grim fandango remastered graphics problem

One of the perks of the enhanced features is an optional commentary track that can be activated in certain areas.

Overall, it feels less like a complete remaster and more like a re-release. The controls can be switched between tank controls and camera oriented ones, but vehicles feel counterintuitive as do some other moveable objects. The backgrounds are left largely untouched, many of the animations are still very clunky, and everybody still look like their made out of blocks (especially an alligator encountered later on in the game). There’s definitely a difference (models are smoothed over and lighting added), but overall the game still doesn’t look that great. Grim Fandango Remastered allows the player to toggle between the original graphics and the remastered ones. Not quite a femme fatale, but femme nonetheless. It may be the nature of the genre, but the only hints given are the direction in which Manny leans his head detect something that can be interacted with. But alas, I find myself retreading the same environments trying every possible combination and hoping for the best. It’s a largely frustrating experience, and all the more grating when I’d rather be engaging in witty dialogue with Glottis. In certain large areas, such as Rubacava, puzzles and clues are often given out of order, with certain puzzles only solvable once an earlier one has been completed, despite having all the necessary pieces. Entrances to other areas blend in with the backgrounds. Often times, solutions to puzzles utilized game mechanics that I didn’t think were possible within the game. On one hand you have one of the best narratives in video-game history in a world that’s an absolute blast to explore, but on the other hand the gameplay ends up just getting in the way of the story. That’s what split me the most about Grim.

For those not well-versed in the adventure games of yore, Grim Fandango may be impossible to play without referring to walkthroughs online. Gamers nowadays want to be able to breezily run their way through a game. Those Gen X-ers may be ranting from their rocking chairs about kids these days, but nobody wants to have to feed quarters into their gaming machines either. The problem is that the style of gameplay is quite dated. In that regard Grim Fandango is no different. Tricky puzzle games often known for their obtuse solutions. The gameplay is another beast entirely. Grim Fandango is part of the all but forgotten genre of adventure games. The voice-acting is believable and the dialogue is always sharp as a knife. Manny is a lovable character and is perfectly complemented by his hot rod demon sidekick Glottis. I often found myself laughing out loud every couple minutes, and during some dialogue trees, non-stop. The world-building is fully realized and quite funny. Everything on display is brimming with imagination. The game gained praise for good reason: the writing, dialogue, characters, soundtrack, and design is top-notch. One example of unlockable concept art within the game. Player controls Manny as he attempts to work his way to the Ninth Underworld and stop the rampant corruption going on in the land of the dead. Playable on nearly every platform, everybody can experience the tale of Manny Calavera, travel agent for the Department of the Dead (DoD). Finally, Schafer’s Double Fine Productions has brought the game back for a new generation. The game gained cult status, but copies were extremely rare. I was five years old in 1998, so Grim Fandango wasn’t something I was able to play. 17 years later Grim Fandango has resurfaced in a remastered form, complete with developer commentary, enhanced visuals, and concept art. The groundbreaking adventure game cemented Tim Schafer as a video-game writing force to be reckoned with and was one of the first Lucas Arts games to be released with with 3D environments. A little game by the name of Grim Fandango was released as well, from the Lucas Arts studio. The year was 1998, Titanic was breaking records, Pokemon were storming Gameboys, and the Spice Girls were singing their hearts out.

Grim fandango remastered graphics problem