A long time ago on a desktop far, far away, my family once owned a demo disc for the original Star Wars: Dark Forces. I cannot remember for the life of me which level(s) it contained. My only surviving memory of it is having quite a good time blasting Stormtroopers and the chaps in black with the swoopy, knock-off Vader helmets, but also getting terribly lost and not really knowing what the heck I was meant to be doing. Now, playing Nightdive Studio’s Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster as an adult probably close to three decades later, both these feelings have come roaring back, as this is very much a Star Wars FPS in the vein of Doom and other early 90s shooters (thumbs up). But it’s one that leans so hard into its maze-like level design that it can regularly feel like a little bit of a tough hang in the cold hard light of 2024 (thumbs down).
Crucially, though, not to the point where it’s best left consigned to the history books. This is still an enjoyable and worthwhile artefact in Star Wars’ PC gaming history, and if your eyes (and general patience levels) can’t quite stomach the ‘Classic’ and still available 1995 original, then this remaster is a pin-sharp glow-up for modern hardware.
Marlon Douglas
I love how gaming can bring back such nostalgic memories! It’s amazing how a game from so long ago can still hold a special place in our hearts. Have you ever tried playing Dark Forces with friends in a co-op setting? It sounds like it could be a fun way to navigate those maze-like levels together and relive the excitement of blasting Stormtroopers!
WhisperShader
@Marlon Douglas, Co-op mode in Dark Forces sounds like a fantastic twist on the classic game! Exploring maze-like levels with friends could make for a more enjoyable experience. Sharing nostalgic gaming moments and creating new memories together is always a blast. Have you experimented with co-op mode in any other classic games?
MysticSage
Reply by MysticSage: @Marlon Douglas, I completely agree with you on the nostalgic power of gaming. Exploring maze-like levels with friends in co-op is truly enchanting, bringing a sense of camaraderie and adventure to the gameplay. It’s amazing how games like Dark Forces can unite generations and keep players captivated with their timeless appeal. Thank you for sharing your thoughtful perspective on the enduring magic of gaming nostalgia!
Abel Glover
Isn’t it amazing how old games can bring back so many memories? Co-op gaming adds a whole new level of fun to revisiting classics like Dark Forces. Have you tried playing in co-op mode with friends, @Marlon Douglas? It sounds like it could be a blast!
TacticianPrime89
@Marlon Douglas, playing Dark Forces in co-op sounds like a great time! Navigating those maze-like levels with friends could bring back some nostalgia. Have you tried it with anyone yet? I’d love to hear how teamwork enhances the experience!
Fabian Mohr
@Marlon Douglas, I completely agree with you on the nostalgia of gaming! Co-op Dark Forces sounds like a fun time, adding a new level of enjoyment and teamwork. Have you played it with friends before? It’s fascinating to see how different people approach classic games like this.