Grim Fandango Remastered Review

Developer Double Fine

Publisher Double Fine

Platform PS4, PS Vita & PC

Release Date Out Now

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There was a time when games were challenging yet fun. When they had interesting characters, storylines and gameplay ideas that didn’t have to rely on epic cut scenes or explosions  to wow the player. A time when puzzles were actually puzzling, and figuring them out was its own hugely rewarding experience. During this period Lucas Arts were kings.

Tim Schafer’s instantly recognizable animation style took over the point and click adventure genre which was the mainstay of the 90’s. Full Throttle, Manic Mansion and Grim Fandango (to name a few) took home multiple awards for innovative gameplay, great story telling and animation, but for most young gamers like myself I just loved the mix of risky humor and the challenge of figuring things out for myself.

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Grim Fandango Remasterd is just that, a re-mastering of the 1998 classic. Double Fine have added some nice touches like an audio commentary from the original development team (this I highly recommend turning on even for new players). They have also done a lot of work improving the sound, graphics and movement. For a game from the 90’s it is still surprisingly good looking. The animation and 3D worlds are timeless and unlike many other games (especially 3D ones) it hasn’t aged horribly. This isn’t just an old timely gamer reminiscing about how things were better in my day, Grim Fandango holds its own in the modern era.

The game is set over four different chapters each of which is set one year apart. Each chapter has its own style and charm with lots of interesting characters and locations to visit throughout the afterlife. You are Manny a travel agent for the department of death (a grim reaper). Your job is to transport recently departed souls to the Ninth Underworld. Those who led a good life are rewarded with upgrades to their travel package, those who did not are often left to wander the Land of the Dead and forced to get a job, these are the majority of the characters you will interact with.

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The game is about 13 hours long, maybe more if you don’t cheat and read the wiki’s! It also offers cross buy cross play features meaning you can play this on PS4 or PS Vita. Both are excellent ports, with the Vita having the ability to use a more traditional point and click interaction via the touch screen.

Overall: Grim Fandango Remasterd is every bit as wonderful as I had remembered, time has for once not left me wrongly nostalgic about 90’s gaming. It looks great, plays great, and reminds me of a better time when games were equal parts rewarding as they were entertaining.

SCORE 4/5

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