PowerSlave Exhumed Review Summary

Satisfying weapons, Metroidvania exploration: The game features satisfying weapons and gunplay, along with a universal ammo system that encourages strategic weapon use. The level design incorporates Metroidvania elements, rewarding exploration and revisiting areas with new abilities to unlock secrets and progress further. Movement is fluid and responsive, enhancing both combat and exploration.

High-quality remaster by Nightdive: Nightdive's remaster combines the best aspects of the Sega Saturn and PlayStation versions, enhancing graphics, controls, and adding modern features. The remaster maintains the original's essence while providing a fresh experience with improved visuals and performance. The port is technically sound and well-received by fans of the original.

Excellent, challenging level design: The game features well-designed and challenging levels that reward exploration and strategic thinking. The difficulty is balanced, encouraging players to learn and adapt. The level design avoids common pitfalls like mazes and filler content, focusing on quality and engaging environments.

Unique Egyptian setting and soundtrack: The game features a unique and well-realized Egyptian setting, blending ancient mythology with sci-fi elements. The soundtrack complements the atmosphere, creating an immersive experience reminiscent of classic adventure films. The setting and music work together to enhance the overall presentation and engagement.

Thematic and enjoyable music: The game features a thematic and enjoyable soundtrack that complements the gameplay and enhances the atmosphere. The music is well-done and suits the game's overall aesthetic. Several reviewers specifically highlighted the quality of the boss music.

Large hitbox, difficult dodging: The player character has a large hitbox, making it difficult to dodge enemy projectiles, especially in cramped spaces. This leads to unavoidable damage and frustration, as players feel like they are being hit even when they think they have dodged successfully.

Unbalanced, annoying enemies: Some enemies deal excessive damage and are not fun to fight, with some having homing projectiles and others teleporting. Enemy placement can also feel unfair, and some enemies react too quickly, leading to frustrating encounters, especially on higher difficulties.

Punishing traps, platforming: The game features instant-death traps and platforming challenges that are overly punishing. Infrequent checkpoints force players to repeat large sections of levels upon death, leading to frustration. Some level designs are considered terrible, and the game's quality declines in later levels due to these issues.

Lacks enemy, level variety: The game suffers from a lack of enemy variety, repetitive level settings, and a short length. The limited number of enemy types reduces replay value and makes the game feel repetitive.

Outdated graphics, poor port: The game's graphics have aged poorly and lack quality-of-life improvements. Some reviewers were disappointed with the graphical changes compared to the original versions.

FPS Metroidvania with backtracking: The game blends FPS action with Metroidvania elements, emphasizing exploration and backtracking. Players revisit levels with new abilities to unlock previously inaccessible areas, a core mechanic that distinguishes it from typical shooters. This design encourages thorough exploration and strategic use of acquired power-ups.

Interconnected maps, ability-gated areas: The game world features interconnected maps and a hub area (Ramses' tomb) for fast travel. Players collect artifacts to gain permanent abilities, encouraging backtracking to find collectibles and access new areas. The world map provides hints about unexplored areas, guiding players on where to revisit.

Classic FPS gameplay, imprecise aiming: The gameplay is reminiscent of classic shooters, with satisfying shooting mechanics. Movement is typical of older FPS games, with upgrades allowing for more mobility later on. However, the game lacks a crosshair, making aiming imprecise.

Destructible pots with random outcomes: The game features destructible pots that yield random items, including health, ammo, and temporary boosts, but can also spawn enemies or bombs. This mechanic adds an element of risk and reward to exploration, as players must weigh the potential benefits against the dangers of breaking pots. The game also features a variety of weapons and enemies.

Combines PSX and Saturn versions: The game combines elements from both the PSX and Saturn versions, including version-exclusive levels and enemy types. This hybrid approach results in differences compared to the original PS1 game, with some areas from the Saturn version implemented in the PSX levels and vice versa. This creates a unique experience for players familiar with either version.

Smooth performance across devices: The game exhibits excellent performance, running smoothly on a variety of hardware, including low-end PCs, the Steam Deck, and modern systems. The KEX engine port is noted for its flawless and smooth execution. The remaster also provides adjustable graphics options and enhancements.

Absence of bugs: The game is reported to be free of bugs, contributing to a stable and enjoyable player experience. This absence of technical issues enhances the overall polish of the game.

Nightdive graphical options available: The game includes graphical options provided by Nightdive Studios, allowing players to customize their visual experience. This inclusion provides flexibility for users with different hardware capabilities or aesthetic preferences.

Minor visual sprite bug: A minor visual bug was reported related to specific viewing angles of certain sprites. This issue does not appear to be widespread or game-breaking, but it does detract slightly from the visual experience.

Generally recommended for genre enthusiasts: Many reviewers recommend the game, especially to fans of retro FPS or Metroidvania games. Some suggest it's a must-play or a hidden gem, while others offer more cautious endorsements, highlighting that it may not appeal to everyone or be a top recommendation for newcomers to the genre.

Frustrations with difficulty/save system: Some reviewers mention frustrating elements such as difficulty spikes, limited save options (checkpoint saves only), and potentially problematic hitboxes. Addressing these issues could improve the overall player experience.

Best experienced on sale: Several reviewers suggest waiting for a sale, citing the game's short length or the availability of better alternatives at full price. This indicates that while the game may be enjoyable, its value proposition is better at a discounted price.

Unique Metroidvania FPS blend: A key aspect of the game that many reviewers highlight is its blend of FPS gameplay with Metroidvania-style level design and power-ups. This combination is seen as a unique and interesting feature, with some specifically recommending the game for its level design.

Runs well on Steam Deck: The game is reported to work well on the Steam Deck, which is useful information for players who own that device and are considering purchasing the game.

Console version focus, not DOS: PowerSlave: Exhumed is a remaster primarily based on the PlayStation and Sega Saturn console versions, not the original DOS/Build version. It combines elements from both console versions, offering graphical options to replicate the look of each. The levels are mostly from the Saturn version, but some are unique to the original versions.

Innovative for its time: Reviewers note that the original PowerSlave had innovative features for its time (1996-97) and pushed the limits of the Sega Saturn. Some believe it would have been more popular if the best version wasn't on the Sega Saturn.

Nightdive's preservation efforts: Nightdive Studios developed PowerSlave: Exhumed using the KEX engine, which they also used for remasters of Blood, Quake, and Doom 64. Reviewers appreciate Nightdive's efforts to preserve obscure games and bring them to a modern audience.

Multiple endings, collectibles matter: The game features two endings, a good and a bad one, depending on whether the player collects a communicator by the end of the game. Ankhs provide an extra lifebar, and radio parts are required to get the good ending.

2.5D graphics limitations: The game uses a 2.5D graphical style, which some reviewers find makes the characters look like flat, pasted cardboard figures, despite the dynamic environments.