Info about The Thing: Remastered:

Official game description:
**No One Survives Alone.**
The 2002 third-person survival horror shooter that serves as a sequel to the genre-defining 1982 film is back, remastered by Nightdive Studios to bring this innovative blend of fast paced squad action meets survival horror to the modern era. Including Antialiasing, Per Pixel Lighting, 4K Resolution and up to 144 FPS.
**Where the movie ended, the true terror begins.**
You are Cpt J.F. Blake, leader of a U.S. Special Forces rescue team sent to investigate the blood-curdling events and enigmatic deaths of the American scientific team that transpired at the Outpost 31 research facility located in the frozen wastelands of Antarctica. Within these inhospitable surroundings your team encounters a strange shape-shifting alien life-form that assumes the appearance of people that it kills. Trapped by the elements and infected by this horrific entity, using all your team members is critical if you hope to accomplish your objectives, let alone survive. If you only knew which ones were still human…
**The Thing: Remastered Key Features:**
*   In 20 frightening levels, lead your team against terrifying monsters, from the scuttling head-spiders and human-like walkers to gigantic multi-tentacled beasts.
*   Advanced trust/fear interface adds a new level of interaction – How you influence your teams psychological state determines whether or not they will co-operate with you.
*   Experience brand new dynamic lighting, specular mapping, shadows, depth of field complemented by improved models, textures and environments to create a deep level of immersion.
*   Use awesome firepower like machine guns, explosives and flamethrowers to torch your enemies.
*   Brand new Achievements.
*   Quality of Life gameplay enhancements to improve your experience.
*   Choose multiple paths to solve problems that lie ahead and accomplish goals.

Release date: Dec 5, 2024

Categories: Third-Person Shooter, Survival Horror, Squad Management, Trust System Mechanics, Action Horror, Remaster, Multiple Endings

