Under A Killing Moon Remake Brings Back The 1994 FMV Cyberpunk Noir Classic on Unreal Engine 5

By Ryan Messina Gaming News
3 July 2026 no comments

Rebuilding a Cyberpunk Noir Classic in Unreal Engine 5

The classic 1994 FMV adventure Tex Murphy: Under A Killing Moon is undergoing a massive modern transformation. Independent developer Yuval Dorfman has launched a crowdfunding campaign for Tex Murphy: Killing Moon Rising, a high-fidelity reconstruction built entirely from scratch.

The project has already generated massive momentum, smashing its initial funding target within a single hour. The live campaign on the Tex Murphy Kickstarter page has surpassed $381,000 with only hours remaining, securing key development milestones.

Crucially, the remake carries the explicit blessing and active involvement of original creators Aaron Conners and Chris Jones. Jones returns to manage the project’s finances while ensuring the definitive tone of the hardboiled, post-apocalyptic investigator remains intact.

Original artist Douglas Vandegrift also joins the development team to help bridge the gap between 1994 design patterns and modern visual standards.

What New Features Are Coming to the Tex Murphy Remake?

The Tex Murphy remake replaces the original game’s fragmented point-and-click navigation with a fully interconnected, seamless 3D world built in Unreal Engine 5. It features modern WASD controls, full gamepad support, dynamic weather systems, and new investigative mechanics like a functional flashlight.

Players can now step directly inside locations that were previously restricted to static FMV sequences, such as Rook’s Pawnshop and Louie’s Brew & Stew. The development team emphasizes that this overhaul makes the title accessible in 2026 without sacrificing the quirky humor or narrative DNA of the original.

The environmental updates also bring atmospheric upgrades like dynamic fog, rain, lightning, and glass droplets. To preserve aesthetic flexibility, the game will include optional visual filters. Players can experience post-WWIII San Francisco in standard mode, a high-contrast classic Noir filter, or a stylized Red Sky setting.

Upgrading 1994 FMV Footage to 2K Resolution

One of the biggest hurdles for historical preservation in gaming is handling low-resolution full-motion video. The team is addressing this directly by accessing the original 1994 digital performance tapes to reconstruct the cinematic sequences.

Visual effects director Mat Van Rhoon and editor Avishay Mizrav are spearheading an intensive upscaling process. The video production scales the original 480i presentation up to full HD and 2K resolution, while boosting the frame rate from the original 10 frames per second to a smoother 30 frames per second.

According to updates shared via the Kickstarter page, backers who pledge at specific tiers gain immediate access to a playable alpha build of Act 1.

This functional proof of concept ensures that supporters can test the current gameplay systems, control schemes, and video integration ahead of the projected two-to-three-year full production cycle. With the latest update confirming the arrival on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

How Much Does the Tex Murphy Remake Cost?

The digital version of the Tex Murphy remake is available starting at around $30 for the base tier, while a premium physical “Big Box” edition is priced at around $130. This offers a completely DRM-free permanent copy of the game alongside multiple high-quality tangible collector items.

Because the physical tier quickly surpassed its goal of 500 individual backers, the premium Big Box will officially include a factory-produced physical Blu-ray disc featuring full-color CMYK offset printing. The package also features an A5 full-color manual, an A3 laminated poster, and collectible postcards.

Higher tiers, such as options starting around $200, automatically integrate premium aesthetic additions. These upgrades introduce a soft-touch velvet finish to the outer box, spot UV artwork coating, and silver metallic foil stamping for historical collectors.

Note: Prices and availability may change. Please check the widget below for real-time live prices.

Ryan Messina

A video game enthusiast ever since I first got my hands on a Game Boy. Over the years, I've played many different games across various genres, discovering hidden gems and niche titles along the way. I'm also passionate about technology, always up-to-date with the latest news and insight in the PC and Console market. Ready to share and bring you the latest news !