One of the earliest articles this author ever wrote for Push Square was about Computer Artworks’ terrifying 2002 horror shooter, The Thing. A decade later, Nightdive Studios has worked its magic on a remaster, breathing new life into this rough-around-the-edges gem.
Being a direct continuation of the greatest horror movie of all time is not easy, so it’s admirable that CA crafted something that feels faithful to the film, even if the story goes in some uneven, enjoyably insane directions. Atmosphere is equally important, though, and The Thing Remastered has an impressively oppressive one. This was true back in 2002, but the glow-up that Nightdive has given the game is special, even if it still feels very much “of its time”.
Lighting is completely overhauled, textures have been massively upgraded, and a number of mechanics have been tweaked. The trust and infection systems remain, but they work more organically than in 2002. Much of the previously exposed artifice is more convincingly covered up. The trust system required you to take care of your squad mates with weapons and items, otherwise they would stop following your commands, while the infection system mirrors that scene from the movie, checking squad members’ — or your own — blood for infection, thereby outing the foreign invader hiding beneath the skin. Originally, the scripting on these events felt far too contrived, but now outside of a few moments, it feels much more natural.
Aiming also receives some tweaks, though this only goes so far. Firing felt poor in 2002, and it does so again in the remaster. However, at least the actual process of aiming feels smoother than it used to, with the first-person mode in particular feeling much better.
Nightdive has greatly improved on a lost gem from the turn of the century, with a massive visual overhaul that further enhances on an impeccable atmosphere, even if aiming still underwhelms.