/vr/ - Retro Games

>>10475376
Powerslave. The DOS version and the version on PS1/Saturn are whole different games. They have the same premise and mostly the same sprites/textures, but different engines, completely different levels, and different game design (DOS is a linear Doom clone, console is like a Metroidvania shooter).

>>9786452
The game Powerslave (for PC, not the console version) is pretty much a standard Doom clone, but with the most consistently great level design ive ever seen in a shooter. Every map except for the final one is just so expansive and fun to explore. Doom is obviously great, but the level quality is really all over the place, especially in 2. IIRC some of the level designers actually made Doom wads before, so they were practiced and talented by the time they made Powerslave.

>>9671034
Which version? It's a little confusing, but there are basically 2 games by the same devs that share the name and some assets. One for MS-DOS, and one for Playstation & Saturn. "Exhumed" is just the name of the European release of both. The console version is what Nightdive re-released on Steam/GOG.

The DOS game is a pretty standard Doom clone. It uses the Build engine like Duke Nukem, but an earlier version and doesn't have many fancy effects. The gameplay is just fine, where it really shines is the level design. The levels are way better than Doom, every one (except for the final map) is a masterfully crafted labyrinth that's just fun to navigate.
The console version is a completely different game. It has a fully 3D world with sprite enemies & weapons. What makes it unique is it's structured like a Metroidvania. You move through an overworld completing levels and then backtracking when you get upgrades to reach new areas. The levels are smaller and simpler due to console limitations, but they're still well-designed. Some of the later levels have puzzles involving your abilities that are just really clever and fun. Also, I think the atmosphere in this version is superior with the 3D lighting and moodier music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpNh-eeld2I&list=PLRtaAHG_k8HCyDo7WDGWxcsO8nOnK9BeG&index=12

>>8098946
>>8098943
Found it but it's not high res. Notice also it's missing some details like the water splashes or the effect around the fireball, so it looks like an early version

also the picture is cropped in the actual cover

>>7388758
>Powerslave (The Hero doesn't have a ton of lines but they're descent. I particularly like the delivery of the pained "ARRGH-SON OF A BITCH" when you take damage and some of the lines that trigger when you're fighting and killing a lot of enemies like "COME ON!".
I like those lines too because theyre delivered like what people actually say when they get hurt. Sounds realistic.

>>7162331
I've never liked the goggles on his eyes, makes him look goofy as fuck in his forward facing firing sprites. He looks pretty much like the cover art if they had just not used that silly shit. Maybe they wanted more definition in the face?

>>7126060
After getting all his upgrades from the relics he finds? The Hero wins hands down.

>>7117008
look up the artists page

>>7110296
Incorrect:
POWERSLAVE (Build version) > Blood > Duke Nukem 3D > Shadow Warrior > Ion Fury

>>7098742
There is a variant of this one with a different gun, also check the artists' page

>>4167035
>>4167056
>>4167063
>>4167082

The DOS Build game was MADE first.
When 3DRealms quit on Lobotomoty Software, they had to find a new publisher. That new publisher told me "okay, but you need to port it to console too".

Except that they quickly realized that, at the time this made, and at the moment PS1/Saturn came out, moment which lasted about 1-2 years before PC 3D acceleration cards became huge, PCs were better for 2D, and consoles were better for 3D. 2.5D engines like Build or Doom demand a lot of the CPU, which consoles couldn't handle (look at the Doom console ports). However, PS1/Saturn had dedicated 3D hardware so they were better for 3D.

Thus they quickly realized porting the game wouldn't work and decided to make a new one instead with the same assets, taking advantage of the 3D.

So they made the Saturn version, which in turn, was RELEASED first, even though the PC version, or at least 95% of it, was made first.

It is worth noting that the Saturn version, on top of its "metroidvania" type gameplay, offers Quake like 3D level design while it was being developed at the same time as Quake.

Then, the PS1 version is a port of the Saturn version, but which changes quite a lot of things included about 2-4 stages which got changed and are brand new (2 completely new ones + plus tons of parts of other stages)

High res cover. Notice how the weapons aren't the same, there are two versions.

Done by the same artist who did the cover to PS1 Doom, you may find some similarities.

BTW - you should make sure you're playing the retail version of either Powerslave (dated december 04 1996) or Exhumed (March 19 1997) and that you have music.
There are bad rips and (full) beta versions going around warez sites.
Preferably used the Exhumed version as a couple of glitches got fixed (for instances some tracks don't loop well on Powerslave)

The PC version of Powerslave needs more love.

>>3429902
Damn I didn't even realize that.

>>3332932
and by the same author, Exhumed/Powerslave.

I like how those represent the game really well.

>>3276593
Now, the curious thing is, just like in the Powerslave cover, the artist is very respectful of the original material EXCEPT one enemy is unseen in the game...

Also there exists variants of these covers on the artist' site, in the Powerslave one he's firing the gun and the machete is holstered (the contrary as on the actual game cover) and the Doom has an extra monster in the back (looks like a Cyberdemon) and other things like colours and Doomguy's beard are different too.