The forgotten masterpiece! PowerSlave: Exhumed / Remastered
The forgotten masterpiece! PowerSlave: Exhumed / REMASTERED #exhumed #powerslave #nightdive
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Wiki:
Exhumed is a first-person shooter developed by Lobotomy Software and released in Europe in 1996 by BMG Interactive for PC and Sega Saturn, and in 1997 for PlayStation. In North America, the game was released under the title PowerSlave by publisher Playmates Interactive. In 2022, Nightdive Studios released a remaster of the console versions titled PowerSlave Exhumed for PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
` ...) Gameplay
Exhumed is set in the ancient Egyptian city of Karnak in the late 20th century. The region has been overrun by mysterious forces, and the player is sent with a special forces team to investigate. However, the helicopter dropping off the team is shot down, and the nameless hero is the sole survivor.
In his role, the player must now explore the temples and catacombs of the Egyptian city on their own, uncovering the secrets surrounding Karnak. He must defend himself against numerous supernatural creatures, such as Anubis warriors, lava worms, mummies, and giant spiders, using both conventional and magical weapons like an M60 machine gun, a flamethrower, and the homing-seeking Cobra Staff, while also overcoming various trap systems.
Development
Originally, the game was to be released by 3D Realms under the title Ruins: Return of the Gods to showcase the capabilities of the Build engine.
The game was released under several different names: as Exhumed in the PAL regions by BMG Interactive, as Seireki 1999: Pharaoh no Fukkatsu (English: A.D. 1999: Pharaoh's Revival) in Japan, and as PowerSlave by Playmates Interactive Entertainment for the North American market. It was released for the Sega Saturn, Sony PlayStation, and DOS platforms between late 1996 and late 1997.
Publisher Nightdive Studios acquired the rights to the game and re-released it via digital distribution after a long period of unavailability. The remaster, a fusion of the two console versions and also using the KEX Engine, was released under the title PowerSlave Exhumed.
The game was riddled with shortcomings that the publisher must have been aware of, which is why they did not provide review copies to the gaming press. Exhumed lacked innovation, and the engine was outdated. Game progress could only be saved at the end of a level. [3]
The port to the Sega Saturn was noteworthy. The scrolling was smooth, the lighting effects atmospheric, and the music fitting the Egyptian setting. The level design offered a good mix of action and adventure without becoming unfair. In some places, uncollectible items appeared, placed too close to the wall. When re-entering completed level sections, progress was not saved: defeated enemies reappeared, and the map was obscured. [5]
The PlayStation port significantly enhanced the game. It features new puzzles, a remarkable soundtrack, and a good selection of weapons. There are numerous collectible items. The only drawback is the somewhat confusing map.[4]
The game is interesting due to its early Metroidvania elements. The remaster is historically valuable. The setting is fresh and original. The German voice acting was highlighted. However, there are issues with the player character's hitbox and a lack of enemy variety.[9] It is an underrated classic that, while not as polished as a modern shooter, is still worth the money.