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 10; verdict: Fair / Base-Price Complaint Only; summary: The reviews focus on the remaster's upfront price and perceived low value, repeatedly calling it overpriced and a cash grab. There is no direct evidence of real-money gacha, loot boxes, battle passes, paid power, paid convenience, or an in-game shop. Under the scoring rules, base-price complaints and unconfirmed monetization concerns cannot push the score above 20.
- Wiki: score 10; verdict: Tourist - Navigation/Walkthrough Dependency; summary: The feedback centers on needing external walkthroughs to resolve a softlock or puzzle and to locate section objectives. There is no evidence of drop-rate, farming, inventory/crafting, or build/quest data dependency. The primary complaint fits the default Tourist tier: spatial/navigation and stuck-state guidance.
- Proton/Linux: score 20; verdict: Works Well; summary: The filtered feedback is overwhelmingly positive about Steam Deck runability and performance. Multiple users report full playthroughs and solid 60 FPS at high or max settings, with no mention of Proton version switching, launch options, anti-cheat blockers, or Linux desktop-specific workarounds. One isolated complaint notes that the Deck Verified game runs at half the refresh rate, but this does not outweigh the broader consensus that the game works well on Steam Deck/SteamOS.
- Steam Deck: score 70; verdict: Broken for affected users; summary: Steam Deck feedback is mostly positive on performance and compatibility, with multiple users reporting solid 60 FPS and good controller support. However, one review reports a crash that prevents play and prompts a refund request, and another reports a Deck Verified refresh-rate bug. Controller setup may require troubleshooting, and hidden HUD health information adds usability friction. The launch-blocking crash is the dominant technical barrier.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: Across the two Windows VRAM cohorts, the game is generally reported as playable, with only minor caveats and one non-hardware-related crash mentioned.
  - Sample size: 34 (2% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM (positive, 11 reports): Reports an enjoyable remaster experience with small caveats and improved controls and FPS.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM (positive, 7 reports): Reports no hardware performance issues; the only crash mentioned at the final boss cutscene is attributed to a missing file in a pirated copy.
  - Caveats: 34 of 1469 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $15.00 - $20.00
  - Reasoning: The reviews repeatedly treat the $30/£25/€28-30 full price as too high for a short 5-8 hour remaster. Several reviewers explicitly name around $20 as a reasonable regular price and $12-$15 as an appropriate sale price, while others cite £15 or €12-14 as fair. Although a minority of fans accept full price, the dominant community sentiment supports a fair base-game range of roughly $15-$20 USD.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 6.0h
  - Story completion: 5.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The reviews consistently place the campaign in the roughly 5-7 hour range, with broader claims of 6-10 hours and under 5 hours for a direct completion. I use 6 hours for gameCompletion as a central estimate across the completion reports, and 5 hours for storyCompletion based on the direct main-campaign completion quote. The remaining quotes support a 5-6 hour full playthrough when taking time to explore or 100% the game. No review provides reliable data for a typical single session length or for post-game/endgame hours, so those metrics are null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Reviews most often describe strong early survival-horror engagement that later collapses into repetitive shooter sections. A minority report no hook at all because of awkward combat, dated mechanics, and technical problems.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Repetitive combat and level design; Later shift from monsters to human soldiers; Low enemy variety; Clunky squad AI and controls; Technical bugs and crashes; Audio, UI, and pacing problems
  - Unlock drivers: N/A
  - Conditions: During the first few hours or early game; In the first half or first 60%; Before human enemies become common; When fighting creatures rather than soldiers; If purchased at a low price (around $10-$15 or less); For players tolerant of dated mechanics and jank
- Player Archetypes:
  - Nostalgic Original Player (buy)
    - Motivation: Relive childhood memories of the original or PS2 release and support a faithful modern re-release.
    - Playstyle: Replays the familiar linear campaign, often using classic aiming and old-school settings to recreate the original feel.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: modder
    - Reference games: The Thing (PS2)
  - Carpenter Film Fan (buy)
    - Motivation: Continue the 1982 film's story and experience Carpenter-style horror atmosphere in game form.
    - Playstyle: Story-focused linear horror shooter play, with attention to squad tension, atmosphere, and fan-service connections.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: fan of John Carpenter's The Thing
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Retro Shooter Enthusiast (sale)
    - Motivation: Experience vintage action-horror and boomer-shooter mechanics with enough challenge and modern-PC convenience.
    - Playstyle: Uses classic aiming, high difficulty, and low auto-aim to preserve intensity and old-school combat feel.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Dead Space
  - Value-Conscious Newcomer (deep sale)
    - Motivation: Try a classic horror shooter at a price that feels fair for its age, length, and dated design.
    - Playstyle: Likely watches gameplay first, plays the short campaign once, and expects modernization or a steep discount before committing.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Visually faithful remaster (weight 0.31): The remaster is widely regarded as visually decent and well-polished while staying faithful to the original. Many reviewers highlight it as a beautiful, exemplary remaster that looks as good as it can.
- Improved graphics significantly (weight 0.27): The remaster features significantly enhanced graphics compared to the original, with improved textures, lighting, and effects. Reviewers note the updated visuals are a pleasure to experience.
- Fun gameplay (weight 0.25): Players find the game highly enjoyable and fun to play, with easy-to-learn mechanics. Even with rough edges, the core gameplay remains pleasant and engaging.
- Solid overall game (weight 0.24): The game is considered a solid and good experience overall, with enjoyable gameplay and a worthwhile package. Many reviewers describe it as pretty good and worth playing.
- Nightdive's remaster praised (weight 0.23): Reviewers consistently commend Nightdive Studios for delivering a high-quality remaster. The work is described as spectacular, commendable, and worth the money, with many calling it their best remaster yet.
- Strong atmosphere (weight 0.12): The game's atmosphere is highly praised, with reviewers describing it as strong and well-done. The early game atmosphere is particularly noteworthy.
- Good weapon variety (weight 0.12): Reviewers appreciate the solid variety of weapons available, finding them helpful and well-implemented. The wide range of weapons adds to the gameplay experience.
- Smooth performance (weight 0.09): The remaster runs very smoothly, with reviewers noting it runs like a dream and plays smoothly. The game's performance is consistently praised.
- Holds up for its age (weight 0.07): Despite being from 2002, the game's mechanics and visuals hold up very well. Reviewers are impressed by how well it has aged.
- Worthwhile experience overall (weight 0.07): The overall experience is enjoyable and worth the time, described as smooth and solid. Reviewers find it a satisfying package.

