Flashback HD review takes us back into a game that was popular for its innovation and now it has been remastered for the Xbox 360 console.
It told us the story of Conrad B. Hart , a hero who had lost his memory and woke in the middle of the jungle of Titan . They would begin to undo the tangle of a plot that threatened all mankind. The story, full of references to films like Blade Runner , The Running Man or Total Recall
Altered Memories
The new version of Flashback arrives to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the original release. For now, only debuts on Xbox Live (at a price of 800 Microsoft Points ) but soon land on PS3 and PC. In addition to this remake, the download includes the original game, which is all a great detail for the nostalgic. Yes, that Flashback 1993 can only play with a framework of recreational (no option to enlarge the screen or to add filters graphics) and no sound section includes music. It will be for some copyright problem, we assume … By the way, we had forgotten how difficult the game doomed.
Consider the remake itself: by and large, the story has remained almost intact. The bad guys are still the same, the motivations and memories are erased from Conrad virtually identical … Now, they have added lines of dialogue during the cut scenes and even during times of exploration and action. Unlike the original, here are digitized voices for all the characters, enemies included. On the other hand, in this new version has more charisma wanted to provide the protagonist, which is still a hero, but now has a more adventurous and mocking tone, to Nathan Drake : loose occasionally jokes.
Of course, the graphics of Flashback has undergone a major facelift. Although development is still 2D, all graphics are polygonal and both the characters and the scenes have a more modern and detailed, without betraying the original title showing. Not that they are graphics to the last, but is grateful for the light effects, characters “filler” in motion and added that populate other mappings. Specifically, the scenario of the Earth is not afraid to look at the aesthetics of Blade Runner.
The animations, ship insginia game are fluid and detailed here, while it is true that certain style effects Havok sometimes play against: legs to be dislodged, falling dead characters so strange … It’s nothing serious, but it gives the feeling that the graphics are not as well finished off as the original.
Control System
The rough control system classic game has also been modified to be more akin to modern times. Now, we can shoot while moving, aim where you want or select the inventory objects more quickly. Based on eliminating or overcoming enemies new side quests, so we get points that we can invest in our resistance, aim or technology.
In addition, a fall from a height or some electric traps us not directly cause a death, but a more or less high loss of energy. It is easy to collect orbs that recover health and points to save the game have been replaced by checkpoints , so the gaming experience is more comfortable. By the way, has also added the ability to attack from behind or from one ledge to the enemies, which is supposed to be effective but ends up being quite cumbersome and erratic.
As for the dynamics of the levels, it has maintained the balance between exploration and platforms from Flashback original, although there’s a bit more action. Nevertheless, we still find several puzzles based on throwing objects or move at the right time. Of course, all the iconic moments of the game of 1993 are still there: the search for work, survival game Death Tower … However, the level design is slightly different and new incentives have been added, as some mini skill or a very short section in which we fly with a bike and have to dodge obstacles.
After all the game length and content with the price of it is right on it. The game is worth buying it and with the enhanements make this arcade game a one to have this summer.