A game of its time brought back to life on PS5, Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster is a fascinating trip through mid-'90s design. Nightdive Studios' recreation transforms what was once clunky into fast-paced excitement, but the experience remains deliberately obtuse and rewarding.

The game's level design feels like a maze of secrets, much like old-school Doom. On PS5, it runs at an impressive speed, making the blaster bolts streak across the screen with that unmistakable '70s Star Wars style. The shooting is loose and combat fast, lacking in precision but deeply engaging for those who relish in the challenge.

While the visuals are basic and the controls somewhat floaty, the atmosphere captures the looser, more experimental prequel era of the Star Wars universe. It's a game that requires patience to uncover all its secrets, reminiscent of playing an old video game with limited resources. For some, this remaster is a nostalgic journey; for others, it's an intriguing challenge.

Dark Forces Remaster preserves the retro personality of the original, representing it as intended without modernisation. If you're willing to accept its quirks and embrace the simplicity, there's something special about experiencing classic game design in pristine condition on today's hardware.