FATE: Reawakened: A Nostalgic Dive into Dungeon Crawling Chaos

A remaster that walks the line between retro charm and modern frustration

Launch Day Larry

Ah, “FATE: Reawakened,” a game that promises to take you back to the good old days of dungeon crawling, where your biggest worry was whether your pet could carry all your loot. This remaster of the beloved “FATE” series attempts to blend nostalgia with modern updates, but does it succeed in capturing the magic of the original while keeping up with today’s gaming standards? Let’s dive into the depths of this remastered adventure and find out.

Gameplay: A Familiar Yet Frustrating Journey

The gameplay of “FATE: Reawakened” is like meeting an old friend who hasn’t quite kept up with the times. The core loop of dungeon crawling, defeating enemies, and collecting loot remains intact, offering a comforting sense of nostalgia for long-time fans. However, the lack of customizable keybindings is a glaring oversight, forcing players to adapt to default settings that might feel as awkward as wearing someone else’s shoes. Meanwhile, the incomplete controller support and cumbersome cursor system for joystick users add an extra layer of challenge, akin to trying to play a piano with mittens on.

The new user interface, while visually modern, has left some players scratching their heads, especially when it comes to older mechanics like healing pets and using spells. The inability to have inventory screens open while moving disrupts the fluidity of gameplay, making it feel like you’re trying to juggle while riding a unicycle. Plus, the item stat screen’s inconvenient placement is a constant reminder that sometimes, less is more.

Bugs and technical issues are the unwelcome guests at this dungeon party, with a critical loot disappearance bug, double audio issues, and random crashes threatening to ruin the fun. For a game that revolves around loot, these issues are as welcome as a mimic in a treasure chest.

Graphics: A Shiny New Coat of Paint

Visually, “FATE: Reawakened” is like a classic car that’s been given a fresh coat of paint. The updated graphics are generally praised for their sleek and shiny appearance, enhancing the nostalgic experience without losing the charm of the original art style. The higher resolution textures and improved lighting create a more polished and immersive world, making the game run smoothly on newer platforms like the SteamDeck.

However, not all that glitters is gold. Some players have noted issues with animation quality, describing them as “janky,” and occasional performance stutters attributed to the garbage collector. The user interface, while modernized, has been a point of contention, with criticisms about the placement of the item stat screen and the smaller hotbar affecting gameplay fluidity. It’s like the developers tried to fit a square peg into a round hole, and the result is a UI that feels clunky and less intuitive than its predecessors.

Story: A Simple Tale of Nostalgia

The story of “FATE: Reawakened” is as straightforward as a dungeon crawler gets. The primary objective is survival and progression through increasingly challenging dungeons, with the narrative serving as a backdrop to the engaging gameplay. For fans of the original series, the remaster offers a nostalgic experience, allowing players to relive the story in the original Town of Grove, with content integrated from all four games in the series.

While the new setting offers a fresh narrative experience, it diverges from the familiar story settings that long-time players associate with the series. This change has affected the nostalgic feel that many fans cherish, as the original games hold a special place in their memories. The story may not be the most complex or engaging, but it serves its purpose as a backdrop to the classic ARPG elements that the series is celebrated for.

Final Verdict

“FATE: Reawakened” is a remaster that walks the line between retro charm and modern frustration. While the updated graphics and nostalgic gameplay offer a comforting trip down memory lane, the lack of customizable controls, clunky UI, and technical issues hold it back from reaching its full potential. For fans of the original series, this remaster may still be worth a playthrough, but new players might find themselves wondering if the past was really as golden as it seems.

Score: 6.0/10