Red Faction

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
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  1. GamePro
    100
    With its innovative Geo-Mod technology that allows players to blast away the environments as well as enemies, and an awesome (and lengthy) storyline, this game packs in plenty of thrills.
  2. Maxim Online
    100
    We have to admit that most first-person games nauseate us, but Faction’s smooth graphics and easy gameplay make it hard to put down.
  3. Happy Puppy
    95
    Fans of mission-based first-person shooters like "GoldenEye" will be dancing in the streets and signing Greek folk tunes. Yes, Zorba, this game is that good.
  5. Gamezilla!
    95
    Beyond any doubt, Red Faction has the best control, look, gameplay, and weapon variety I’ve ever seen in a console based FPS, and it definitely shows.
  6. TotalGames.net
    94
    Totally immersing from the start, never letting up and always lashed with the sort of extreme violence that we’ve always wanted.
  7. XGP Gaming
    94
    Employs a completely new Geo-Mod game engine that lets you destroy the environment unlike anything ever experienced before.
  8. TotalPlayStation
    92
    One of the best first-person-shooters of the summer, if not ever for the PlayStation 2.
  9. IGN
    91
    An absolute must-have game for the PlayStation 2, and it's the best single-player first-person shooter by a long shot.
  10. Yahoo!
    90
    It may just blow your mind!
  11. PSX Nation
    90
    Red Faction joins the ranks of the PS2 triple-A titles. Solid control, a good story, an incredible atmosphere, and a long adventure make Red Faction an awesome package.
  12. GameZone
    90
    A great game because it takes interaction with your game environment to a new and remarkable level. But it doesn't stop there.
  13. Hot Games
    90
    It’s a slick, smart, very Golden-Eye-ish game and will certainly appeal to a mixed crossover audience that wants action, espionage, and a movie-feel to their game.
  14. Playboy
    90
    Virtually every element of Red Faction is nicely polished -- even the controls are intuitive, unlike most console shooters, which make PC gaming vets long for a keyboard and mouse.
  15. GamerWeb Sony
    90
    If this game isn't added to your library in the very near future, than you really need to have your head examined. Get it, and get it SOON. You can't miss this one.
  16. GameSpot
    88
    Although Red Faction rarely outstrips the games it draws inspiration from, the fact that there are times when it shows them up at all is pretty impressive.
  17. Electric Playground
    85
    Due to a sometimes plodding pace, occasionally repetitious environments and one cliché too many, it's no "Half Life." But in a way that's good.
  18. GameSpy
    84
    Red Faction delivers a satisfying, if slightly flawed single player experience and a distracting, but ultimately shallow multiplayer mode. The graphics are impressive, and the technology introduced in this game is amazing, it's just unfortunate that it hasn't been used to its fullest potential.
  19. Cinescape
    83
    While the controls leave much to be desired, this is one of the few must-owns for any Playstation 2 owner.
  20. Into Liquid Sky
    83
    One of the few FPS games that actually is better as a single-player. The greatest joy of Red Faction is finishing a gun fight only to see what carnage you've wrecked on the surroundings.
  21. All Game Guide
    80
    The single-player mission mode is where the game shines. Graphics are excellent and close-ups on characters reveal such subtleties as eyes moving independently and blemishes on the skin.
  22. Total Video Games
    80
    There are some innovative features and these do really add to the experience and the overall package with a highly playable multi-player mode makes Red Faction a quality PlayStation2 game.
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  23. GamePower
    75
    For all of its strong design and competent game play, however, Red Faction still never quite adds up to the "Half-Life" it aspires to be.
    All this publication's reviews
  24. Game Revolution
    75
    A montage of innovation and disappointment. It brings to the table a mixed feast generously laced with Geo-Mod fun and decent gameplay, but the difficult control and platform jumping makes it harder to swallow. Still, this is one of few genuinely fun and exhilarating shooters out for the PS2.
  25. Gaming Age
    75
    Easily the best single player-oriented first person shooter since Valve Software’s "Half-Life," Volition has strongly stepped its foot into the door as one of the better developers in the genre.
  26. Core Magazine
    75
    A bland storyline is the only thing keeping Red Faction from greatness. Nearly every other aspect of the game shows polish: sound, graphics, weapons, even a fun multiplayer mode.

Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Best PS2 Game of 2001
18
#18 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2001
38
#38 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2001

User Reviews

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User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 109 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 72 out of 109
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 109
  3. Negative: 10 out of 109
  1. JS
    Dec 16, 2009
    10
    One of the best FPS games of all time. It set the stage for the modern controller use. Play Halo 1 and then this. You'll see why the One of the best FPS games of all time. It set the stage for the modern controller use. Play Halo 1 and then this. You'll see why the Halo franchise changed their controls. Now every FPS out there uses this formula. Great vehicles, terrain destruction. Non-stop multiplayer action. The multiplayer bots had some impressive AI at times.… Full Review »
  2. ArkonBlade
    Sep 1, 2011
    9
    the first FPS game for a console that used duel analog controls that showed us what FPS games could do. now add in destructable enviroments ,the first FPS game for a console that used duel analog controls that showed us what FPS games could do. now add in destructable enviroments , alot of cool guns , a decent story line and you have a pretty fun game . also had a death match bot system since this was before the Ps2 was online ready and it gave you more reason to play the game.… Full Review »
  3. TADA
    Jun 10, 2003
    10
    Any better than it is and the game would not be allowed to be played! The Geo-mod engine adds for some awesome gameplay, and the Any better than it is and the game would not be allowed to be played! The Geo-mod engine adds for some awesome gameplay, and the railgun's ability to shoot through walls means that my brother's character has slumped down in a heap-with me the cause. I reckon that Elusive possum should pull his head out os his arse-he could get a better view then maybe.… Full Review »
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