Blacklight: Retribution

 PlayStation 4
User Score
6.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 198 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 72 out of 198
  2. Mixed: 68 out of 198
  3. Negative: 58 out of 198

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  1. MercenaryofHate
    Jan 5, 2017
    4
    A broken mess and dull shooter. First off the story there is none no explanation to anything instead what we get is a pay-2-win FPS. Blacklight Retribution wants to be the dominant freemium shooter on it's switch to consoles but has almost no different factors from other freemium shooters on the market. Guns sounds are good and music is okay now that we are done with the positives lets getA broken mess and dull shooter. First off the story there is none no explanation to anything instead what we get is a pay-2-win FPS. Blacklight Retribution wants to be the dominant freemium shooter on it's switch to consoles but has almost no different factors from other freemium shooters on the market. Guns sounds are good and music is okay now that we are done with the positives lets get down to the long list of reasons why this game can't compete with other games in it's category.
    *Dull experience all the game has to offer and the premise of it is a future-war scenario where agents fight each other
    *Pay-2-Win expect many of the players at the top of the leaderboard to have bought premium weapons and armor
    * Long unnecessary respond times
    * Frequent lag
    * Poor ai on training mode they will glitch and just stand in place
    *No battle chatter or differing characters in practice mode (bots)
    * Must buy guns with real money to actually keep them and the ability to even rent or keep guns for a week shows the game doesn't have a strong leveling system.
    * Uninspiring death animations which almost look identical and is always in slow-motion.
    * Lazy gun variation many of the weapons look the same and the only difference is the name
    *Bad spawns and map design where one team will be decimated once the other team reaches their location due to the fact they spawn directly behind them instead of the usual front spawn
    And that is the list of issues that break Blacklight: Retribution it is obvious the developers do not care of fixing these problems and the game cannot offer as much immersion as more expensive shooters but cannot even differentiate itself from free-to-play fps's leading to a poorly made experience.    … Expand
  2. HitmanRm95
    Dec 21, 2013
    8
    This is a free to play game that is a good starter on your ps4. there is not much I can actually say about the game other then it plays well and as has good graphics. now the microtransactions are where my marks for the game go down. most of the items are achievable in the game and will take a number of matches to unlock one item. however when you buy an item it goes away after a whileThis is a free to play game that is a good starter on your ps4. there is not much I can actually say about the game other then it plays well and as has good graphics. now the microtransactions are where my marks for the game go down. most of the items are achievable in the game and will take a number of matches to unlock one item. however when you buy an item it goes away after a while unless you paid for it with real money which is a real downside when trying to earn it on your own. some items can only be accessed through microtransactions but these are mainly for customisation and are not meant to give you the advantage. I only wish things don't have a time limit when when you buy them.… Expand
  3. Thegodfatherson
    Apr 4, 2015
    3
    Blacklight Retribution will draw in players because of it's huge free-to-play model and because it's a first person shooter. This seems like the perfect idea for gamers on a budget, but if it weren't so generic and mediocre, Retribution could have been a sensation. The free to play model doesn't click, one gun can range from 3 to 5 dollars, and getting Z coins is an endless quest ofBlacklight Retribution will draw in players because of it's huge free-to-play model and because it's a first person shooter. This seems like the perfect idea for gamers on a budget, but if it weren't so generic and mediocre, Retribution could have been a sensation. The free to play model doesn't click, one gun can range from 3 to 5 dollars, and getting Z coins is an endless quest of grinding. I am still stuck on my original Assault Rifle and Light Pistol, and I can't escape from how bad those weapons work. The renting system is good for people who want a taste of the weapons, but it is really stupid. The game isn't half bad, it provides Call Of Duty type shooting mechanics. The customization is stupid. Overall, BLR has okay graphics, it's a fine shooting game, but it's terriblee because of it's free to play model. It isn't worth the free download this time.… Expand
  4. BerserkerPSN
    Nov 22, 2013
    7
    About a year after launching on the PC, Blacklight: Retribution has finally made its way to the PlayStation Store. For those of you who aren't familiar with the Blacklight series, they're essentially a collection of "free-to-play" first person MMO's. The series has never really caught on, however, in a time when great games like Planetside 2 and TF2 dominate the free-to-play FPS market.About a year after launching on the PC, Blacklight: Retribution has finally made its way to the PlayStation Store. For those of you who aren't familiar with the Blacklight series, they're essentially a collection of "free-to-play" first person MMO's. The series has never really caught on, however, in a time when great games like Planetside 2 and TF2 dominate the free-to-play FPS market. Despite this, Zombie Studios has nevertheless decided to rerelease the series's latest release, Blacklight: Retribution, on the PS4. Unfortunately, Blacklight's debut on the PS4 suffers from much of what crippled it in in the past. The game of what crippled it in the past Even with a solid connection, the game will occasionally lag, and finding a match often took several minutes. Considering the game is still in its beta phase, these flaws are understandable, although they do make the game feel rushed. As is the case with most free-to-play games, Retribution sports a pay-to-win philosophy. In other words, you provide the cash, and the game provides the weaponry. This aspect drastically changes the experience, as even the most skilled players are mauled down by recruits with heavy arsenals. However, once you get past the rather unfair side of Retribution, the game can actually be quite fun. Great map design and well though out game types make Retribution worth checking out. In terms of visuals, Retribution looks great for a free-to-play, but poor for a next generation title. Textures lack in detail, and none of the environments stand out. If there's one thing in Retribution that looks great, its the guns. Each weapon has its own feel and look, adding to the experience. Overall, Retribution doesn't disappoint, but it doesn't stand out either. If you some free time, and are craving a quick multiplayer match, look no further than Blacklight: Retribution.… Expand
  5. babaganush
    Apr 23, 2014
    3
    this game is fun, played it on the comp also(like it better on the comp)