Common complaints:
- Generic story (weight 0.12): The story is generic, mediocre, and not particularly good.
- Outdated gameplay (weight 0.12): Gameplay feels badly outdated, reminiscent of early 2000s titles.
- Stuck NPCs (weight 0.12): NPCs frequently get stuck, especially in doorways, forcing restarts.
- Frequent bugs and jank (weight 0.11): Players report the game is buggy and janky, with technical issues that detract from the experience.
- Clunky controls (weight 0.11): Controls feel awkward, rigid, and difficult to get used to, making gameplay frustrating.
- High price point (weight 0.11): The game is considered overpriced and not worth the asking price.
- Dated graphics (weight 0.09): Visuals appear old and have not aged well, with outdated presentation.
- Mediocre overall quality (weight 0.08): Many find the game average, underwhelming, and not particularly good.
- Disappointing experience (weight 0.07): Players express disappointment, calling the game clunky and not worth the price.
- Minor bugs (weight 0.07): Some bugs are present but not game-breaking and do not prevent enjoyment.
- Lack of music (weight 0.05): The soundtrack is almost absent, missing the film's legendary music.
- Poor remaster quality (weight 0.05): The game is barely a remaster and is considered a disappointment.
- Inconsistent AI (weight 0.05): AI behavior is sometimes horrible and does not respond as intended.
- Pointless trust mechanic (weight 0.05): The trust system is easily maxed out and feels irrelevant to gameplay.
- Half-baked fear/trust mechanics (weight 0.05): Fear and trust mechanics are inconsistent and do not work properly.
- Useless weapons (weight 0.05): Many weapons are unnecessary; only the MP5 and flamethrower are useful.
- Useless blood tests (weight 0.05): Blood test hypos are almost useless and best avoided.
- Too action-focused (weight 0.05): The game feels more like an action game than true survival horror.

Gameplay feedback:
- Squad Trust Mechanics (weight 0.3): A trust system affects whether allies follow orders. Players must manage teammate morale and trust in real-time, deciding who to trust and gaining trust by giving weapons, ammo, healing, and performing blood tests.
- Squad System Core (weight 0.15): The game features a squad management system where players command a tactical squad with specialized roles like engineer, medic, and soldier. Squadmates can die, and the system allows up to five buddies at certain points.
- Blood Test Infection (weight 0.15): A blood test mechanic allows players to check teammates for infection. The infection system can turn situations upside down and is tied to squad gameplay.
- Classic Shooter Gameplay (weight 0.15): The game is a first-person shooter with old-school mechanics typical of its era. Gameplay is fairly classic and reflects early 2000s design.
- Survival Horror Genre (weight 0.15): The game is tagged as survival horror and is a squad-based survival horror shooter with third-person shooting and resource management.
- Third-Person Shooter (weight 0.14): The game is a third-person shooter with survival elements and no puzzles. Combat involves running and gunning.
- Flamethrower Weapon (weight 0.13): The game includes a flamethrower as a prominent weapon, along with other firearms like SMGs and shotguns.
- Varied Weapons (weight 0.1): The game includes a variety of weapons such as grenades and a grenade launcher, with weapon management and switching.
- AI Companions (weight 0.09): The game has a companion system with AI allies that follow the player and can survive. These NPC teammates and enemies exhibit AI behavior.
- Auto-Aim Settings (weight 0.09): Auto-aim is available with low and medium options, and there are four difficulty levels and three auto-aim settings. However, auto-aim cannot be turned off.
- Action Horror Experience (weight 0.07): The game offers an action-horror shooter experience inspired by Resident Evil, with horror gameplay that shifts to a pure shooter halfway through.
- Short and Linear (weight 0.07): The game is simple, linear, and short, with very straightforward progression and not a long playtime.
- Captain Blake Protagonist (weight 0.06): Players control Captain J.F. Blake, leader of a military rescue team in Antarctica, to rescue the film's protagonists.
- Sequel to The Thing (weight 0.06): The game is a direct sequel to John Carpenter's The Thing, continuing the story after the 1982 film.
- Boss Fights (weight 0.06): The game features boss fights at key points.
- Multiple Difficulty Levels (weight 0.06): The game has multiple difficulty levels, including a hard difficulty option.
- Abundant Ammo (weight 0.06): Ammo is abundant from the start, with plenty of enemies and ammunition available.

