Some games are so exceptionally good that they warrant multiple remasters. Think of legendary titles like Half-Life or The Last of Us – even if a second remaster occasionally stirs up debate and internet memes, it speaks volumes about the game’s enduring quality and impact. Now, the 1997 classic shooter Blood is joining this exclusive club, thanks to the talented remaster specialists at Nightdive Studios. They already gave us ‘Blood: Fresh Supply’ in 2019, but a brand-new, enhanced version has just been unveiled, aptly named Blood: Refreshed Supply.
Nightdive has a stellar track record, consistently proving their mastery at revitalizing beloved FPS games from the ’90s and ’00s, from the foundational Doom to System Shock, and more recently, the Heretic and Hexen bundle. It’s quite unexpected, however, for them to revisit Blood. This game is a cult classic, mirroring Doom’s core mechanics but diving into a distinct horror aesthetic, leaning towards a cultish, Lovecraftian dread rather than iD’s infernal landscapes. Given that its first PC remaster arrived a mere six years ago, it’s certainly unusual to see that already enhanced version receiving yet another enhancement.
For existing PC players, Blood: Refreshed Supply will retain all the significant upgrades introduced in the first remaster, including crisp 4K resolution support, uncapped frame rates, local split-screen, and robust online multiplayer. What’s new, though, is Refreshed Supply’s debut on consoles, bringing with it crossplay functionality. This means you’ll soon be able to team up with friends on various platforms to eliminate zombies and cultists together. The developers have also hinted at additional quality-of-life improvements and performance boosts, though specific details are still under wraps.
The most exciting aspect of this new version is the expanded content. Not only will Blood: Refreshed Supply include the game’s two official expansions – Plasma Pak and Cryptic Passage – but it will also integrate two massive and highly popular fan-made mods.
One of these additions is Marrow, a ten-map expansion that immediately follows the original game’s conclusion. Protagonist Caleb might believe his quest is complete, but Blood’s sinister cult, The Cabal, isn’t done seeking vengeance. Marrow will be ready to play in Refreshed Supply right at launch later this year. The second major mod, Death Wish, is slated to arrive as a free update sometime after the initial release. This mod transports players to a more modern setting, far removed from the events of the original Blood, as the game’s ultimate antagonist, Tchernobog, re-emerges in a terrifying new form.
A trailer showcasing the game, featuring a man with long hair and glowing red eyes in a cowboy hat, firing a revolver, can be found online, providing a glimpse into the refreshed experience.
Blood: Refreshed Supply is scheduled to launch on Thursday, September 4. PC players can acquire it via Steam, Epic Games Store, or GOG. It will also be available on PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo console platforms.
If you’re looking to revisit more gaming history, explore our guides on the best old PC games. And for those who enjoy the darker side of gaming, dive into our list of the best horror games.
What other classic FPS game do you hope to see receive a similar remaster treatment?