For anyone who may be unfamiliar with the classic first-person shooter XIII, it was initially released back in 2003 on PC and sixth generation consoles. Loosely based on a Belgian graphic novel series, the game featured a “bronze age” comic book aesthetic, with cell-shaded graphics that were quite novel at the time.
The game was driven by a Bourne-style narrative, as summarized by Microids official site:
Who are you?
The country is still in shock after President Sheridan’s assassination.
You wake up injured and with amnesia on the shore of an east coast beach. The only clues about your identity are the number XIII tattooed on your collarbone and the key to a locker. Despite the memory loss, you realize not everything has been forgotten as you seem to have amazing reflexes comparable to a well-trained government agent. You will soon be on your way to uncover your past, discovering in the process your role in the murder of the US president and unveiling the most astonishing conspiracy in the country’s history.
Play as “XIII” – a man who has no memory about his identity – and try to find out the truth regarding the set-up of a major conspiracy. Follow XIII in his search for his identity through a thrilling solo campaign and brutal local multiplayer battles!
The game saw a disastrous remake back in late 2020 with what was then a current-gen overhaul. The XIII remake went on to become Metacritic’s worst Xbox game of that year. It was heavily criticized for its many technical issues, as well as dramatic changes to the look and feel that made the original XIII a cult classic.
But it looks like publisher Microids and the developers at Tower Five have taken the criticism to heart and look to make amends by going forward with a truly next-gen reiteration of XIII, which is set to release in September. The best part is that the update will be free for owners of the Xbox One version.
Finally XIII fans may be able to enjoy the game as is truly intended with this re-remake.
Featured image courtesy of thenintendovillage.com.
