After successfully bringing back Shadow Man, Doom 64, Quake, Forsaken and more, Nightdive Studios has brought the classic Egyptian Themed FPS Powerslave, aka Exhumed to modern platforms. This release entitled Powerslave: Exhumed is based not on the original PC game like some of the studio’s other games, but rather the console version. This is because the Sega Saturn and PlayStation versions were radically different from the PC game and were instead an early example of a 3D Metroidvania well before Metroid Prime was released.
The Sega Saturn version was slightly different from the PlayStation version in that both had different stage layouts, but Nightdive managed to combine the layouts of both versions for this release to create the best of both versions. Powerslave: Exhumed is a game that was far ahead of its time, and that is both a good thing and a bad thing in terms of how the game has aged. Nightdive improved many things here, such as a higher resolution with the option for a classic filter, multiple menus for customization, and new control inputs as well.
The new control inputs can be a bit of an issue on the Switch, especially with the addition of gyro aiming. Most of Nightdive’s ports to Switch have excellent use of gyro controls, but the gyro feels a bit too strong here, and can often get in the way of the game. A good suggestion is to just switch to stick controls unless gyro aiming is an absolute must for you.
Powerslave: Exhumed is a well-thought-out game based on what was originally a Doom clone and has a unique aspect to the weapons. Ammunition is handled via blue orbs and the orbs will add ammo to whatever gun is being used, so switching weapons to stock up on ammunition is a lot easier here. The gunplay is also handled well and it is easy to get the hang of the combat very quickly as it all feels natural.
While the game is a Metroidvania, it does have separate stages that must be selected on a world map. The hook of the game though is that finding new powerups and items will let you explore previously inaccessible areas in earlier levels and reach new areas and enemies. It is very different from how a game like Metroid Prime handled it, but for the time this was actually revolutionary.
Where the game falls short is some of the enemies present and some of the level design choices. Some enemies can be a bit overwhelming in the early parts of the game, particularly before more weapons are obtained, and some design choices make the addition of platforming elements a bit awkward to get used to.
Still, the overall product is excellent, with well-done combat, decent exploration, and other areas of the game having better platforming sections, particularly after power-ups are obtained. There is no slowdown in this port or screen tearing, and the framerate is consistent. Nightdive took a well-made game and helped polish and perfect it even more which is commendable.
Powerslave: Exhumed was a true step forward for gaming. While some of the platforming has not aged well due to the constraints of the ’90 fps game design, most of the game still is an excellent experience. This is one definitely worth checking out, especially to see an example of how a classic is brought back.
Disclaimer: A review key was provided
Reviewed on Nintendo Switch
Also available On Xbox, PlayStation 4/5 and PC
Images were taken from Nintendo.co.uk