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I'm getting a good feeling from these tentacles

I'm getting a good feeling from these tentacles

Vote: (2 votes)

Program license: Paid

Developer: Double Fine

Works under: Windows

Also available for Mac

Vote:

Program license

(2 votes)

Paid

Developer

Double Fine

Works under:

Also available for

Windows

Mac

Pros

  • Reimagined graphics that stay true to the original art style
  • Remastered audio with high-quality voice acting and music
  • Time-travel puzzles that are as challenging and entertaining as ever
  • Developer commentary that offers additional insights
  • Updated controls make for a smoother gaming experience

Cons

  • Some gameplay mechanics can feel a bit dated

Revisiting a Point-and-Click Masterpiece

Day of the Tentacle Remastered breathes new life into the beloved 1993 LucasArts adventure game with a polished makeover that ensures its quirky charm and challenging puzzles can be appreciated by a contemporary audience. This modern overhaul is spearheaded by Double Fine Productions, led by none other than one of the original creators, Tim Schafer.

Time-Traveling Trio on a Mission

Players are reintroduced to the motley crew of Bernard, Hoagie, and Laverne, each stranded in different time periods due to a malfunctioning time machine created by the kooky Dr. Fred Edison. The objective is clear but far from simple: prevent the diabolical Purple Tentacle from taking over the world. The game employs its distinctive time-travel mechanic to ingeniously link actions across the ages. Solutions to puzzles often involve altering the past to affect the future, leading to enjoyable “aha!” moments that are rewarding and clever.

For example, the game immediately thrusts you into its zany logic when you must free Laverne, who's ensnared atop a tree in the future. Ingeniously, helping Hoagie persuade George Washington to fell the tree in its infancy not only solves the immediate problem but also demonstrates the game's playful interaction with historical absurdity.

Dedication to Detail

The remaster is a testament to the dedication of the development team. The graphics are beautifully reimagined, using the original artists’ sketches to inform the upgraded versions while preserving the game’s signature cartoon aesthetic. Auditory enhancements also shine, with the voice work and music meticulously remastered from the original recordings. The game’s soundtrack complements the action perfectly, enhancing the overall feel of the experience without overshadowing the witty dialogue and sight gags that the game is known for.

The inclusion of a developer commentary track offers a fascinating peek behind the curtain, appealing to fans interested in the creative process as well as those curious about how a game like this is brought into the modern era with the technology that wasn't available during its inception.

Classic Gameplay with Modern Finesse

While the remaster respects its roots, featuring the familiar menu-based, point-and-click gameplay that defined an era, it also acknowledges that some mechanics can feel slightly outdated. Even so, the challenge and charm of the game's puzzles have not dulled with time. The updated controls improve user experience, making the game more accessible to players who may not have the patience for 90’s-era interface quirks.

The real star is the game’s writing, a razor-sharp narrative that effortlessly weds smart humor with outlandish scenarios. The dialogue remains as witty and relevant as ever, delivering laughter alongside challenge and making the game as much a comedic tour de force as a puzzle adventure.

Verdict

Day of the Tentacle Remastered is an example of how to do a video game remaster right. It preserves the spirit and ingenuity of the original while presenting it in a package that feels fresh and visually appealing. It's a true classic that has not only been restored but, in many ways, has been enhanced for a new generation, as well as for veterans eager to revisit a cherished adventure in a new light.

Pros

  • Reimagined graphics that stay true to the original art style
  • Remastered audio with high-quality voice acting and music
  • Time-travel puzzles that are as challenging and entertaining as ever
  • Developer commentary that offers additional insights
  • Updated controls make for a smoother gaming experience

Cons

  • Some gameplay mechanics can feel a bit dated