Grim Fandango Remastered
Overview -
'Grim Fandango' was the last Tim Schafer adventure game before he left LucasArts and founded Double Fine Productions. It was released in 1998 to glowing reviews but only tepid sales, and has been a much beloved cult classic since then. After LucasArts was purchased with the rest of the Lucas group by Disney in 2012, Double Fine was able to acquire development rights (with Sony’s backing) and have re-released 'Grim Fandango' for the first time in over sixteen years in the guise of 'Grim Fandango Remastered.'
Video Review
All character models have been redrawn for this version, resulting in much clearer animations and expressions. Lighting has also been enhanced, with improved bloom and shadowing. However, the vast majority of the backgrounds have been untouched and are still the static pre-rendered fare from 1998. The camera can sometimes be an issue, especially when Manny moves into a different room and the perspective changes, which resets the directional controls. The game runs in 4:3 with or without borders to spruce up the otherwise pillarboxed frame, but can be stretched to 16:9. Nearly a hundred pieces of concept art have been included, as well as cutscene replays.
Audio Review
'Grim Fandango’s' voice acting is awesome. The actors are expressive and invested, and the recordings are clear. The jazzy, bluesy soundtrack is similarly well done, and it has been completely re-recorded by a live orchestra for this remaster. A director’s commentary is included and can be activated at the player’s discretion when moving around the environments. It isn’t implemented perfectly - the audio drops out when moving to a new area and some of the developers seem poorly prepared - but for devoted fans, it offers snippets of fresh info and anecdotes.
Final Thoughts
While 'Grim Fandango Remastered' is very tame in its remastering, it is still an improved (and playable) version of one of the best adventure games of all time. It easily represents the "gaming as art" concept while remaining funny and entertaining throughout. If you have never experienced 'Grim Fandango', now is your chance. If you have experienced it, it is worth picking up the remaster, if only just.
