The Force is strong with this one! Get ready to relive the nostalgia of the mid-’90s, as the long-awaited remaster of Star Wars: Dark Forces has finally been assigned a release date: February 28, 2024. Fans of the classic first-person shooter can mark their calendars and dust off their lightsabers because this beloved gem is making a comeback on multiple gaming platforms, including PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, and even the trusty Nintendo Switch.
For those who might be asking, “What’s Dark Forces?” Well, it’s an oldie but a goodie, originally gracing our screens way back in 1995. The remaster of this iconic title is in the capable hands of Nightdive Studios, known for their fantastic work on the System Shock remake, as well as their impressive remasters of classics like Turok and Quake.
What can you expect from this revitalized Star Wars adventure? Well, it’s not just a fresh coat of paint. The remaster takes full advantage of modern gaming systems, offering dazzling visuals at up to 4K resolution and a silky-smooth 120 frames per second (although, to the dismay of Switch users, not on the handheld hybrid). That’s right, you can finally immerse yourself in the Star Wars universe with all the graphical splendor modern technology can provide.
But it’s not all about the pixels. The Dark Forces Remaster promises more than just a visual overhaul. The game’s gameplay has been upgraded to meet the expectations of today’s discerning gamers. High-resolution textures will make you feel like you’re exploring the Star Wars universe up close and personal. Enhanced lighting and rendering ensure that the game’s atmosphere is as immersive as ever. And for those who prefer the comfort of a gamepad, fear not, as console gamepads are fully supported, complete with platform-specific features.
But that’s not all, folks! The Dark Forces Remaster brings with it a sense of achievement. Literally. You can look forward to earning Trophies and Achievements on Windows PC via Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles. It’s your chance to prove your Jedi or Sith skills and showcase your mastery of the Star Wars universe.
In the original Dark Forces, players assumed the role of Kyle Katarn, a former Imperial officer turned freelance warrior for hire. As Katarn joins the Rebel Alliance, he embarks on a daring mission to infiltrate the heart of the Empire, where he stumbles upon the top-secret Dark Trooper Project. This sinister initiative gave birth to a new breed of formidable Imperial battle droids and heavily armored stormtroopers, some of which made their way into The Mandalorian series in 2020, showcasing the enduring legacy of this classic game.
So, clear your schedules, charge your controllers, and prepare to blast stormtroopers, solve puzzles, and embrace the Star Wars universe like never before. May the gaming force be with you on February 28, 2024.