    I like all the game modes and the levels and the equipment you can win while playing the match, like a suit of amor(big mech thing) the reason this gets a 3 would be after you play for a bit and get to where you can start upgrading and qualifying for new weapons and equipment, you then realize that the longest    this game is fun, played it on the comp also(like it better on the comp)

    I like all the game modes and the levels and the equipment you can win while playing the match, like a suit of amor(big mech thing)

    the reason this gets a 3 would be after you play for a bit and get to where you can start upgrading and qualifying for new weapons and equipment, you then realize that the longest amount of time you can have anything at all is 1 week. you can unlock stuff with money you get from winning matches, but anything and everything is 1,3 and 7 days and can only rent it for that long.

    unless you spend real dollars to buy a different kind of in game currency then you cannot get the weapon or equipment permanently. any other f2p game I have tried lets you buy the weapon(permanently) with money you win or money you pay for. it has never made me rent equipment and weapons if I wanted to use them.

    so unless im fairly awesome and winning thousands daily and playing for hours a day, then there is no way I can win enough from matches to keep all the equipment that I want to use each time I play. so there is no way I can casually play this game.

    try this game out for yourself, it is free and no need to take my word on it, fun to play like any shooter game but loses its fun when you cant keep any equipment without constantly renting it or throwing down lots of real cash to keep it. just to clarify im fine with paying for things but they normally give the option of paying for it with in game currency also, this is the only game I have found that doesn't let you do that.

    to clarify, im not giving it a 3 simply cuz i have to spend money for stuff, graphics are not that great to me for a PS4 game even if its free, the heavy Pay to Keep and/or Win model is annoying, also game is laggy no matter what, PC was like this also. but if im gonna spend money on a Free to play title, i would wait for something worthwhile like Planetside 2 which should come out soon enough for PS4. otherwise try this game out on PC or PS4 and see for yourself.    … Expand
  6. Dannystaples
    Aug 15, 2017
    1
    This game would be well worth the grind if it wasn't for the stupid renting system in place.

