The original Red Faction games
released on the previous console generation and were among the first titles to
really showcase environmental destruction as a gameplay element. Courtesy of the
Geo-Mod system, Red Faction and its sequel allowed you to punch holes through
walls with your firepower, revealing hidden areas as well as new ways to get
the drop on your opponents. Now, developer Volition and THQ are readying up the
next long-awaited title in the Red Faction universe, Red Faction Guerilla.
Although it’s a very different
presentation than series fans are used to (it’s a third-person open-world
shooter as opposed to a more linear FPS like the originals), Red Faction
Guerilla does a fine job of nailing the ever-important destruction elements that
the series has been known for. There are a few stumbles along the way, but
destruction fans will definitely get a kick out of what Red Faction Guerilla has
to offer.
Red Faction Guerilla puts you in the
shoes of Alec Mason, a recent arrival to Mars. Many years have passed since the
revolutionary events that occurred in the first game, but things are still
fairly strained between the EDF powers that control Mars and the colonists that
toil on its surface. The EDF are extremely oppressive and responsible for the
murders of many innocent colonists, leading the Red Faction resistance forces to
rise up and fight them off the planet. In the opening moments of the game,
Alec’s brother, a member of the resistance, is killed by the EDF, an event which
finds Alec placed at the center of the revolution.
The gameplay in Red Faction Guerilla
puts players into an open-world sandbox presentation of Mars, similar to games
like Grand Theft Auto IV or Mercenaries. You’ll be able to navigate the surface
of the planet by walking or utilizing a variety of cars, trucks, and
construction vehicles to get around as well as you explore the six different
areas throughout the game. You’ll perform a variety of quick strike missions,
taking out strategic positions and people within the EDF, and eventually
lowering their hold of the area to zero, giving the Red Faction control of it.
Rinse, lather, repeat until all six areas are free of the tyrannical EDF.
Sandbox gameplay elements are
nothing new, but where Red Faction Guerilla really shines is when you get into
the nitty-gritty and blow stuff up. The game uses the latest version of
Volition’s own Geo-Mod engine (2.0), effectively combining accurate physics and
wanton destruction to make for some awesome carnage. Destroying buildings,
outposts, towers either with grenades, vehicles, or rockets (or even just your
trusty sledgehammer) is an absolute blast, and luckily factors into many of the
game’s missions.
The combat in Red Faction Guerilla
is solidly done. You’ll have access to a variety of weapons stemming from both
mining functions as well as true weapons, like machine guns and sniper rifles
from the EDF’s arsenal. The real emphasis, however, is placed on explosive
weapons that are capable of wiping out enemies and structures at the same time,
and your melee weapon, the sledgehammer, which is one of the most satisfying
melee weapons in years. Aside from being able to lay out enemies in one solid
blow, the sledgehammer is effective at knocking down structures when your
explosives supply has been exhausted.
Red Faction Guerilla also features
some pretty compelling multiplayer features. While the game features familiar
standby modes like Free for All and Capture the Flag, the game sets itself apart
in two ways: the environmental damage system and the ability to use power-up
backpacks. These backpacks allow you to do such things as let loose a shock
wave, fly for a limited bit of time, or charge through structures and foes.
There is a pass-the-controller mode called “Wrecking Crew” where you and your
friends can compete for the highest amount of collateral damage in an area with
a set type of weapon that is also quite fun.
However, Red Faction Guerilla does
have a few shortcomings that keep it from being truly great. The missions are
pretty inconsistent, and some of them can be extremely frustrating to complete.
Additionally, the AI can be quite problematic, and enemies often act very
erratically on foot and in vehicles. The cover system is also an issue, as
you’ll often be popped out of cover without wanting to be, leading to some undue
frustration. Another thing that is somewhat weird is that your character never
tires when sprinting (maybe it’s something to do with the atmosphere, who
knows).
However, one of the most problematic
quirks, comes from the support AI feature. As colonists join your cause, they’ll
often attempt to “help” you by fighting alongside you unsolicited. However, they
quickly become more of a hindrance than an actual help, making lousy moves and
getting killed off quickly, and blocking you into buildings by standing in the
doorway, which is a huge pain.
Graphically, Red Faction Guerilla
looks good, with well done character models and vehicles. The explosions look
phenomenal, with structures collapsing realistically and debris littering the
landscape. The only problem is the world, which looks very plain and redundant.
Soundwise, the work here is pretty decent, but doesn’t really stand out in any
way. The voice work is pretty cheesy.
Red Faction Guerilla is a solid
entry to the series that modernizes it well and puts it into an open-world.
Unfortunately, there are a variety of other quirks, like the cover system and AI
that bring the gameplay down. Still, if you’re a fan of destruction, Red Faction
Guerilla has plenty of it.
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Gameplay: 7.8
The game is at its best when you’re going around blowing up buildings and
structures. The gunplay is also fairly solid. However, the various AI quirks,
troublesome cover system, and erratic mission structure are problematic.
Graphics: 8.0
The character models are solidly done, and the vehicles look pretty good,
and the explosions look fantastic, but the environment is pretty plain and areas
seem to run together and get bland.
Sound: 7.0
The voice work is pretty cheesy, and the music and sound effects are
serviceable.
Difficulty: Medium
Concept: 8.0
Red Faction Guerilla does a fine job of bringing something new to the series
and pushing it in a different direction. The story isn’t terribly compelling,
however.
Multiplayer: 8.5
The game’s multiplayer elements are a lot of fun and add some great elements
to the mix, like the Geo Mod 2.0 system and power-up backpacks, and the Wrecking
Crew mode is pretty addicting as well.
Overall: 8.0
Red Faction Guerilla has some missteps, including the AI and cover system,
but the game is definitely on point when it comes to destruction.
