In 2020 there was a sport that launched to some middling opinions. However it was a sport that managed to achieve a loyal fan base nonetheless. That sport was Daymare: 1998.
Initially put collectively as a doable fan remake of Resident Evil 2 (earlier than the precise one) it then become a sport that was impressed by the mechanics of these older, earlier PlayStation motion adventures. Daymare: 1998 was a little bit of a success with some, however a miss with others. Blended in was some nice stuff although. The truth is, there was sufficient stuff to spawn a sequel/prequel – Daymare 1994: Sandcastle.
Can Daymare 1994: Sandcastle enhance on the unique and take us on a brand new journey? Properly, sure, I feel it could…
Daymare 1994: Sandcastle is ready 4 years earlier than the occasions of the primary sport. You play as Dalila Reyes who works as a tech specialist for a bunch referred to as H.A.D.E.S.. There was some hassle at Space 51 (in fact there has), and so the group has been despatched in as a result of communication has been misplaced. What occurs subsequent is a journey by means of the hallowed web site as you occur upon all types of unusual horrors and mysteries to resolve.
When it comes to storytelling, Daymare 1994: Sandcastle doesn’t actually do something authentic, but it surely performs an excellent tune from an previous tune. The visible storytelling aspect of issues, in addition to the setup, are fairly fulfilling all through and there are some good concepts and bits of lore present in docs and emails. The dialogue and characters get to really feel a bit hackneyed although, sometimes coming throughout as B-movie motion stars. However unusually I used to be up for that and fairly loved their barbs and one-liners. I favored the primary character, Dalila, however this isn’t one thing like The Final of Us; the builders are conscious of what they’re making an attempt to do.
Daymare 1994: Sandcastle is performed within the third-person, working an over the shoulder view level. For some time, you’re exploring the world of Space 51 in fairly a linear method. You will have some easy puzzles to discover and locks to open whereas discovering codes and messages present in lockers. I favored this facet of the sport probably the most and it should actually appears like a particular enchancment from the final sport, the place the motion appears extra centered.
Quickly you’re getting weapons, like a machine gun and a shotgun. It’s then when you realize that hassle is forward. Lifeless our bodies are strewn round, reanimated by unusual balls of vitality, turning into quick-paced zombies who will attempt to kill you. They run at you – quick – and it’s important to take them down after which destroy the ball of vitality to cease them going to a different corpse. In the event that they get close to you an odd fast time occasion occurs. You’ll get your well being taken away in case you are not fast sufficient. That is tremendous for the primary couple of occasions however after some time it will get monotonous. Neatly is the introduction of a freeze skill weapon you get later, which, as you’d anticipate, helps freeze enemies and destroy them. It’s my least favorite a part of Daymare 1994: Sandcastle and I dreaded the fight somewhat than to relish the encounters.
One of many largest enhancements from the unique sport is discovered within the visuals. Daymare 1994: Sandcastle’s lighting is an excellent instance of the step-up. Every location needs to be seen as a spot of dread, intrigue, and thriller. I feel the character animations are good too, as are the creatures that you just encounter alongside the best way.
When it comes to audio and the soundtrack has an amazing mix of motion music all through the fight scenes, mixed with some good old school creepy rigidity for the exploration bits. The actors do a ok job too, however the 90’s cheese-vibe and script don’t assist issues.
I didn’t have very excessive expectations for the expertise present in Daymare 1994: Sandcastle. However the sport is greater than able to pleasantly shocking, particularly with its extra linear, tight exploration and improved visuals. There are issues with the dialogue, which feels a bit dated, and the fight system will get a bit bland after the umpteenth combat. However you’ll largely have an excellent time with Daymare 1994: Sandcastle; the truth is, there’s a lot to love on this prequel.
It’ll actually be fascinating to see what is finished subsequent with the franchise.
