- Drew Beausoleil

A classic game makes a triumphant return from the Land of the Dead. Grim Fandango was a legendary game back in 1998 on the PC published and developed by Lucas Arts. Now over 15 years later everyone is able to relive Grim Fandango Remastered or enjoy the amazing adventure game for the first time. (I'm a little jealous of those who get to play Grim Fandango Remastered for the first time.)

As a grim reaper our main protagonist Manny Calavera, we're set to work off our misfortunate past from the living by helping the dead find their way to the Ninth Underworld. As our list of clients are not receiving their true payments we set off on an exciting journey to understand there is more to our story than just helping the dead. Grim Fandango Remastered brings back its charming personality with the fantastic writing and the non hand-holding puzzle solving mechanics. Our returning star Manny Calavera is full of life, for a dead host but with a great cast of characters to play off of each are memorable in their own right.

For those who had never experienced the 1998 classic, Double Fine has given us the ability to change some options and play in true nature of the classic. Going back to the 4:3 ratio and rendered form with tank controls or bringing everything to more modern form of 16:9 ratio and high res graphics with a newer control scheme and touch screen/touch pad options with the Vita/PS4. Additionally there is a director's commentary from 14 of the original team members that I highly recommend everyone have on as you play.

The world of Grim Fandango is very well realized and sets the tone for each exciting area you visit. The only problem I faced were slight camera angle issues that would lead to some frustrating control problems as I was running from one scene to the next that would sometimes lead me back to the scene I was currently in.

The added texture detail and lighting have helped improve the look and feel of Grim Fandango but have also kept the feel of the original game. The more simplistic block like characters (something we see less of these days with newer technology) keep the game true to the original classic but I fear the younger audience may see just an old game brought forth and not give this incredible classic a try.  I played this classic when it was first released and playing it once again in its newer integrity I would highly recommend picking up Grim Fandango Remastered for any fan of the adventure puzzle-solving genre.