First off, it's an obvious console port. They didn't even remove the auto-aiming "snap-to-target" features that console players have to have to do any good. Plus it starts up on console resolutions (720p) with a bunch of possible features turned off (over half) by default and no Advanced effects (aliasing). So first thing I did was to fix the resolutions, turn ON all of the eye candy, turnFirst off, it's an obvious console port. They didn't even remove the auto-aiming "snap-to-target" features that console players have to have to do any good. Plus it starts up on console resolutions (720p) with a bunch of possible features turned off (over half) by default and no Advanced effects (aliasing). So first thing I did was to fix the resolutions, turn ON all of the eye candy, turn OFF the auto-aiming, set difficulty to "Insane" & go.
It plays perfectly smooth on my system with every video option maxed out. This game does have one advantage over others of this flavor in that it did allow me to remap keys to separate multi-function buttons. I.E. Space is both jump and dodge... Common console trick to do with them having only so many buttons to work with. However the PC version at least let me select one for jump and another for dodge. Kudos for that!
Nothing from this game is anything new. Personally, I have no problem with linear games... Especially should-be FPS games (more on that next). You're instructed to take a hill, capture someone, etc. In some form, that's always going to be a bit linear. This one has no large areas and almost always forces you 'down the hallway'.
Anyhow, this is third-person. I personally HATE third-person! It takes the total game immersion effect of "playing as the character" away from the player and turns it into a puppet trick instead. Plus makes aiming around the right side of stuff a chore (or left, depending on your point of view). Not to mention just blocking 30-40% of the screen real-estate with the back of some supposed hero's head and body... Wee... If you're going to make a shooter, make it a first-person for goodness sake... Red Faction started out that way... Come-on...
As far as realism in the video department... Not even close. Overly vivid colors (neon this and that) all the items you're hunting for are glowing red or blue with a pip over them... etc. No skill involved, just run to the light... Unrealistic (almost cartoonish) looking environments in many cases.
The AI, even on Insane, is extremely stupid. They stand there. Don't even try to take cover. Sometimes jump around randomly. They just happen to be really accurate (ish). So far it REALLY feels like a third person shooter made for beginners... And it never gets harder... You can maul most anything but the biggest with one hit. Magnet gun is fun but, why bother?
Vehicles still auto-aim, even with snap-to-target disabled. I did not take haul damage on any vehicle. They are seriously overkill. Same for the suits. I kept waiting for the game to get harder but it never did. No challenge what-so-ever.
The story itself is so-so... Interesting but not believable... So many "What?" items like: You start out with an item that lets you rebuild anything from walls to complex machines at will. But then something breaks? (I do not want to get specific but you'll know it when it happens) The writers weren't paying any attention.
Other problems also include minor issues with positional audio (using a 5.1 setup for testing).
My Score (0-5):
- Replay-ability = 0
- Graphics = 3
- Game Immersion = 1
- Audio = 3.5
- Difficulty = 0
- Entertainment = 1.5
- Engine = 4
- AI = 1
- Control = 4
- Story & Common Sense = 1.5
Personally, IMHO, this game is not deserving of the "Red Faction" name. Not that all of the others were all that phenomenal either but... If this is the best modern gaming has to offer, we're all doomed to infinite boredom and games only challenging for a wee child. The engine almost earned a better score until it crashed (memory leak) in the climb to the lair level. Other than that it ran pretty well; for a console port. Multi-player options were mildly more entertaining... Only...
Honestly, this game is a joke. I'm getting very close to my 40's and it's a sleeper for me. I can't imagine any gamer today having any difficulty what-so-ever on the "Insane" setting and just walking right through the whole story. I guess those console people who want achievement points only could rent it for extremely fast points (got almost all achievements on one play-through without even trying).
My last word is I don't see how these so-called critics can rate something like this so highly... Technologically, it's old news. Story, it's weak. Challenge it's NOT. It does have so much potential but the end result was horribly compiled. Perhaps they will improve the AI in some DLC or something making it at least mildly challenging.
I wish someone would make a real revolutionary new engine instead of writing stuff focused for nearing 8 year old computer tech (modern consoles). Consoles and their limited controls and capabilities are destroying real gaming.… Expand
Red Faction: ArmageddonYour Score0 out of 10User Score