    The game is fun, is quite nice to look at overall and is fast and twitchy which is how I like my first person shooters. Could do with another map or two though. But just thinking about grinding away for your weapons and attachments for days on end gives a terrible feeling when you know you    This game would be well worth the grind if it wasn't for the stupid renting system in place.

    The game is fun, is quite nice to look at overall and is fast and twitchy which is how I like my first person shooters. Could do with another map or two though.

    But just thinking about grinding away for your weapons and attachments for days on end gives a terrible feeling when you know you won't even get to keep the attachments for your efforts. But no you grind for ages getting weapon attachments, only for it to disappear after a few hours.

    So basically what you have to do is find a favourite load out and then keep buying it over and over.

    I have confidence free-to-play games can work but this isn't the way.    … Expand
  7. Ja-Milz
    May 28, 2014
    9
    Great game, bad ass experience everytime, could have more bells and whistles but not really needed with all the customization and plus it's totally Free to play, I downloaded it as soon as my PS4 came home at launch and was like damn this is awesome, a free call of duty type online experience. Downside is the glitches and the lag times and also random server migrations.
  8. BaNGBaNG_420
    Dec 30, 2013
    10
    This game is awesome!! If you've ever been a fan of the Unreal series then you'll love it- it's a souped up version of the game more modernized. You can customize very part of your weapon and I mean EVERY part with atleast 20 options for each part. Im going stop rambling...

