After months of anticipation, the early access title Ultrakill has unveiled a significant visual overhaul, breathing new life into nearly every level of the game, with the exception of the latest addition, the four-level layer of Violence released in 2023. Lead developer Arsi “Hakita” Patala first showcased this revamp last May, offering a glimpse into the reimagined aesthetics of level 1-1, Heart of the Sunrise. In his announcement, Patala explained, “While our programmers are busy with major rewrites that will take a long time, me and [3D artist Victoria Holland] are doing a visual pass on the old levels to get them up to par with the later ones.” He assured fans that while some functional changes may occur, the core geometry, layouts, and encounters would largely remain intact, as they have proven effective thus far.
Visual Transformation
A recent comparison video from New Blood vividly illustrates the extent of these enhancements, particularly in areas that have undergone subtle yet impactful retouching. One standout feature is the newly overhauled skybox introduced in layer 2, Lust. The narrative suggests that the humans of hell united to transform Lust into a vibrant metropolis under the reign of the wise and formidable King Minos. However, the city has seen better days, especially after the intervention of heavenly angels, which led to the enslavement of King Minos.
Previously, Lust presented a flat texture of a cityscape viewed from an altitude of approximately 30,000 feet, merely serving as a backdrop beneath the floating levels. The revamped version, however, boasts a fully rendered 3D city, complete with the Punished “Venom” King Minos, who now possesses a more substantial presence in the distance. The grotesque atmosphere of Gluttony, set within Minos’ corpse, has been amplified through the introduction of new assets. Moreover, the team has enriched the details in one of the fan-favorite levels, 4-3 Ship of Fools, by enhancing the yacht’s 3D modeled features, including tasteful statuary and other opulent decorations.
This transformation mirrors the “HD update” seen in Dusk last year, both in its ambitious scope and adherence to the original art style. However, Ultrakill remains in early access, leading to playful jests from fans who feel they are experiencing Ultrakill Remastered before the actual game is fully released. While the wait may be lengthy, many players, including myself, have found joy in the early access experience, similar to titles like Gloomwood and Fallen Aces, although I’m cautious not to overindulge before the official launch.
Exciting Additions
The update also introduces an unexpected bonus: two remixed “encore” levels, offering a preview of what players can expect post-launch. One level resembles 2-1 but takes place at night with a lava floor, while the other appears to be a Prelude level with an icy twist. New Blood has teased that these levels diverge significantly from their originals, both in appearance and gameplay, boasting a difficulty level approximately ten times greater than that of their predecessors.
To coincide with this update, Ultrakill is currently available at a 33% discount as part of New Blood’s 11th anniversary sale on Steam, making it an opportune moment for both new and returning players to dive into this revitalized experience.
