Flashback™

The very definition of a good old game. GOG should make it its banner.

This is the best example of how to update an old classic I've seen yet. All the updates have done is shine the game up a little and make it playable on modern systems while leaving the original game and what made it great intact. Another important touch is the ability to selectively disable the enhancements to play it the way you want. My only issue is that selecting the 8 bit sounds option didn't make the game sound exactly the same as running through Dosbox, which was a little disappointing as I would've prefered using them. Special mention for the CRT filter though as it's more important than people realise to recreating the look of a game designed for CRT screens as they had a natural blending/antialiasing effect that leaving old school graphics looking a little worse without it.

I have been a fan of this title since the 16 bit era. I played it on SNES, Genesis, The remake on Xbox 360, the Switch release (Which is the same one here), this version. This version of the classic does make the game a LOT easier, but that isn't a bad thing. I have already beaten the title in some capacity over the last 30 years, so I know I am not missing anything when I just want to relive that amazing story. Controls are perfect, the visuals can be adjusted to your personal tastes, there is two version of the game audio (a familiar chip tune classic style, and a more modern version), among a few other quality of life alterations. The only shame about this game is the same issue from all the way back when it was first released...the sequel was a flop. How about a remaster of Fade to Back with some sort of real ended to whomever has the IP now?

This game is just overflowing with bugs: items sometimes don't work which stops your progression completely (i had to replay the level to make the job permission card work). Combat is broken, it's really hard to predict when the game decides that you hit something, sometimes you miss 10 shots in a row, then die from backfire, sometimes you can get past enemies, because the same problem occurs to them. Stage hazards won't hit you most of the time, you can sometimes even walk over electrified floor without taking any damage. This looks like a really good game, but it needs some intense bug fixing. I really enjoyed "another world" so i would suggest getting that instead.

.... to make a great game even better. You want a vanilla experience - here you go! You want a closer to the modern standards game - give it a try! On a personal side - I've noticed I keep playing the same games I've played back in 90's, and have a problem with enjoying these I didn't had a chance to play back then. You have to have it in your veins to get back to these old games - otherwise it becomes a chore. Thus 5/5 for "modernization" of this beautiful gem.