Introduction to The Force Engine
To lay things out from the beginning, The Force Engine is to Dark Forces what GZDoom is to Doom: a new, open-source engine that offers more flexibility and modern features than the original game engine ever could. It has broadened the possibilities for modders and players alike, enhancing the overall experience of Dark Forces.
Improvements and Features
Before Nightdive’s remaster on its own KEX engine, The Force Engine was the hands-down best way to play Dark Forces. It introduced numerous improvements, quality-of-life fixes, and high-resolution support. However, Nightdive’s remaster still had plenty to offer, including remastered assets and music, archival material from LucasArts, and even a long-lost demo level made playable for the first time since its initial showcase in the early ’90s.
Comparison with Nightdive’s Remaster
While The Force Engine provided a DIY approach for enthusiasts, the remaster by Nightdive Studios brought Dark Forces to consoles and handhelds for the first time. This increased the game’s approachability, as sometimes players prefer not to download a fan patch or source port off GitHub just to revisit an old favorite. This makes the remaster an attractive option for those who seek convenience and modern accessibility.
Game Preservation and Community Contribution
This interplay between a DIY developer and an official remaster effort is particularly interesting, representing a journey from source port to remaster and back to source port. It serves as a best-case example of game preservation in action, as both the DIY scene and a for-profit company work together to ensure a game remains as playable as possible, in as many ways as possible.