    The game is FREE so download. And play now. And be hooked

    I would pay 59.99 for it!
  9. lynchy295
    Jan 5, 2014
    9
    I thought this game was AWESOME! The graphics are solid, the maps are strong and the best thing is that it is FREE! It can be annoying not to buy the perks and stuff for your gun permanently but that is a minor setback. The game itself has some great features. Would recommend to any PS4 user!
  10. DevilsCompany
    Aug 10, 2014
    10
    I'd like to bust the myth that you need to spend real money to play this game. This game is free to play and rewards those who put the time into playing it regularly. Gamers don't need to pay money to get that gun they've been eyeballing or that lucky charm they've been drooling over they have the option to rent them with game points which are earned every time you play the game. TheI'd like to bust the myth that you need to spend real money to play this game. This game is free to play and rewards those who put the time into playing it regularly. Gamers don't need to pay money to get that gun they've been eyeballing or that lucky charm they've been drooling over they have the option to rent them with game points which are earned every time you play the game. The default classes should be sufficient to get you started and you always have the option of picking up guns in the field. This game also features a wide variety of maps and most modes should feel somewhat familiar to those of you who have played FPS games before. Blacklight Retribution now also features Onslaught mode which encourages players to team up and take on wave after wave of enemies while gaining xp and gp in the process. as far as free to play fps titles available on PS4 this one has to be the best one out there. Now all that's left to do is discover the hidden warlord inside you.… Expand
  11. basejack
    Nov 18, 2014
    9
    Great mechanics, great gameplay, great system for purchasing in round items (combat points or CP), but the guns and most items in the market seem too overpriced for the 100-150 gp you get per round
  12. ApetheticDonut
    Feb 3, 2014
    7
    Blacklight: Retribution is a major improvement over BL: Tango Down, especially for a free to play title. The game had its fair share of glitches, and frame rate issues, but they will be ironed out once the game gets out of beta (On PS4, PC plays perfectly). This game plays like the perfect hybrid of Call Of Duty style faced paced gameplay with the physics of a Halo title. The jumps areBlacklight: Retribution is a major improvement over BL: Tango Down, especially for a free to play title. The game had its fair share of glitches, and frame rate issues, but they will be ironed out once the game gets out of beta (On PS4, PC plays perfectly). This game plays like the perfect hybrid of Call Of Duty style faced paced gameplay with the physics of a Halo title. The jumps are floaty, but the gun physics feel punchy and sound like futuristic beasts. The graphics aren't super amazing like Battlefield, but they do look cool, and the map design is very good. The game also features heavy gun customizations, from stocks to scopes, everything but camos effect your guns stats, even keychains. This leads to very cool ways of making your guns match your play style. You can up your stopping power in return for lowered speed and agility, lower your accuracy and up your recoil in turn for fast movement and weapon handling, or balance the two for a perfect for all situations. As a gun enthusiast, this is a very cool feature and adds a new element to the FPS genre games like Battlefield and Call of Duty wish they could do. While it isn't fully finished, Blacklight: Retribution shows great promise as a PS4 F2P title, and once the game is out of beta, I would say check it out, as it does have connectivity issues and frame rate problems at the moment.… Expand
  13. STARTtheREACTOR
    May 15, 2015
    8
    As a FREE TO PLAY tactical first person shooter, Blacklight is actually a strangely satisying game. The visuals are nice enough and the game runs at a smooth framerate. The gameplay is balanced and doesn't never feels like a pay to win game. The renting system is interesting and I feel it works well, even if it can be a little frustrating at times to rerent certain gear. Overall BlacklightAs a FREE TO PLAY tactical first person shooter, Blacklight is actually a strangely satisying game. The visuals are nice enough and the game runs at a smooth framerate. The gameplay is balanced and doesn't never feels like a pay to win game. The renting system is interesting and I feel it works well, even if it can be a little frustrating at times to rerent certain gear. Overall Blacklight is a great F2P game and worth a look.… Expand
  14. Nel
    Jan 8, 2017
    4
    Huge free to play game, that offers nothing much but disappointments. Game is played online with others, and it can be a really tedious experience, and involve a lot of frustrated players. Which tends to not lead up to a great experience, and it does not do it this time either.
  15. ZenGameplays
    Dec 14, 2015
    10
    this is a f2p game why everybody ask too much? you should be thanksful for receive this game for free...
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  16. ZackTeale
    Jan 5, 2014
    10
    The best PS4 game out right now, and the best thing is, IT'S FREE! I enjoyed the hell out of Black-light Retribution on PC, so when I saw that it was being brought to PS4 I immediately made my choice of next-gen system. Luckily, it did not disappoint, and I've been playing it like mad in the past 2 weeks.
  17. MacDaddyD123
    Nov 25, 2013
    4
    I was so disappointed with this game. It looks like a lot of fun but it feels so blocky and awkward and it is so hard to get into a match with a friend. Also there is no way to have more than a couple hours of fun without dropping some money into it to get more equipment and weapons. But can you really complain when its a free-to-play? Nah its a decent FTP. And lots of microtransactionsI was so disappointed with this game. It looks like a lot of fun but it feels so blocky and awkward and it is so hard to get into a match with a friend. Also there is no way to have more than a couple hours of fun without dropping some money into it to get more equipment and weapons. But can you really complain when its a free-to-play? Nah its a decent FTP. And lots of microtransactions are to be expected with a FTP. Go ahead and download it but don't expect too much without dropping some cash into it.… Expand
  18. sityoazzdown
    Jan 23, 2014
    6
    not an casual nor is it an hardcore fps game, not sure what the target audience the developers were aiming for nonetheless a very generic fps; and that was before I found out you can scan to see where your enemies are, which made it worst. still playable but with cod kz battlefield out there why would I or anyone else bother, especially if it's a pay to win format like most free to play are?
  19. SwordofAzrael
    Dec 26, 2013
    9
    After owning and beating the single player portions of COD, Killzone and Battlefield. i tried their multiplayer and simply could not get into either. The reason being that I played Blacklight Retribution. The game has an appealing setting, good graphics, excellent map design and most importantly the black light which allows you to see through wall and track other players. This is a gameAfter owning and beating the single player portions of COD, Killzone and Battlefield. i tried their multiplayer and simply could not get into either. The reason being that I played Blacklight Retribution. The game has an appealing setting, good graphics, excellent map design and most importantly the black light which allows you to see through wall and track other players. This is a game changer for me. I hate spawning only to be killed by a sniper off in some unknown direction which happens often in typical FPS. I also hate running around looking for the fight, especially on larger maps. Blacklight solves these issues beautifully by allowing all users to find each other on the map by seeing through walls at the touch of a button. I simply love the feature. I also really like the balancing. Every gun has positive and negatives, so no gun is truly better than the default one, no matter how much you spend. In this respect, the game is really not fpay to win, unless you are horrible with a machine gun. Paying basically gives you fun tools to use, but in no way guarantees survival. All the best stuff is paid for in CP, a currency earned based on success in a match. With CP, you can rent rocket launchers, heal yourself and even hop into a mech suit! there is also another currency for renting different guns and customization parts. A decent player cah have a different gun every day, since it costs the winnings of 1-2 matches to access them. Again, I'm sorry to say but most reviewers unfairly hate on this game. I chose to spend $40, but only because I was having so much fun. I got a lot of equipment (and everything I wanted) for that price, especially because I watched for sales (click the touch pad for sales). Compare this to COD or Battlefield that require $120 ($60 game +$60 season passes) to have all the content, per year.

