The announced return of The Thing as a video game has reignited excitement among horror fans and collectors. More than twenty years after its initial release, this sequel to John Carpenter's 1982 cult film is getting a modern makeover. The burning question is: does this new collector's edition live up to its iconic legacy? Our mission is to break down what this edition truly has to offer, with full objectivity and cutting through the marketing hype. This guide analyses the The Thing Remastered Deluxe Edition Switch to help you decide if the investment is worth it.
Navigating the jungle of collector's editions isn't easy. Here are the essential criteria to ensure you make the right choice.
A collector's, or "Deluxe," edition is more than just a pretty box. Its true value is measured by the quality and exclusivity of the accompanying goodies. For a title like The Thing collector Switch, the inclusion of a The Thing steelbook is often the deciding factor for collectors. Scrutinise the full list of bonuses: artbook, soundtrack, in-game item replicas... These are the things that transform a simple game into a true collector's item.
Be careful not to confuse "remaster" with "remake." A remaster, like the one handled by Nightdive Studios for The Thing, aims to modernise the original experience, not reinvent it. In practical terms, you can expect sharper graphics, higher resolution, reworked lighting, and some quality-of-life improvements (controls, interface). The goal is to make it playable on current hardware while preserving the soul and gameplay that made it a success back in the day. It is not a game that has been rebuilt from the ground up.
The Thing is not your average shooter. It is, above all, a survival horror game on Switch that bets everything on a brilliant paranoia mechanic. Managing trust and fear within your squad is as vital as counting your ammunition. The core of the game is this constant dread: are your teammates still human, or have they been assimilated by the Thing? This psychological dimension sets it apart from the competition and is its main appeal.
To put The Thing in perspective and offer some alternatives, here is our selection of titles you might enjoy.
Why we recommend it: This edition is aimed primarily at long-time fans and demanding collectors. It doesn't just offer the remastered game but enriches it with a series of collector's items that extend the immersion into the frigid world of Outpost 31. As the direct sequel to the 1982 film The Thing, the game provides a golden opportunity to find out what happened after the end credits, all driven by that famous trust and paranoia mechanic that ramps up the tension.
Highlights:
Who is it for? Ideal for physical game collectors, nostalgic fans of the 1982 film and the original game, and players looking for a survival horror game on Switch that prioritises psychological tension over frantic action. If you want to buy The Thing Remastered in its ultimate edition, look no further.
Why it stands out: Born from the collaboration between renowned creators SUDA51 (No More Heroes) and SWERY (Deadly Premonition), Hotel Barcelona is a 2.5D action-slasher that promises an outlet as frantic as it is bloody. Its distinct visual style and original concept (surviving in a haunted hotel filled with serial killers) make it a true oddity in the horror game landscape.
Highlights:
Who is it for? For players who appreciate stylised, ultra-violent action, fans of SUDA51 and SWERY's creations, and anyone looking for an arcade-style horror game that can be played with others.
Why it's different: This title stands out by exploring the origins of the famous Hello Neighbor franchise. Rather than focusing on fear, it uses the game of hide-and-seek as a metaphor to delicately tackle themes of grief and loss, offering a more contemplative and narrative experience.
Highlights:
Who is it for? Aimed at fans of the Hello Neighbor universe who want to learn more about its story, as well as players who prefer narrative experiences and puzzles over outright horror. An excellent entry point for a younger or more sensitive audience.
Our selection is just a taste of what's in store. Whether you're looking for action, adventure, or horror, our catalogue is filled with other gems.
? Explore our full collection of Console Games to discover more titles.
Designed for collectors, the Deluxe Edition includes the following items:
Absolutely. The 2002 video game, remastered here, is indeed the official sequel to John Carpenter's film The Thing (1982). The story begins shortly after the events of the film, with the player taking on the role of Captain J. F. Blake, who is sent to Antarctica to find out what happened to the team at Outpost 31.
The original game was developed by Computer Artworks in 2002. This remastered version, The Thing: Remastered, is the work of Nightdive Studios, a studio renowned for its expertise in restoring video game classics. Their trademark is absolute fidelity to the original work, enhanced by modern technical improvements.