Dark Forces was a really good shooter in the Star Wars universe in 1995. A mod project makes the classic easy to play in the modern age and adds numerous comfort extras. The project The Force Engine replaces the graphics engine.
The creators of the project choose the same approach as EDuke32, for example, which modernizes the substructure of Duke Nukem 3D or analog ports for Doom 1. Modders create a new engine or modify the existing substructure massively to add modern features. You will then need the new engine to play, as well as a copy of the old title in order to legally own a copy of all artwork, level files and other proprietary elements to be used by the new engine. In the case of the Force Engine, which makes the use of the cumbersome DOSBox unnecessary, the Jedi Engine from Dark Forces was reconstructed.
Blessings of modernity
The Force Engine brings numerous improvements. This includes support for higher and widescreen resolutions that go well beyond the 320 × 200 pixels of the original version. If you want to count pixels, you can also play in the original image quality. Thanks to the new engine, players can also use the mouse to look around, change key assignments, increase “race” to normal movement speed and use a quick-save function. In addition, mods can be used for the classic according to the description.
Star Wars: Dark Forces
To install the Force Engine, all you have to do is download it in the form of a zip archive from the GitHub project page. After unpacking it is enough to start the .exe file of the port. If Dark Forces is already installed on the computer via Steam or GOG, you can start playing immediately. If the automatic detection fails, the path to the game must be specified manually in the options.
Linux and Mac support are on the roadmap for early next year, with outlaws support later. The shooter also uses the Force Engine, but is set in the Wild West.
Retro shooter
With a new engine, Dark Forces runs faster and looks sharper. Only textures remain pixelated, especially weapons, and the opponents, which are only displayed as sprites, are of poor quality. Thanks to mouse control and endurance racing, Dark Forces becomes a fast-paced shooter that doesn't even have to be aimed very precisely, because the aiming aid of the original is retained. The same applies to the midi tones – Dark Forces sounds wonderfully nostalgic and still looks old despite the higher resolution. A trailer shows what it looks like in motion.
In terms of level design, the age shows up in some places, especially when compared to somewhat newer classic shooters like Duke Nukem 3D but noticeable. Switches are not always clearly recognizable as objects, and players have to orientate themselves on the maps in order to fulfill objectives given in mission descriptions. However, the poorly detailed environment does not always make orientation as easy as it is in modern games, which show the way with more or less subtle hints.