PowerSlave Exhumed

Well, they've done it again. I've been a fan of the PC Powerslave since the 90s, and had no idea the console version was any different until this remake was announced. Lo and behold, not only is it different, it's actually better! There was just never a comfortable way to play it until now. Nightdive has done an amazing job updating this one for modern systems. It has tons of QoL/comfort options, and it runs/looks fantastic. Keyboard and mouse controls work like a dream, and the controller support is surprisingly good too. It's quite well optimized, rock-solid stable so far, and I can't believe I get to experience a new-to-me version of one of my favorite 90s shooters, brought forward with tasteful modern sensibilities. You rule, Nightdive!

Back in 1996, Powerslave (or Exhumed, as it was called in Europe) was released for the Saturn, Playstation, and PC. Though all versions shared the general plot, assets, and the excellent music, the PC version ran on the trusty Build engine, whereas the console versions used Lobotomy Software's own Slavedriver engine. In addition, the gameplay was quite different: The PC version has its focus on shooting and key hunting, whereas the console versions are mostly about platforming, along with some light Metroidvania elements. Powerslave Exhumed is essentially a port of the console versions, which are commonly regarded as superior to the PC version. Having played the PC version in a source port, I strongly disagree with this notion. At its core, Powerslave Exhumed is a console game, and this can be felt at all times. For instance, the player hitbox is incredibly large, making it needlessly difficult to dodge shots. In addition, the shooting is very basic, and the enemies pose little to no threat. There aren't even proper ammo pickups, instead the enemies drop weapon orbs which are applied to whatever weapon is currently equipped, which can be annoying if one accidently picks up orbs for the wrong gun. The challenge mostly comes from navigating the levels, which includes heavy platforming and dodging environmental hazards such as traps or lava. This is where the metroidvania elements come in: Some parts only become accessible once you have received a certain item, requiring one to revisit earlier levels. Since all the doors and enemies reset, this mostly serves to pad the play time, which is seriously short regardless. While the movement can be fun, everything else just feels incredibly basic compared to the PC version, which has much larger and more complex levels, way better shooting, and unique ammo for each gun. Nightdive did an excellent job with this version, but given the choice, I'd take the original PC version over this one any day of the week.

A bit of history on this game... there are two main versions of it (both available in GOG): The original PC (Powerslave) and console (Poweslave Exhumed) versions, both share some graphical assets but are completely different games. This one is an enhanced port of the console version, which was originally released for the Playstation and Saturn consoles. It combines the best elements of each specific console version and mix them together to make it the "definitive" edition, and in fact it delivers. As already mentioned, the PC and Console versions are totally different games, the key differences being: 1- The PC original was made using the Build engine (used in games like Duke Nukem 3D, Shadow Warrior, Blood, etc.). While the console version was made using a proprietary engine called Slavedriver, aimed at the limitations of game consoles at the time. 2-The PC original has linear levels, you finish them one by one until the end. The console version is geared towards exploration and requires you to go back and forth between levels to access new areas that will send you to new levels. 3-Powerups on PC version are temporary buffs to aid you through the levels (same as any FPS at the time), on the console version, powerups are permanent upgrades and your character basically earns new abilities to access new areas in previous levels to progress (more like an RPG in which you level up your character). Both versions has its pros and cons, my favorite being the console one. In my opinion this is a must have game even to the ones who never heard of it because of it's unique Egyptian theme. Really, there are almost no games based on ancient Egypt (maybe some levels, but never a full game based on it).

The title of the review says it all. This is one hell of a high effort port, possibly one of Nightdive's most.