Developer:
Nightdive Studios, Apogee Software
Publisher:
Apogee Entertainment, New Blood Interactive
Genre: Action, FPS
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One
Release Date: (Original release December 21ist, 1994) July 6th, 2023
Where to buy: Here!
1994 Had a amazing year for gaming. With many classics such as: Super Metroid, Final Fantasy VI, Donkey Kong Country, EarthBound, DOOM II, Sonic & Knuckles, The Lion King, System Shock, King’s Quest VII, Wing Commander III: Heart of the Tiger, The Elder Scrolls: Arena, Beneath a Steel Sky, X-COM: UFO Defense, Master of Magic, Star Wars: TIE Fighter, Warcraft: Orcs & Humans, Heretic Under a Killing Moon, and Jagged Alliance. With that listing was none other then Rise of the Triad. Which was astounding for the time. Based on the Wolfenstein 3D Engine, heavily modified. This engine was applied on many releases from 1991 – 1995 respectfully. From the mind and talents of Tom Hall , who’s great sense of humor exploded throughout Rise of the Triad. This time around with the assistance of Nightdive Studio‘s sorcery via Kex engine, brought us a heavy heavy overhauled version of the already crazy gib filled masterpiece.
The story is basically: A maniac with the ability to murder millions has been identified, and the HUNT (High-risk United Nations Taskforce) has been dispatched to ascertain his plans. While your crew was invading his island fortress, everything went wrong. The infiltration boat burst and flames erupted everywhere. The only way out is via the stronghold, yet staying here would be death. So, weapons blazing, in you go… The first-person shooter Rise of the Triad “is the sequel” of Wolfenstein 3D, with a somewhat better 3D engine. Everything is still built of blocks, but there are now numerous vertical levels; there are stairs made of floating platforms in the air, and jump pads that send you (and the foes) far up so that you may attack.
What was brought to the party you ask? Quite a lot, or more so many things restored into the game. 4K and Ultrawide resolutions, as well as limitless frame rates, are supported. All original ROTT episodes and expansion packs are included. Characters and materials from “lost” betas have been resurrected. Full controller support is included, as well as KB/M rebinding. Play with jukebox soundtracks from 1994, 1995, or 2013. Comm-Bat Multiplayer Online and LAN with a variety of game styles, including updated HUDs, weapon sound effects, and LUDICROUS LIGHTING. A newly revamped and easy-to-use Level Editor. A NEW episode produced by veterans of New Blood, Night Dive, and Apogee Software. Which is all a honest dream come true. Fans of the usual crazy shooters will feel right at home with this absolutely outstanding remaster. From its ground roots. Off the bat the controls feel natural, and not just WASD + Mouse with awkward movement. Aiming feels snappy. Which is awesome without adjusting any mouse sensitivity. The original game played completely fine with a Keyboard. However, after playing this, it really pushes the ideal setup for this game now. Or mainly the way to play in my strong opinion. This also happened to System Shock for me with its Enhanced Edition. It made it much more smoother to play, and ideal. Whatever Night Dive, touches years later will become a super fresh feeling. As Twitch streamer kilg0re_tr0ut always says: “Games do not change, we do. They always play the same. We are the one’s opinions change, or shift.” He is completely correct, over time either you were into a craze others were, and through other eyes, you feel the same way, after that effect of others’ impressions detox from you. Otherwise, you went to a store, and if something looked good, you once over the back of the box. Take it to the counter, buy it, go home, install it. Then most completely: played the game.
The game effectively has graphical enhancements as mentioned before. All looking crisp. Nothing of which completely different, other then some sprite clean up, with the new and improved hud system. The interchanging hud overlays are also a nice touch. Giving you a choice of “Gib-Guy/Gal”.
The stats of the characters are the same as before. Each benefits from certain perks. I usually play as Doug Wendt. Slow, but can withstand a good handful of damage and is very accurate.
Things to note:
Rise of the Triad: Ludicrous Edition is a faithful remaster of the classic 1994 first-person shooter. It features updated graphics, improved controls, and a host of new features, including a level editor, cross-platform multiplayer, and a new episode.
The core gameplay of Rise of the Triad is still as fun as ever. You run, hop(more so slide), and shoot your way through a series of increasingly difficult levels, blasting away hordes of enemies with a variety of weapons. The game is fast-paced, action-packed, and it’s a blast to play.
The remaster does a great job of updating the graphics without losing the original game’s charm. The levels look great in 4K, and the new character models are a significant improvement over the originals. The controls have also been improved, making the game feel more responsive and modern.
The new features are a welcome addition to the game. The level editor is a lot of fun to use, and it’s great to be able to create your own levels and share them with others. The cross-platform multiplayer is also a lot of fun, and it’s great to be able to play with friends on other platforms.
Overall, Rise of the Triad: Ludicrous Edition is a great remaster of a classic game. It’s faithful to the original, but it also updates the graphics and controls to make the game more enjoyable for modern players. The new features are a welcome addition, and they make the game even more replayable.
If you’re a fan of classic first-person shooters, then you’ll definitely want to check out Rise of the Triad: Ludicrous Edition. It’s a great way to experience this classic game in all its glory.
Here are some of the pros and cons of the game:
Pros:
- Faithful remaster of the classic game
- Updated graphics and controls
- Host of new features, including a level editor, cross-platform multiplayer, and a new episode
- Fast-paced and action-packed gameplay
- A blast to play
Cons:
- Some of the new features can be buggy(minor collision with certain gaps in the stairways)
- The game can be quite challenging at times
Overall, Rise of the Triad: Ludicrous Edition is a great remaster of a classic game. It’s faithful to the original, but it also updates the graphics and controls to make the game more enjoyable for modern players. The new features are a welcome addition, and they make the game even more replayable. If you’re a fan of classic first-person shooters, then you’ll definitely want to check out Rise of the Triad: Ludicrous Edition.
