Killing Time: Resurrected

Killing Time: Resurrected is a remastered version of the 1995 cult classic FPS that blends horror, mystery, and action. Players assume the role of a detective navigating a sprawling, supernatural-infested mansion filled with puzzles and live-action cutscenes. Enhanced by Nightdive Studios with modern gameplay refinements and restored visuals, the game resurrects its atmospheric 1930s setting, challenging players to unravel occult secrets while battling paranormal entities using weapons and artifacts.

Killing Time: Resurrected: Review

Introduction

In the pantheon of 90s first-person shooters, few titles stand out as uniquely as Killing Time. Originally released in 1995 for the 3DO console, this horror-themed shooter was a blend of Doom-like action and The 7th Guest-style puzzles, wrapped in a mysterious narrative told through live-action FMV sequences. Fast forward to 2024, and Nightdive Studios has resurrected this cult classic, breathing new life into it with Killing Time: Resurrected. This remaster is not just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of innovative game design and the power of preservation. This review will delve into the development history, narrative themes, gameplay mechanics, world-building, reception, and legacy of Killing Time: Resurrected, ultimately arguing that it stands as a shining example of how to honor and update classic games for modern audiences.

Development History & Context

Killing Time was developed by Studio 3DO, a subsidiary of The 3DO Company, and was directed by Larry Reed and Al Tofanelli. The game was initially released exclusively for the 3DO console, a system known for its high-quality FMV capabilities but ultimately a commercial failure. The 3DO version utilized a custom ZX engine, allowing for seamless streaming of map data and a unique blend of first-person shooter mechanics and adventure elements.

The game’s development was marked by a few notable challenges. The 3DO console’s limited market share meant that the game struggled to find an audience, and the original release came with a glitch that obscured the view in one of the levels. Despite these issues, Killing Time garnered critical acclaim for its fast game engine, stylish visuals, and innovative use of real-life weapons.

In 1996, Logicware remade the game for Windows and Macintosh platforms, taking advantage of the PC’s superior hardware to create a vastly improved version. This PC port featured a redesigned map, higher-resolution textures, and 3D-rendered enemies, but it lost some of the charm of the original 3DO version’s digitized actors.

Nightdive Studios, known for their work on remastering classic games like System Shock and Quake, took on the task of resurrecting Killing Time. The studio’s CEO, Stephen Kick, has always been passionate about preserving and updating classic games, and Killing Time: Resurrected is a perfect example of their philosophy in action. The remaster combines the best elements of both the 3DO and PC versions, using the PC’s level design and the 3DO’s digitized actors, all wrapped in a modern engine that supports high resolutions, smooth gameplay, and expanded control options.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Killing Time: Resurrected tells the story of a former Egyptology student who finds themselves trapped in the estate of wealthy heiress Tess Conway on Matinicus Isle, Maine. The player’s objective is to find and destroy the mystical Egyptian Water-Clock of Thoth, which Tess attempted to use to grant herself eternal life. The ritual went awry, transforming everyone on the island into restless ghosts, demons, or the undead.

The narrative is revealed through a series of live-action FMV sequences that overlap with real-time gameplay, creating a unique and immersive storytelling experience. The FMV sequences feature a cast of well-defined characters, each with their own motivations and backstories. Tess Conway, played by Lise Bruneau, is the heiress who will stop at nothing to achieve her goals. Duncan DeVries, played by Eric Flom, is her ambitious associate and key to the black market. Byron Flemming, played by Colin Thomson, is an archaeologist friend of Tess who falls hopelessly in love with her. Mike Murphy, played by Tim Flanagan, is Duncan’s rent-a-cop bodyguard. Robert Kenilworth, played by Edward Sarafian, is the Conways’ loyal butler. Lydia Tewkesbury, played by Paula Sonenberg, is Tess’ childhood friend who is trapped on the island. Angela Conway, played by Ashley Penrod, is Tess’ niece, who appears as a ghost to guide the player.

The game’s themes revolve around obsession, ambition, and the consequences of meddling with forces beyond one’s understanding. Tess Conway’s desire for eternal youth and beauty leads to her downfall, and the player must unravel the mysteries of her estate to undo the curse. The game’s atmosphere is foreboding, with a campy-yet-enjoyable plot that pays homage to B-movie sensibilities.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Killing Time: Resurrected follows the standard set by most first-person shooters, with the player using an assortment of weapons to navigate the game’s world. The weaponry includes a crowbar, dual-pistols, a shotgun, a Thompson submachine gun, Molotov cocktails, a flamethrower, and a magical Ankh that can wipe out multiple enemies at once. The game does not feature multiplayer, focusing instead on a single-player experience.

