Revving up nostalgia on the PS4 like a motorcycle gang revs up a mid-afternoon brawl, Full Throttle Remastered takes the 1995 classic and re-paints it for today's digital canvas. Pack your leather jacket and prepare for an adventure with some pixelated grit, humor, and full-speed motorcycle chases. Can the remaster keep up with the times, or is it destined to stall in an 80's arcade?
Full Throttle Remastered invites us into a dystopian future filled with biker gang politics and sneaky corporate espionage - basically, every Monday morning scenario for an office worker. You step into the shoes of Ben Throttle, a motorcycle gang leader who's recently been framed for a crime he did not commit, because who doesn't love the ol' 'you-are-the-suspect-now-ride-or-die' trope? Gameplay revolves around classic point-and-click mechanics. You can explore beautifully rendered scenes, engage in conversations, and initiate some pie contextual action. That's right! Pie menus, not dessert! Objects of interest illuminate in red when hovered over. Click on those bad boys to interact, pick up, or check items/files, and get used to the clicking - a lot of it. Sure, some puzzles might leave seasoned puzzle-solvers feeling a bit underwhelmed. It's almost like saying, 'If you can find item A, you can solve this!' But fear not, adventure gamers, there are moments where the game demands pure quick thinking, especially during boss battles that pop up unexpectedly. It's filled with swerving, dodging, and clicking - basically, an intense gaming cardio workout. The dialogue is a strong suit of the game. Multiple-choice conversations bring the characters to life, with each response altering the narrative path. The solid writing shines through, making characters like the villainous Adrian Ripburger a real piece of work who you want to take down like stale candy in a Halloween candy bag. The remastered version retains its ability to pace through this surreal world; however, the humor, animations, and story keep it feeling fresh for both newcomers and veterans alike. Let's not forget the exhilarating motorcycle combat sequences. Racing through the breathtaking landscapes, you'll need quick reflexes to dodge enemies all while keeping Ben's bike upright. It's like riding a real-life motorcycle while also battling the urge to laugh at the absurdity of it all. But can we just take a moment to appreciate having no 'game over' screens? Ben takes knockdowns seriously, bouncing back from failures like a true biker!
Visually, Full Throttle Remastered is an absolute treat. The colorful environments, all maintained via a crisp, cleaner visual style, are infused with vibrant hues that pop on your screen. The original game's animation holds up remarkably well, but this remaster gives your eyeballs that modernization boost they desire after staring at pixelated squinting distances for years. Every frame has been hand-drawn to perfection, with animated sequences that capture the spirit of the game's rebellious nature. Swapping between the original and remastered graphics is like trading in your family sedan for a turbocharged cruiser, allowing players to relish in both nostalgia and modern charm. The remastered audio boosts the experience with newly recorded sounds and effects, breathing fresh life into the soundtrack. Featuring tracks from the iconic band The Gone Jackals, it's enough to make you want to headbang while navigating the game's narrative. The sound effects are punchy, making every rev of the motorcycle sound just as invigorating as the plot twists in between.
Full Throttle Remastered manages to stay true to its roots while skillfully writing the tale of the new generation. Now, players have the chance to join a cult classic that hasn't just been remade for cash grabs but rejuvenated for the hearts and minds of today's gamers. With top-notch visuals, entertaining animation, and humor that'd make a clown jealous, it's an exhilarating ride from start to finish. So grab your helmet, kickstart your nostalgic engine, and cruise through a narrative filled with motorcycles, mayhem, and rugged charm. It's a game that proves that even if a biker gang gets old, their spirit can always be reignited. This remaster earns a solid 9 out of 10 from me - a timeless classic, reimagined. Just try not to crash into any walls while you're having all the fun!