    In summary, if you're tired of the same old war scenario and want to enjoy an exciting game with an interesting mechanic, try Blacklight.    … Expand
  20. OMGtoasty
    Jan 3, 2014
    3
    All I can really say is HOLY AIM ASSIST!. I figured that out immediately and exploit it to get kills in every match. The maps are OK. I hate that you cant permanently buy stuff with in game currency. oh no you have to pay real cash for permanent stuff. Its too expensive to get all your gear temporarily using in game currency. that and you rarely get more than 150 currency every match whileAll I can really say is HOLY AIM ASSIST!. I figured that out immediately and exploit it to get kills in every match. The maps are OK. I hate that you cant permanently buy stuff with in game currency. oh no you have to pay real cash for permanent stuff. Its too expensive to get all your gear temporarily using in game currency. that and you rarely get more than 150 currency every match while it costs 160 for one weapon add on. This game stinks of PtW. I dont want to say it but for anyone just starting to play thats exactly what it looks like. I also experience alot of lag. It doesn't effect my game play but i hate to look at it. and before you blame my internet, Not a single one of my other games gives me this lag in online games. It is fun, for maybe playing an hour at a time.… Expand
  21. Dukay66
    Feb 26, 2014
    5
    Blacklight: Retribution on the PS4 is a mixed bag. Core game-play is what you've come to expect with modern day first person shooters and is quit fun, although a bit glitchy at times. The graphics are okay, but with most levels being very well lit, you can see many flaws. The main problem with Blacklight is it prompts you at every turn to spend money. From guns, attachments andBlacklight: Retribution on the PS4 is a mixed bag. Core game-play is what you've come to expect with modern day first person shooters and is quit fun, although a bit glitchy at times. The graphics are okay, but with most levels being very well lit, you can see many flaws. The main problem with Blacklight is it prompts you at every turn to spend money. From guns, attachments and customization options Blacklight practically begs you to pay up. I refuse to do so and if you refuse also, Blacklight gets old very fast. You only have one gun with a pistol, if you want another you must pay. While I hope on every now and again to get my arcade run and gun fix, it's nothing worth spending hours playing.… Expand
  22. robone1812
    Jan 1, 2014
    2
    the auto aim killed this game on when you use sights its like you have an aim bot.....................................................................
  23. YFH_DizIsPiFF
    Feb 20, 2014
    8
    This game is awesome!! If you've ever been a fan of the Unreal series then you'll love it- it's a souped up version of the game more modernized. You can customize very part of your weapon and I mean EVERY part with atleast 20 options for each part. Im going stop rambling...

