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Story
ExhumedPAL, known as PowerSlave in North America, takes players on an exhilarating journey set in the ancient and mystical lands of Egypt. The story is deeply rooted in Egyptian mythology, providing a unique backdrop that sets it apart from its contemporaries. You play as a nameless special forces operative tasked with investigating a series of mysterious events occurring around the city of Karnak. An alien force has taken over, plunging the city into chaos and despair.
The narrative unfolds as you proceed through the game, revealing that the alien race known as the Kilmaat is behind the turmoil. They have imprisoned Egyptian deities to harness their powers for their own nefarious purposes. Your mission is to thwart their plans by freeing the captured gods and restoring peace to the land. The story is interwoven with elements of exploration and discovery, as you uncover ancient secrets and powerful artifacts to aid in your quest.
Gameplay
ExhumedPAL is celebrated for its innovative gameplay that combines the fast-paced action of a first-person shooter with elements of exploration and puzzle-solving. The game is structured in a non-linear fashion, allowing players to revisit previous levels with new abilities, somewhat akin to the Metroidvania genre, which was quite revolutionary for its time.
Combat and Weapons
The combat in ExhumedPAL is fluid and challenging, requiring players to think strategically about their approach to each encounter. The game features an array of weapons, each with its distinct advantages and weaknesses. From the initial machete to firearms like the M-60 machine gun and the magical Cobra Staff, players must adapt their arsenal to suit different situations. Ammunition and health pickups are scattered throughout the levels, requiring players to manage resources wisely to survive.
Exploration and Puzzle Solving
The game excels in its exploration mechanics, encouraging players to search every nook and cranny for hidden paths and secrets. As players progress, they acquire abilities such as the ability to swim underwater, jump higher, and walk on lava, which open up previously inaccessible areas. These abilities are not only key to advancing the story but also essential for uncovering additional secrets and power-ups.
Level Design
The level design in ExhumedPAL is intricate and well-crafted, with a variety of environments that range from ancient tombs to sprawling temples. Each level is packed with traps, puzzles, and enemies that test the player’s reflexes and problem-solving skills. The game’s non-linear structure encourages exploration and replayability, as players can revisit levels with new abilities to discover what they might have missed during their first run.
Graphics and Sound
Visuals
For its time, ExhumedPAL offered impressive visuals, especially on the Sega Saturn. The game utilizes a modified Build engine, which was also used in other classic shooters like Duke Nukem 3D. This engine allows for dynamic lighting and detailed textures that bring the ancient Egyptian setting to life. The art design captures the mystique and grandeur of ancient Egypt, with environments that are vibrant and full of character.
Sound Design
The sound design in ExhumedPAL is another standout feature. The atmospheric soundtrack, composed by L.A. musician Scott Branston, enhances the immersive experience, with tracks that blend traditional Egyptian motifs with modern rhythms. The sound effects are equally compelling, from the echoing footsteps in cavernous temples to the menacing growls of alien foes, each sound adds to the tension and excitement of the game.
Legacy and Reception
ExhumedPAL was met with critical acclaim upon its release, praised for its innovative gameplay mechanics and atmospheric design. It carved a niche for itself in the crowded FPS market of the 1990s, thanks to its unique setting and challenging gameplay. The game was particularly well-received in Europe, where it gained a cult following among Sega Saturn enthusiasts.
The game’s legacy is further cemented by its influence on future titles. Its blend of action, exploration, and puzzle-solving can be seen in later games that sought to replicate its successful formula. ExhumedPAL also helped to demonstrate the potential of the Sega Saturn as a platform for first-person shooters, showcasing its capabilities in handling complex 3D environments and detailed graphics.
Over the years, ExhumedPAL has maintained its status as a beloved classic, with fans and collectors eagerly seeking out copies of the original release. Its enduring popularity led to a remastered version, Exhumed, developed by Nightdive Studios, which introduced the game to a new generation of players while preserving the essence of the original experience.
Conclusion
ExhumedPAL remains a standout title in the history of video games, particularly within the first-person shooter genre. Its innovative combination of fast-paced action, intricate level design, and immersive storytelling set it apart from its peers. The game’s unique Egyptian setting and mythology-infused narrative offer a refreshing departure from the typical military or sci-fi themes prevalent in other shooters of the time.
Through its engaging gameplay and atmospheric presentation, ExhumedPAL has left a lasting impact on both players and developers alike. Its influence can be seen in numerous games that followed, while its remastered edition ensures that new audiences can experience the magic of this classic adventure. In the annals of gaming history, ExhumedPAL holds a special place as a pioneer that pushed the boundaries of what the FPS genre could achieve, ensuring its legacy endures for years to come.
