Introduction

Are you a fan of old-school shooters but find it frustrating to run these titles on modern hardware? Remasters are the solution to your problem. However, not all remasters are created equal. In this review, we’ll focus on Kingpin: Reloaded, a remaster of the 1999 cult classic Kingpin: Life of Crime.

Overview of Kingpin Reloaded

Kingpin: Reloaded is a newly released remastered version of the classic first-person shooter. It boasts improved visuals, modernized controls, and a new engine. However, despite these additions, the game falls short of expectations. The game still feels outdated and clunky, and the enhanced visuals are barely noticeable.

One of the main issues with the game is its unpredictability. Players experience frequent performance issues, including frame drops and crashes, making it difficult to have a smooth gaming experience. Additionally, the AI is incredibly frustrating as the enemy’s aim is too accurate and unpredictable.

Brief history of the original Kingpin game

Kingpin: Life of Crime is the 1999 original release that has garnered a cult following over the years. The game is set in a fictional world where the player character is seeking revenge against The Kingpin, a crime boss who has beaten and left the character for dead.

The game’s story and characters revolve around themes of greed, corruption, and violence. Despite mixed reviews upon release, the game has gained popularity due to its unique world and characters that stand apart from other first-person shooters of that era.

In conclusion, although Kingpin Reloaded attempted to update the classic game, it ultimately falls short of expectations. The game’s performance issues and frustrating AI make it unplayable for many gamers. While the original Kingpin game may still hold up for some, the remastered version does not provide enough improvement to be worth the investment.

Storyline and Gameplay

Plot summary of Kingpin Reloaded

In Kingpin Reloaded, you assume the role of a betrayed and beaten protagonist who is left to die. However, you resolve to fight your way up the underworld hierarchy and confront the kingpin of the title, who is a blatant knock-off of Marsellus Wallace from Pulp Fiction. This revenge tale takes place in a desolate urban hellscape with a 1930s aesthetic.

The game’s plot is intriguing, but it’s execution is flawed. The story is presented through non-skippable cut scenes that quickly become repetitive, and the dialogue is cringe-worthy with some offensive language that may be off-putting for some players.

Game mechanics and features

Kingpin Reloaded promises enhanced visuals and polished gameplay aimed to make the game more accessible for first-time players. Despite having a new engine, the game feels outdated and clunky. The gameplay mechanics can be frustrating and unresponsive, and the levels are linear with little variety in objectives.

The AI in the game is also lackluster, leading to predictable gameplay experiences where enemies tend to act the same way, even on higher difficulty levels. The only standout feature is the ability to recruit followers by completing side missions, but even they provide minimal assistance in combat.

In conclusion, Kingpin Reloaded is a delayed remaster that has failed to live up to expectations. While the plot is interesting, it is held back by poor dialogue and repetitive cutscenes. The game mechanics feel outdated, and the AI is unimpressive leading to a frustrating gameplay experience. Kingpin Reloaded may be enjoyable for fans of the original, but for those familiar with modern games, it’s hard to suggest this game at the moment.

Pros of Kingpin Reloaded

Improved graphics and polished gameplay

Kingpin Reloaded promises enhanced visuals and polished gameplay aimed to make the game more accessible for first-time players. The graphics have received a facelift compared to the original, making the game look more modern, especially with the adoption of PBR materials to make the textures of the game look more realistic. The lighting is also improved, with better shadow rendering, and the game supports higher resolutions. The game has smooth controls and runs well, making it easy to pick up and play for new players.

New content and enhancements

Kingpin Reloaded does bring some new enhancements to the table, such as being able to play with higher resolutions, controller support, and bug fixes. The game also introduces new content, such as side quests and the ability to recruit followers to aid you in combat. The game’s soundtrack is also remastered, featuring the original composer adding in new music tracks to complement the game’s story and setting.

In conclusion, while Kingpin Reloaded has its flaws and issues, it does bring some improvements and new content to the table. The game’s graphics and gameplay mechanics are polished, making it an accessible title for new players. If you are a fan of the original game, you will appreciate the updated visuals and new content, which can provide a fresh take on the classic game. However, for those who are not familiar with the game’s legacy and serving as their first introduction to the game, it may be best to hold off until the game’s issues are addressed.

