Red Orchestra: Ostfront 41-45

 PC
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 22
  3. Negative: 1 out of 22
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Times Online
    100
    As frantic as it is visually stunning.
  2. Pelit (Finland)
    92
    Far from a run-of-the-mill WW2 shooter. The game is all about realism, which makes the infantry and tank combat intense and exciting. The lack of a proper single player campaign is a bit of a letdown, but the great multiplayer action compensates for that. [May 2006]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Computer Games Magazine
    90
    Don't expect to like Red Orchestra Ostfront 41-45 right off, as it's downright nasty for the first couple of hours. After that, however, the depth of the game and the emphasis on skill becomes apparent. [July 2006, p.59]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. IncGamers
    88
    Easily the most engaging WWII experience I have had in quite a while. I would not recommend this game to anyone new to the FPS world. However, if you think you are good, you should seriously consider purchasing this title.
  6. Worth Playing
    86
    Because Red Orchestra is not reliant on a story or linear gameplay and has plenty of variety, it remains a fresh and a different experience just about every time it's played.
  7. IGN
    85
    There's very little gameyness in RO and a whole lot of gritty crawling along the ground so you can flank over to that machine gunner and allow your team to advance to the next spawn point objective.
  8. Game Over Online
    85
    I’ve got to give it big kudos for being something that feels absolutely unlike any other FPS out there in many ways. I think it’s worth supporting for that reason alone.
  9. PC Gamer UK
    83
    Distinguishing between friend and foe is the most brutally realistic touch of all, and the first thing you'll hve trouble with. [May 2006, p.82]
    All this publication's reviews
  10. PC Gameworld
    82
    An accomplished title. But whether or not it can entertain you depends upon your personal taste in games. Love it or hate it, realism rules this roost.
  11. CPUGamer
    80
    I absolutely love the attention Tripwire has given to the small details in the game.
  12. GameSpy
    80
    Tripwire can take a lot of pride in Red Orchestra: Ostfront, a game for history buffs and FPS aficionados and, more importantly, a shooter for adults.
  13. GamesRadar+
    80
    As usual, the online-only nature makes for a steep learning curve, but the excellent community that surrounds this game makes RO an even stronger value. For players that are sick of Normandy, put in for a transfer to the Eastern Front - you'll love every minute.
  14. 1UP
    80
    This isn't a game where any session's likely to be "relaxing," but it is a game where every session's going to be rewarding.
  15. Jolt Online Gaming UK
    80
    Just like a real orchestra, Red Orchestra requires a concerted effort to get the most out of it. It may not be the most popular mod right now, but it has one of the strongest communities and anyone willing to invest a little time to become a part of it will be well rewarded.
  16. AceGamez
    80
    Perseverance is key though, because this is not a game you rush into.
    All this publication's reviews
  17. Play.tm
    80
    The stern difficulty level might upset some players, as might the lack of 'safe' features such as crosshairs and medical packs. However, if you really want your World War FPS' to be real, like, really real, then Red Orchestra is just about your best bet.
  18. GameSpot
    79
    Red Orchestra is an enjoyable, team-based online shooter for those who like the Battlefield-style games but want a more technical and realistic experience.
  19. PC Zone UK
    78
    If you'd like to know what it's like to keep check on every bullet you have left, or how easy it is to parallel park a Panzer, then Red Orchestra is the war game for you. [June 2006, p.78]
    All this publication's reviews
  20. FiringSquad
    75
    Red Orchestra starts bright but fades rather quickly. The exact cause was difficult to pin down, since the game is truly excellent on most technical levels, yet the whole doesn’t seem equal to the sum of its parts, never mind better.
  21. Gamers' Temple
    75
    The key to enjoying RO is embracing the realism. Still, this does not negate the fact that the intensity of the gameplay is reduced, and the general pace of the game is slowed.

Awards & Rankings

34
#34 Best PC Game of 2006
3
#3 Most Discussed PC Game of 2006

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1300 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,091 out of 1300
  2. Mixed: 65 out of 1300
  3. Negative: 144 out of 1300
  1. ClassyGamer
    Aug 7, 2011
    10
    The game is unique, providing combat in a video game unlike any other in a unique, highly sought after WWII environment. Its realistic,The game is unique, providing combat in a video game unlike any other in a unique, highly sought after WWII environment. Its realistic, gritty, tactical, and requires great skill. not for those NEW to he FPS genre. if you want an intense gaming experience this WAS the game for you. but it always had a very small server community. despite this, red orchestra players like myself never let that stop them from thoroughly enjoying the game, with certain very good high population servers and clans/groups that kept the game alive and interesting. i give a lot of respect to tripwire, who even took the time to update the game a LOT after it game out. just goes to show dedication (and tripwire does it for ALL of their games, very well at that). there are only a few minor glitches and errors that arent even bothersome or inhibiting with bombs going off around you. and these glitches are few and far between. the game is immersive and a gem of an FPS. WWII buffs and realism junkies loved it. i say loved because with the NEW red orchestra: heroes of stalingrad coming out, the first game might become a little dated. i encourage you all however to buy the new one. tripwire is a very unique and talented game developer, and i encourage anyone who :loves WWII, loves FPS, loves realism, looking for a challenge/something new. to get it. although really i encourage any and everyone to check it out. im usually hesitant to dish out 50 bucks for a new game, but after playing the first RO, i have complete confidence that its worth the money and supports tripwire to make more games i love.… Full Review »
  2. brand_eins
    Aug 13, 2011
    10
    I love that game. It's totally noob-unfriendly, just good players are fighting on large maps. You have to move very clever, lay down someI love that game. It's totally noob-unfriendly, just good players are fighting on large maps. You have to move very clever, lay down some suppression fire from your MG gunner, get close with your MP40 or StG44. Pick off enemy soldiers form distance with your bolt action rifle. Great game, but not suitable for many players. No kids running around with autofire weapons, no kill streak, no "get-some-cover-after-a-hit-and-everything-is-fine". No, that game is totally different to all the games you have wasted your time until now.… Full Review »
  3. smiffy
    Oct 26, 2010
    8
    This is easily my favorite online FPS. Its not a soldier sim like others are making out but it is far more advanced than most games in thisThis is easily my favorite online FPS. Its not a soldier sim like others are making out but it is far more advanced than most games in this genre, which is why some people (press circle to win PS3 noobs) have given it such low scores. The maps that people are saying are too big are probably the home made maps created after release, because the original maps aren't really all that big. Ditching the crosshairs in favour of iron sights was a definite plus, so much so i hate having them in other games. The game is 4 years old and so the graphics look extremely dated. AI is retarded but this is an multiplayer game so not really a major issue. The sound can be misleading on some occasions as some vehicles can sound a lot closer than they actually are on some of the larger maps. The community that plays this game is generally older than that of similar games i've played so team tactics are actually used. Unlike BF2 where its just a chaotic bunny jumping, base raping free for all. If your ideal online fps is one where you run around spraying bullets everywhere, then like the 136 reviewers who gave negative scores this game isn't for you. If you fancy a bit of a challenge then this might be the game for you and as it is priced so cheaply now, could be a good way of deciding whether or not to buy its upcoming sequel without spending too much.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »