, and the quantity of health packs reduces the menace.

Exploration is essential for uncovering the tale of Killing Time: Resurrected, which is conveyed through FMV cutscenes. You’ll also uncover useful objects like keys for locked doors. For example, you’ll need a red key for a red door, as well as an invitation to the story’s central home. The island is enormous and has smooth transitions between places, with just minimal delays when you enter new zones, which is outstanding for a game from its time.

A competent remake of a classic.

In conclusion, Killing Time: Resurrected is a solid remake of a classic game. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the original, the plot is compelling, and the gameplay provides enough of exploring and puzzle-solving opportunities. The FMV foes are inadvertently humorous, and the gunplay loses some punch, but the entire experience is delightful.

If you’re seeking for a nostalgic blast from the past, Killing Time: Resurrected might be worth your time.

Review Overview

Gameplay: 82%

Controls: 80%

Aesthetics: 85%

Content: 78%

Accessibility: 77%

Value: 81%

Overall: 80%

GOOD!

Summary:

“Killing Time: Resurrected” revives the original horror FPS experience with improved graphics and atmospheric intensity. The gameplay sticks to its basic foundations, combining creepy exploration with exhilarating encounters. While the controls may appear archaic, the game captures a sense of nostalgia with modern additions that accentuate the spooky surroundings. Content-wise, it relies largely on the original format, which may feel repetitious to some, but it’s a gratifying plunge for retro horror lovers eager to revisit or discover this cult masterpiece.