Forsaken 64

When it comes to remastered versions of games, I give play around with the remaster and the N64 version a bit to compare feel and features. While Forsaken Remastered is a great version, it’s based on the PlayStation/PC version and while it contains the N64 exclusive levels, it lacks a few features and the exclusive levels are bonuses, so it felt a bit to different to play – so I stuck to the N64 version (if you just want to play the game, then definitely play the Remaster).

Forsaken is a spaceship combat game that takes place in cramped maze-like arenas. Naturally, this feels very disorientating, even though the controls (once you adjust them to your liking and get used to them) do a good job at allowing you to move in so many directions and there’s a lot of weapons to find and use.

The third person mode is exclusive to the N64 version and looks near with the see-through ships, but a lack of crosshairs makes it difficult to aim. It’s still a nice novelty, though. There’s a lot of levels, but unfortunately they all feel quite samey, and while enemies look different, they don’t feel that different to blow up.

That said, Forsaken 64 is a decent game, there’s a lot of levels and a good multiplayer. A bit of variety and some more open levels would be nice, though. There’s also a lot of impressive background lore and detail on the characters, none of which is really carried through to the game, which is just a case of completing the objectives and going to the next level.

Forsaken is certainly the N64’s best ‘serious’ game since GoldenEye. Choose a Turok-emulating control system (number four worked best for us), spend a few hours to get to grips with the intricoes of combining vertical and horizontal movement, whilst simultaneously fending off attacks from every angle (six fingers and two brains would be a distinct advantage), and you will discover a game that, although not for the fainthearted, holds a genuinely rewarding experience for those who are prepared to persevere.

Martin Kitts, N64 Magazine #16

Remake or remaster?

The remaster is probably the best way to play Forsaken, even though it’s lacking the 3rd person view (it looked nice but isn’t practical), it plays a lot nicer and looks cleaner – although an “N64 playlist” to play levels in the order of the N64 game would be nice.

Official ways to get the game.

The remastered version is available on GoG and Steam.

N64 shooting vehicle