Cons of Kingpin Reloaded

Game-breaking bugs

One of the major issues with Kingpin Reloaded is the presence of game-breaking bugs that can seriously affect the gameplay experience. The long loading times are frustrating, especially in today’s fast-paced gaming world. Additionally, some players have reported crashes and freezes, resulting in lost progress and wasted time. For a remaster of a game that’s over 20 years old, these technical issues are unacceptable.

Issues with enemy behavior

Another problem with Kingpin Reloaded is the severely broken AI of the enemies. While the original game wasn’t known for its revolutionary AI, Kingpin Reloaded takes a step backward and makes it even worse. Enemies will often run around in circles, ignoring the player and other foes in the area. This behavior becomes predictable and takes away from the gameplay’s challenge. Players might expect higher difficulty levels to introduce smarter enemies or new behaviors, but even this is not the case, making the game less immersive and dull.

The bottom line is that while Kingpin Reloaded’s storyline may intrigue you, technical issues and poor AI make it a lackluster game. Additionally, the repetitive cutscenes and cringe-worthy dialogue can make it a tedious and frustrating experience, rather than an enjoyable one. Fans of the original Kingpin might appreciate the nostalgia factor, but for gamers who are used to polished, modern gameplay, this remaster is a far cry from the mark. If you’re looking for a shooter with a dark urban vibe, there are plenty of better options on the market.

Cons of Kingpin Reloaded

Game-breaking bugs

If you’re a fan of first-person shooters, Kingpin Reloaded might have caught your eye, but be warned – the game comes with numerous technical issues. A major problem that many players have reported is the presence of game-breaking bugs. Long loading times can seriously affect the gameplay experience and are frustrating, especially in today’s fast-paced gaming world. On top of that, the crashes and freezes can result in lost progress and wasted time, which is unacceptable for a remaster of a game that’s over 20 years old.

Issues with enemy behavior

Combat in Kingpin Reloaded should have been a highlight of the game, but the severely broken AI of the enemies is a major letdown. While the original game wasn’t known for its revolutionary AI, Kingpin Reloaded takes a step backward and makes it even worse. Enemies will often run around in circles, ignoring the player and other foes in the area. This behavior becomes predictable and takes away from the gameplay’s challenge. Even on higher difficulty levels, there are no smarter enemies or new behaviors, making the game less immersive and dull.

Sound Effects and Music

The game reused numerous sound effects heard previously in Kingpin, which may have been done for the sake of nostalgia, but it adds no real value to the remaster. While the original game’s audio design was decent, it doesn’t hold up by today’s standards. As a result, the reused audio greatly contributes to the game’s outdated feel. Additionally, the music is forgettable and not particularly engaging, leading to a lackluster overall sound design.

Impact on the overall game experience

The technical issues and poor AI of Kingpin Reloaded make it a lackluster game. The repetitive cutscenes and cringe-worthy dialogue can make it a tedious and frustrating experience, rather than an enjoyable one. Fans of the original Kingpin might appreciate the nostalgia factor, but for gamers who are used to polished, modern gameplay, this remaster comes up short. If you’re looking for a shooter with a dark urban vibe, there are plenty of better options on the market.

Overall, Kingpin Reloaded has missed the mark in terms of what a remaster should be. The numerous technical issues, poor AI, and outdated sound design all contribute to a subpar gaming experience. Unless you’re looking for a nostalgic trip down memory lane, this game isn’t worth the investment.

Slipgate Ironworks’ Remastering Efforts

Details on Slipgate Ironworks’ work on the remaster

Kingpin Reloaded’s remaster was developed by Slipgate Ironworks, a small studio with limited resources. Despite this, they tried to polish the game’s outdated systems by retrofitting the game to run on Unity engine, which allowed the remaster to support resolutions up to 4K and revamp the UI and mission system. However, some of the game’s technical issues remained unaddressed, such as the game-breaking bugs and poor AI of the enemies. As a result, the remastered game did little to enhance the overall gameplay experience, which is disappointing for fans of the original game.

Potential for a more historically accurate game

Although the remaster was less than perfect, it still had the potential to be a historically accurate game that could appeal to both old and new fans. Slipgate Ironworks had the opportunity to fix some of the original game’s shortcomings and create a more polished, immersive experience. With attention to detail and a focus on maintaining the game’s dark urban vibe, the remaster could have been a hit among fans of the first-person shooter genre.

