The Story Behind Shadows of the Damned
Suda51 of Grasshopper Manufacture recently teased that Shadows of the Damned's remaster will be released sometime in 2024. The original game, developed by Suda51 in collaboration with former Resident Evil creative lead Shinji Mikami and former Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka, was published by Electronic Arts in 2011 for the Xbox 360 and PS3. Shadows of the Damned went through a troubled production, with EA enforcing changes that caused it to morph into something that Suda51 was heartbroken over previously. However, Suda51's fondness for the game led him to acquire the rights for the IP from EA in order to release a remaster.
Grasshopper Interested In Shadows of the Damned 2
In a new article published by 4Gamer, several Japanese game creators, including Suda51, shared their ambitions for 2024. Suda51's statement hinted at a 'lively' year for Grasshopper Manufacture, thanks to the remaster of Shadows of the Damned and a new game that the studio is working on. This announcement marks a significant moment for fans of the original game, who will have the opportunity to experience it in a new light.
The Excitement for the Remaster
Earlier this summer, Suda51 and Grasshopper Manufacture announced that Shadows of the Damned would be getting remastered. The initial announcement, while brief, showcased remastered visuals, gameplay, and a comedic skit involving Garcia Horspur. Despite the lack of details about the release window or platforms, this teaser sparked excitement among fans and the gaming community, who eagerly anticipate the return of this underrated gem.
Players were able to get reacquainted with Shadows of the Damned in 2020 when it was made available on Xbox One and joined the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription service via EA Play. However, it was digitally delisted in 2021, leading many to believe that the upcoming remaster will be the most accessible way to experience this unique third-person shooter.
What to Expect from the Remaster
Shadows of the Damned's gameplay, while reminiscent of Resident Evil 4, offers a unique premise, tone, and sense of humor that set it apart. The game's distinct qualities have left a lasting impact, as it has been referenced in some of Suda51's later work, such as Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes. With the promise of more updates before its release in 2024, fans can look forward to experiencing an enhanced version of this underrated third-person shooter, complete with improved visuals and gameplay.