Fan-Made Mod Enhances Grim Fandango Remaster’s Graphics
In 2015, Double Fine Productions released the remastered version of the cult classic quest game ‘Grim Fandango’ by LucasArts. However, not all improvement expectations of fans were realized in it. Thankfully, a recent fan-made mod from Hexagon Codes has refurbished the missing enhancements.
The official reissue, named ‘Grim Fandango Remastered’, offers high-resolution textures, dynamic lighting, reworked controls, and an orchestral soundtrack. However, even this version is not flawless as only the character model textures were enhanced, leaving the background images blurry.
The free mod ‘Grim Fandango Remastered HD’ significantly upgrades the resolution of all textures from 640 x 480 pixels to 2560 x 1920 pixels and their color depth from 16-bit with pseudorasterization to a full-fledged 32-bit. AI tools have been predominantly used for these enhancements along with scaling software techniques.
Apart from this, the mod also introduces forced vertical synchronization to prevent performance drops due to high frame rate. Moreover, the toggle between the new and original image has been made instantaneous, allowing immediate visibility of the improvements.
The creators have endeavored to preserve the classic visual style, while making the image clearer and eliminating distortions caused by dithering. The mod allows for the selection of the original 4:3 screen aspect ratio.
“Essential for all fans who want to play the game again,” is how a journalist from DSOGaming described the mod.
The mod is currently only compatible with the Steam version and is not functional on Steam Deck. Additionally, it doesn’t improve engine videos and embedded videos in the backgrounds.
The ‘Grim Fandango Remastered HD’ mod (loader and a 2GB texture pack) can be downloaded from the official Hexagon Codes website. Comparative screenshots and fragments can also be observed there. A copy of the official reissue will be required to run the mod.
The original Grim Fandango was released in October 1998 for Windows PC. Double Fine Productions’ remaster was issued in January 2015 for Linux, macOS, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation Vita. It was later made available on Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One. The remastered version also includes developer commentaries and a concept art gallery.
The Grim Fandango Remastered has received 90% positive reviews on Steam, based on 6,000 reviews. 3DNews’ Alexey Likhachev dubbed the remaster “an excellent gift for fans of Tim Schafer’s creativity.”
In February, Swiss 3D artist Haraldinowitch showcased how a Grim Fandango remake on Unreal Engine 5 might look.