In conclusion, Slipgate Ironworks’ efforts to remaster Kingpin Reloaded had both positive and negative aspects. While the studio’s attention to resizing the game’s graphics and mission system is commendable, the game-breaking bugs and poor AI of the enemies detract from the overall gameplay experience. Despite this, the potential for a more historically accurate game was still there, and perhaps one day, the remastered version of Kingpin Reloaded will live up to its potential. Until then, fans of the original game might want to stick to nostalgia, while gamers looking for a polished experience might need to look elsewhere.

Reception of Kingpin Reloaded

Reviews and feedback from gamers and critics

Kingpin Reloaded received mixed reviews from both gamers and critics alike. While some praised the retro atmosphere and the nostalgic feel, others criticized the remaster’s poor execution and inadequate improvements. Many pointed out the game-breaking bugs and the poor AI of enemies, which affected the overall gameplay experience.

Players found it difficult to navigate the game’s outdated systems and controls. The character models and environments were praised by some as excellent, while others found the graphics underwhelming. Many reviewers expressed disappointment with the remaster’s technical issues and lack of significant improvements.

OpenCritic score and ranking

OpenCritic, a review aggregator website, gave Kingpin Reloaded a mixed score of 56 out of 100, indicating a generally negative reception from critics. It received a low average rating of 50% from gamers, who cited issues with the game’s AI, controls, and performance.

The game was also ranked poorly in the FPS genre, with many critics noting that it did not compare favorably to more modern and polished shooters. Despite its cult classic status, Kingpin Reloaded failed to make a significant impact on the gaming community, and its remaster was largely considered a disappointment.

In conclusion, Kingpin Reloaded’s remastered version fell short of the expectations of both gamers and critics, with the poor AI, game-breaking bugs, and outdated systems overshadowing its retro feel. While the game had potential to appeal to both old and new players, it failed to deliver a polished and immersive experience. Its OpenCritic score and ranking reflect this mixed reception, and it remains a game that only die-hard fans of the original should play.

Notable Characters and Moments

Introduction to Key Characters and Their Roles in the Game

Kingpin: Reloaded’s storyline revolves around revenge and power struggles in a gritty urban environment. The main character, known only as the player, is a small-time crook who rises through the ranks by taking out various gang members and eventually facing off against the mysterious Kingpin himself. Along the way, they encounter several notable characters, both friend and foe.

Johnny and Louie are members of the Sewer Rats gang, one of the first groups the player faces. They are tough enemies but can be persuaded to join the player’s crew for a price. The Jesus is another notorious gang leader who stands in the way of the player’s ultimate goal. Nikki Blanco is a femme fatale who proves to be a useful ally in the game’s later stages, and the Kingpin himself is the elusive mastermind behind all of the criminal activity in the city.

In addition to these key figures, the player also interacts with various NPCs throughout the game. Rummy is a drunk who provides useful intel in exchange for alcohol, while MagicJ sells weapons and ammunition to the player. The game’s cast of characters adds depth and complexity to the storyline, making for a more immersive experience.

Highlighting Memorable Moments in the Storyline

One of the game’s most memorable moments is the infamous “Strip Joint” level. In this level, the player must navigate a seedy strip club filled with aggressive hostile NPCs and scantily clad dancers. The level is challenging and requires the player to use stealth and cunning to overcome the heavily armed enemies.

Another standout moment in the game is the final showdown with the Kingpin. The player must first infiltrate his heavily guarded penthouse before engaging in a one-on-one battle. The fight is tough, and the Kingpin proves to be a formidable opponent, but the player ultimately emerges victorious.

Overall, Kingpin: Reloaded’s cast of characters and memorable moments help to bring its gritty urban world to life. While the remastered version of the game may have its flaws, the original game’s strong storyline and characters are still worth experiencing for fans of the first-person shooter genre.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Overall assessment of Kingpin Reloaded

In conclusion, while Kingpin: Reloaded may have been a cult classic for its time, its remastered version fails to impress with poor AI, unpredictable performance issues, and barely improved visuals. Although the game has a solid storyline with memorable characters and moments, it may not be worth it for players to invest in the remastered version, particularly if they encounter issues running the game on modern hardware.

Suggestions for players interested in trying the game out.

If you’re still interested in trying out Kingpin, we recommend checking out the original version to experience its gritty urban world and strong storyline. However, keep in mind that you may need to jump through hoops to make the game run on modern hardware. Alternatively, if you’re a fan of old-school shooters, we suggest exploring other remastered options that have successfully updated the gameplay and visuals while retaining the charm of the original game.