The core gameplay loop involves exploring the vast, nonlinear island of Matinicus Isle, collecting vases that contain symbolic parts of Tess Conway’s spirit, and using these vases to gain one-time power-ups. The game features no load times between sections, allowing for seamless exploration. Enemies defeated and items taken are permanent for the duration of a playthrough, with guarded weapon caches scattered throughout the island.

The remaster introduces several quality-of-life improvements, including smoother gameplay, more responsive controls, and expanded control and key-bind settings. The game’s UI has been updated to support modern resolutions and aspect ratios, and the FMV sequences have been restored to the highest resolution possible, using the original footage provided to Nightdive Studios.

One of the most innovative aspects of Killing Time: Resurrected is its use of an interconnected world. Unlike traditional first-person shooters of the era, which featured individual levels with distinct start and end points, Killing Time allows the player to explore the entire map from the beginning. This non-linear design encourages experimentation and discovery, with keys and items hidden in various locations.

However, the game’s lack of direction can be frustrating at times. The player is often left to wander, trying to figure out what they might have missed. This lack of hand-holding can be seen as a double-edged sword, adding to the game’s sense of mystery and immersion but also leading to confusion and frustration.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Killing Time: Resurrected is set in the early 1930s on Matinicus Isle, Maine, a location that serves as the perfect backdrop for the game’s horror and mystery themes. The island is a sprawling, interconnected world filled with intricate details that capture the essence of the haunting and distinctive 1930s atmosphere.

The game’s visual direction is a blend of the original 3DO and PC versions, with high-resolution character artwork/sprites from both iterations. The remaster features 4K resolution, 144 FPS, anti-aliasing, and upscaled environmental texturing, giving the game a modern look while retaining its classic charm. The digitized actors from the 3DO version add a unique, surreal quality to the game’s enemies, making them stand out against the environments.

The sound design is a strange blend of ambient sounds, harsh firepower, and 1930s-inspired music. The audio complements the game’s visuals, with eerie wind sounds, demonic monster effects, and corny acting that adds to the overall atmosphere. The game’s music is reminiscent of the era, with a haunting melody that plays throughout the exploration.

Reception & Legacy

Killing Time: Resurrected received a mixed reception upon its release, with critics praising the game’s unique blend of first-person shooter mechanics and adventure elements but noting its flaws and outdated design. The game’s Moby Score is 7.5, with an average critic score of 77% based on 15 ratings. Critics have praised the game’s vast map, mysterious mansion, and FMV cutscenes, as well as Nightdive Studios’ enhancements to the visuals, controls, and quality of life.

However, some critics have noted that the game’s weapon variety is middling, and the lack of direction can be frustrating. The game’s non-linear design and lack of hand-holding have been seen as both a strength and a weakness, adding to the game’s sense of mystery and immersion but also leading to confusion and frustration.

Despite its mixed reception, Killing Time: Resurrected has left a lasting impact on the gaming industry. The game’s unique blend of genres and innovative use of FMV storytelling have inspired subsequent games, and its non-linear design has influenced the development of open-world shooters. Nightdive Studios’ work on the remaster has also set a new standard for preserving and updating classic games, showing how modern technology can breathe new life into old favorites.

Conclusion

Killing Time: Resurrected is a testament to the enduring appeal of innovative game design and the power of preservation. Nightdive Studios has taken a cult classic and given it a new lease on life, combining the best elements of both the 3DO and PC versions and wrapping them in a modern engine that supports high resolutions, smooth gameplay, and expanded control options. The game’s unique blend of first-person shooter mechanics, adventure elements, and FMV storytelling creates an immersive and engaging experience that stands out in the crowded field of remasters.

Despite its flaws and outdated design, Killing Time: Resurrected is a worthy addition to any gamer’s library. Its vast map, mysterious mansion, and captivating narrative make it a joy to explore, and its innovative use of an interconnected world sets it apart from other shooters of the era. Nightdive Studios’ work on the remaster has set a new standard for preserving and updating classic games, showing how modern technology can breathe new life into old favorites.

In the end, Killing Time: Resurrected is more than just a remaster; it’s a love letter to a bygone era of gaming, a tribute to the power of innovation, and a testament to the enduring appeal of great game design. If you’re a fan of classic shooters, adventure games, or just looking for a unique and engaging experience, Killing Time: Resurrected is a must-play.