One of the most overlooked gems in the survival horror genre from the PlayStation 2 era is making a comeback: The Thing: Remastered. Let’s delve into what we know so far about this highly anticipated game.
The Thing, released in 2002, draws directly from John Carpenter’s 1982 horror classic, which features a terrifying scenario of a shapeshifting alien that kills and replicates scientists and soldiers isolated in an Antarctic research facility. The game takes a narrative approach as a sequel to the film, following a new team of soldiers who aim to rescue the film’s remaining characters, only to find themselves facing a grim fate and fighting for survival.
Similar to titles such as Silent Hill 2, the game introduced pioneering mechanics. It included a stress management system that required players to monitor and support not only the physical health of their squadmates but also their mental well-being, addressing fear and tension levels.
Players take on the role of Blake, navigating the dangers and paranoia that permeate his squad.
Release Date for The Thing: Remastered
As of now, no official release date has been announced. However, developers have indicated that The Thing: Remastered is expected to launch by the end of 2024.
Despite ongoing speculation, the latest information surfaced on December 2, 2024, from sources like Xbox Wire, suggesting a potential release date of December 5, 2024. That said, this remains unconfirmed, and if there are delays, 2025 may be the new release window. Nevertheless, it’s wise to approach such leaks cautiously—but the December 5 date might hold some weight.
Available Platforms for The Thing: Remastered
The Thing: Remastered is set to be released across various platforms, including: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. This announcement was made during an IGN Live presentation.
The Thing: Remastered Trailer
For a glimpse into the remaster, check out the trailer here:
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Setting of The Thing: Remastered
The remaster takes place at a Norwegian Antarctic research base. This setting unfolds after the events of the 2011 prequel to Carpenter’s film, which introduces an impetuous team of scientists who, upon discovering a spaceship encased in ice, unwittingly release a dormant alien lifeform. This alien swiftly wreaks havoc, replicating and killing the scientists one by one.
The prequel leads directly to the grim circumstances depicted in Carpenter’s original film, where a U.S. research team becomes embroiled in a cycle of infection and paranoia, ultimately leaving just two survivors questioning the loyalties of one another.
In the game, players will find themselves in the aftermath, joining a new group that must confront the horrors of body-snatching, mistrust, and relentless survival.
The concept of The Thing as a video game borrows from a rich narrative tradition. It’s worth noting that Carpenter’s film itself is a remake of a 1951 classic, The Thing from Another World, which was adapted from John W. Campbell Jr.’s 1938 novella, “Who Goes There?” While Carpenter’s take amplifies the horror, the upcoming game promises to embrace this legacy.
The gameplay relies on squad-based mechanics, where teammates can turn against the player at any moment.
Gameplay Features
Players will navigate both U.S. and Norwegian research facilities, engaging in traditional survival horror gameplay elements reminiscent of titles like Resident Evil and Silent Hill. However, The Thing introduces a unique layer of complexity—the need to manage relationships and trust among squad members while facing a terrifying alien threat.
As in the film, any character could potentially become infected by the parasitic alien. This mechanic forces players to handle not just combat but the psychological dynamics of paranoia within the group. Managing trust becomes essential, as players will need to conduct tests to verify their squadmates’ safety, keeping fear levels at bay to prevent them from turning hostile.
Squad members can be equipped with various weapons and items that enhance their utility in combat but risk becoming a double-edged sword in moments of betrayal. Even though some scenarios are predetermined, players must remain vigilant, as infection can surface unexpectedly.
With a wave of new horror and sci-fi titles on the horizon, gamers can also look forward to developments related to games like Mass Effect: Directive 8020 and Exodus.
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