Shadows of the Damned was originally released for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2011, but it didn’t do well in terms of sales. The game was a collaboration between Suda51 and Shinji Mikami, and on paper, it seemed like a project that would attract decent sales. It was a surreal third-person shooter inspired by Kafka and B-movies, so it’s no surprise that EA published it. However, the trailer for the upcoming PC release of the game sheds some light on why it didn’t sell well initially.
In 2011, console games were mostly focused on gritty, realistic shooters, which may have been the reason why Shadows of the Damned didn’t resonate with a wider audience. Despite its initial lackluster reception, the game has since gained a cult following. With the upcoming release on Steam in October, it’s possible that the game will finally get the recognition it deserves.
While the trailer for Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered is stylish and exciting, it doesn’t fully capture the sometimes crude and silly nature of the game. The game balances between intentionally and unintentionally being silly, and while the art style and overall presentation are impressive, it may not be the best choice for players looking for a serious shooter experience.
Shadows of the Damned’s development was influenced by EA, which Shinji Mikami later criticized for negatively impacting the game. He also mentioned that if they had stuck to Suda51’s original vision, the game may have performed even worse in terms of sales. The remastered version of the game will include new content, New Game Plus, and new costumes when it releases on October 31. Additionally, fans can look forward to a remaster of Lollipop Chainsaw in the future.
It’s exciting to see Shadows of the Damned make a comeback, despite its rocky start. The game’s unique blend of surrealism, action, and humor may finally find its audience with the upcoming PC release. Stay tuned for more updates on this intriguing title and other gaming news from the PC Gamer team.