U1 UE4 | March 2021 Update
Not that much this time...
(especially for a 3rd anniversary - project started on 03-31-2018)
So anyway, here are some bottom lines after three years of work:
1. Is Unreal UE4 remake possible?
Short answer: IMO Yes. Not without issues probably, but yes.
Longer answer.
Challenges to overcome: original code built around states and latent functions; no flying/swimming AI navigation out of box; Fire Textures vs shaders; no BSP zones; potential mid-game save/load issues - just to name some.
One more. Levels alone felt different without monsters. Monsters alone felt different without levels. To me, it's like choosing between left and right leg. You need both of them working to freely move around. What I'm trying to say here is that IMO you can't successfully work on and playtest NPCs and levels separately. For this project it was important.
As for the rest of the work, it's hardly different from making any other UE4 project.
2. What was the hardest part?
Well, I could say finding spare time and motivation. However, it comes second after getting the art right.
I think original game is a true Masterpiece grade thing. In terms of art style and vibes, at least. So for the remake, it's not just about finding resources to make quality assets, but getting them right is what matters most.
Being the work of art is the sole reason/excuse for the remake's existance (granted it will be an isolated game, i.e. one that lacks Editor- , mod- & custom levels' support).
Personally, I rate my own work in that department as 3/10 tops. It's way far from how I saw it in my head. On top of that, I'm also not great at managing other people who are willing to help.
3. With all above said, my further work promises to be rather routine and tedious - mostly finishing/polishing all that I got to this point. Overall, I'd like to get this work to some logical conclusion - in form of a demo of some sort.
It should be pointed out, however, it's gonna be somewhat law-breaking since it still uses copyrighted content (i.e. original sounds, animations etc).
#UE4 #UnrealGold