Trust Issues
The Thing is one of the all-time classic horror movies. It still holds up to this day. Back in 2002, someone got the idea to make this into a video game, which is still amazing that someone approved it. It wasn’t a shooter for the most part. Instead, developer Computer Artworks took on the daunting task of converting the concepts of the film into interactive entertainment. It was a beautifully flawed experience that has resonated with me for two decades. Now 22 years later the masters of remasters Nightdive Studios is bringing back this cult classic with some upgrades and quality of life features that go a long way to creating the experience intended by the original developers. There is not much quite like The Thing, even all these years later.
The story of The Thing takes place directly after the events of the movie. Players take on the role of Captain Blake of the US Special Forces, who is about as generic as his name implies. He is sent to Outpost 31 to investigate what happened and of course grab intel to weaponize alien technology. The story is pretty predictable at best and cliche at worst, but it manages to move the action along. The voice performances are straight out of 2002, which is both fun and terrible at the same time.
MSRP: $29.99
Platforms: Xbox (reviewed), PlayStation, PC
Price I’d Pay: $29.99
This being a Nightdive remaster, all the bells and whistles are here. They have taken the original game, spruced it up with slick visual overhauls complete with 4K resolution and a framerate that is rocking 120fps on the big boy consoles. The game looks and feels great to play. The somber environment is brought to life even more now with updated textures and everything just looks how I remember it. There are even new animations and environmental effects. They really did take the time to touch up this game as only Nightdive can do. You can tell the developers are big fans of the original game.
The Thing is a tale of two games. The core concept is interesting in that it takes place directly after the first game and plays on what made that classic movie so good. It is built on a trust system. This is a squad-based game where your squad have their own trust issues. Your squad will question you and not do as you ask unless you earn their trust by giving them things like weapons and health packs. It is a novel concept that plays into the strengths of the movies. The menu system is still a bit clunky for performing actions and commanding your squad, but it really adds to the tension.
This is the core of the title in the first few hours. Players move from area to area solving puzzles and discovering what happened, and then it changes gears. The latter half of the game devolves into a standard horror shooter with some not-so-great shooting mechanics. Give Nightdive credit, they made this portion of the game better, but it still feels off when compared to the opening action. I still love the game and appreciate the story it tells around the Carpenter classic; I just wish it kept the same momentum it presents in the first few hours throughout.
I loved this game when it was released back in the day, and I still love it today. I do wish it stuck to its initial concept throughout the entire experience, but what is here is still tense and well executed here. Pair that with the excellent updates that Nightdive is known for, and this is a game I can wholeheartedly recommend. I really appreciate the mantra of Nightdive as they continue to remaster classics from a different time, and not just the well-known ones. The Thing is an encapsulation of gaming during the PS2 era, and I am all here for it.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