Performance notes:
- Smooth performance on modern PCs (weight 0.27): Multiple reviewers report that the game runs flawlessly or very smoothly on modern hardware, with some noting low PC requirements and good optimization. High framerates and fast loading times are also mentioned as positives.
- Crashes and stability issues (weight 0.13): Several reviewers experienced crashes, including during specific missions and after completing the game. Some also reported occasional errors or falling through textures.
- Good Steam Deck and handheld performance (weight 0.07): Reviewers specifically highlight that the game runs surprisingly well on the Steam Deck and ROG Ally X, indicating good compatibility with portable devices.
- Resolution and framerate support (weight 0.07): The game supports 2K and 4K resolutions, and offers high FPS options including 500 and unlimited. Reviewers played at 2K 120 FPS and noted high GPU usage at 1440p/165fps.
- High FPS causes AI softlock (weight 0.02): One reviewer reported that high framerates cause NPC AI to slide past triggers, leading to a softlock. This is a specific technical issue that can halt progression.
- Random character death bug (weight 0.02): The main character randomly dies in a mission without player action, which is a serious gameplay bug that can disrupt the experience.
- Controller issue in first-person (weight 0.02): A reviewer noted that the controller does not function in first-person perspective, which is a notable control problem.
- Discord screensharing causes slowdown (weight 0.02): Screensharing the game through Discord causes everything else on the system to slow to a crawl, indicating a performance impact when using overlay features.

Recommendations:
- Recommended for The Thing fans (weight 0.37): Fans of John Carpenter's The Thing and the original game are the primary audience and highly recommend it. Numerous clusters emphasize this.
- Wait for a sale (weight 0.3): Many reviewers say the game is only worth buying at a discount, not at full price. This is the most common recommendation across multiple clusters.
- Nostalgia-driven appeal (weight 0.13): The game resonates strongly with players who have nostalgia for the original game or film. Several clusters mention nostalgia as a key reason to buy.
- Worth playing overall (weight 0.13): Many reviewers give a general positive recommendation, stating the game is worth experiencing or checking out. This is a broad endorsement.
- Fans of older versions (weight 0.07): Players who enjoyed the PS2 version or are tolerant of older gameplay mechanics recommend it. This targets a specific niche.
- Not worth your time (weight 0.06): Some reviewers actively discourage playing the game, saying it does not deserve attention and is not worth even free play. This is a minority but notable negative viewpoint.
- Solid remaster for fans (weight 0.04): The remaster is recommended for those seeking a solid update, particularly fans of the original. This highlights the quality of the remaster.
- Watch movie first (weight 0.04): A few reviewers advise experiencing the 1982 film before playing the game, as it is a short continuation of the story. This is a specific suggestion for newcomers.
- Support Nightdive Studios (weight 0.04): Some reviewers suggest buying the game to support Nightdive and encourage more remasters, even if waiting for a sale. This is a specific call to action.
- Definitive way to play (weight 0.04): A couple of reviewers consider this the best or definitive way to experience the game. This is a strong positive statement about the remaster's quality.

Other player notes:
- Remaster of 2002 classic (weight 0.54): Multiple clusters describe the game as a remaster of the original 2002 title, with improved graphics but unchanged core mechanics. It is often referred to as a remaster rather than a remake.
- Short game length (weight 0.35): Reviewers frequently note that the game is short, typically taking around 5 to 10 hours to complete. This is a common point of feedback, often mentioned alongside its simple design.
- Sequel to 1982 film (weight 0.33): The game serves as a canonical sequel to John Carpenter's 1982 film 'The Thing', continuing the story after the movie's events. Clusters highlight its direct narrative connection to the film.
- Graphical enhancements in remaster (weight 0.2): The remaster adds improved textures, lighting, shadows, and support for higher resolutions, along with modern system compatibility. Some clusters detail specific upgrades like dynamic lighting and better facial animations.
- PS2-era original title (weight 0.18): The original game was released during the PS2 era, and the remaster brings it to modern platforms. This is highlighted as a key aspect of its history.
- Nightdive developed remaster (weight 0.16): The remaster was handled by Nightdive Studios, known for updating classic games. Reviewers acknowledge their involvement, often describing the remaster as a solid job.
- Early 2000s cult classic (weight 0.11): The game is considered a cult classic from the early 2000s, with a feel that reflects its era. Reviewers note its dated mechanics and old-school design.
- Price too high for length (weight 0.07): Some reviewers feel the game's price is too high given its short length and age. This sentiment appears in a small cluster, indicating a niche concern.

Emotions:
- Disappointment (weight 0.21): Players express disappointment due to unfulfilled promises, such as the trust and fear mechanics being underdeveloped and the survival horror atmosphere fading into generic action. The short length, lack of improvements in the remaster, and anticlimactic boss fights contribute to a sense of wasted potential, especially given the strong source material.
- Frustration (weight 0.15): Frustration arises primarily from technical issues like buggy AI companions getting stuck, frequent crashes, softlocks, and clunky controls. These problems often force restarts and prevent progression, making the game feel unfair and tedious rather than challenging.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.11): Nostalgia is a major draw, with players fondly recalling childhood experiences of playing the original game or watching the film. The remaster triggers memories of earlier gaming eras, and the familiar atmosphere and references to the 1982 movie evoke strong sentimental attachment.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.07): Despite flaws, many find enjoyment in the core gameplay loop, particularly the trust and paranoia mechanics, monster designs, and atmospheric tension. The unique squad management and moments of horror provide fun and memorable experiences, even if the game is not perfect.
- Appreciation (weight 0.05): Appreciation is directed at Nightdive's remastering efforts, which preserve the original's atmosphere while improving graphics and controls. Fans value the increased availability and the respectful treatment of a cult classic, though some note the remaster could have done more.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.05): Satisfaction comes from the remaster's quality-of-life improvements, enhanced graphics, and solid performance on modern systems. Players feel the core trust and fear mechanics still work well, and the game delivers a smooth experience that meets expectations for a remaster.
- Boredom (weight 0.03): Boredom sets in due to repetitive gameplay, monotonous enemy encounters, and a shift to generic action in the later levels. The lack of variety and engaging combat, combined with bland environments, leads to a sense of tedium.
- Excitement (weight 0.03): Excitement is generated by the game's strong connection to the film, the dynamic infection system, and thrilling moments of tension. The remaster's announcement and improved features also spark enthusiasm for new and returning players.
- Annoyance (weight 0.03): Annoyance stems from persistent issues like poor AI pathfinding, bugs that disrupt gameplay, and confusing UI elements. These problems detract from the experience, especially when they cause repeated failures or require tedious workarounds.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Admiration is felt for the game's creative adaptation of the film's paranoia and the high-quality remaster by Nightdive. The detailed environments, improved visuals, and faithful continuation of the story earn respect from fans.
- Fun (weight 0.02): Fun is derived from the engaging squad-based gameplay, trust mechanics, and the thrill of identifying infected teammates. The remaster's smoother controls and the overall experience keep players entertained.
- Love (weight 0.01): Love for the game is rooted in affection for the film franchise and the game's charm, despite its jankiness. The atmosphere, jump scares, and direct sequel status to the 1982 movie resonate deeply with fans.
- Mild disappointment (weight 0.01): Mild disappointment arises from outdated shooting mechanics, clunky controls, and underdeveloped ideas that don't fully coalesce. Minor bugs and a lack of polish in certain areas prevent the game from reaching its full potential.
- Happiness (weight 0.01): Happiness is experienced when players finally complete the game, especially after years of wanting to, or when they see it get a good remaster. The ability to play on modern systems and earn achievements contributes to positive feelings.
- Tension (weight 0.01): Tension is central to the game's design, as players constantly grapple with paranoia over who might be infected and the fragility of squadmates. The uncertainty and need to manage trust create a pervasive sense of unease.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger is triggered by game-breaking bugs, meaningless mechanics, and a short length for a high price. The perception of a lazy remaster and unfulfilled potential, especially regarding the film's themes, frustrates players.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Surprise comes from unexpected moments, such as companions turning into The Thing, or from the game being better than anticipated. The remaster's sudden appearance and quality also catch players off guard.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Amusement is found in the game's unintentional humor, from cheesy dialogue to absurd scenarios like an engineer transforming into tentacles. The campy B-movie style provides entertainment beyond the horror.
- Gladness (weight 0.01): Gladness is felt when the game receives a remaster rather than a remake, preserving the original experience. Players are happy to finally finish the game or replay it on modern hardware.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Enthusiasm is driven by the unique stress, trust, and panic systems, as well as the game's atmosphere and mechanics. Fans of the film and survival horror genre appreciate the continuation of the story and the remaster's enhancements.}