    The game is FREE so download. And play now. And be hooked

    I would pay 59.99 for it!
  24. Nerdbasher2000
    Jan 10, 2014
    2
    This game sucks. Expect a lot of micro transactions and long waiting times for a game, then expect choppy frame rates and lagging. A horrible game best forgotten.
  25. diogofili
    Dec 11, 2013
    10
    It's an excelent game.
    Great graphics and good gameplay.
    One of the best free-to-play games in PS4
    The game have some minor issues.

    Great game!
    Congratulations!
  26. unluckydice
    Aug 3, 2014
    5
    Blacklight Retribution like most free to play games is a great example of why free to play games shouldn't be called free to play games, ooo but wait it's free to play but at a cost? for example hours of grinding just for an attachment for a gun. If your a fan of FPS fast paced shooting similar to cod then this is the game for you but don't expect to be fully loaded with the best gearBlacklight Retribution like most free to play games is a great example of why free to play games shouldn't be called free to play games, ooo but wait it's free to play but at a cost? for example hours of grinding just for an attachment for a gun. If your a fan of FPS fast paced shooting similar to cod then this is the game for you but don't expect to be fully loaded with the best gear without having to spend a buck to even have an advantage.… Expand
  27. HighDoctor
    Jan 20, 2014
    9
    Black light retribution offers just enough inovation to keep the FPS genre from becoming stale. It is rare for a free to play game to be so polished, although the controls feel very boxed and the shooting is generic, it is still a very fun game. Although there are micro transaction you are never forced to buy them and u can completly get away withought paying a penny abd youll neverBlack light retribution offers just enough inovation to keep the FPS genre from becoming stale. It is rare for a free to play game to be so polished, although the controls feel very boxed and the shooting is generic, it is still a very fun game. Although there are micro transaction you are never forced to buy them and u can completly get away withought paying a penny abd youll never feel underpowered if you dont. Zombie was able to make a fun, fast paced, polished and fresh free to play game which is very rare to come by now a days… Expand
  28. sonygamer97
    Feb 20, 2014
    7
    For a Free-To-Play FPS, this game was actually pretty decent. It's a little harder to unlock tokens needed
    to buy attachments than it should be in my opinion, but, generally speaking, and considering the fact that the game is free, it is definitely a game worth downloading. It's not a game I would necessarily choose to play over other titles such as Battlefield 4 or Call of Duty, but    For a Free-To-Play FPS, this game was actually pretty decent. It's a little harder to unlock tokens needed
    to buy attachments than it should be in my opinion, but, generally speaking, and considering the fact that the game is free, it is definitely a game worth downloading. It's not a game I would necessarily choose to play over other titles such as Battlefield 4 or Call of Duty, but it's definitely not a game I would use as a last resort. The only downside is that the graphics and character movement seems almost semi-lagging to me and without the lag, I still find it relatively difficult to adjust to if you are a classic Call of Duty gamer. They offer some pretty cool features as far as customization. You can customize each part on your weapon and customize your character as well. Generally, it was a positively interesting online gaming experience.    … Expand
  29. Cardi1997
    Sep 16, 2014
    10
    This game is awesome,it's free and in-app purchase are not so expensive. Graphic is ok,similar to a ps3 cod or battlefield and the gameplay is simple but very funny.i reccomend it!!
  30. Will_Ny3
    Sep 18, 2014
    8
    See some people complaining about MT but you don't need to drop money unless you want something insane. For the most part you earn game points (GP) that will get you what you need. And sure someone could spend a ton to get Titan after Titan but really I haven't seen that. The gameplay is good, comparable to Titanfall + COD. No issues with frame rates or choppiness but I have 40Mbps so thatSee some people complaining about MT but you don't need to drop money unless you want something insane. For the most part you earn game points (GP) that will get you what you need. And sure someone could spend a ton to get Titan after Titan but really I haven't seen that. The gameplay is good, comparable to Titanfall + COD. No issues with frame rates or choppiness but I have 40Mbps so that could be why. I mean, to be totally honest gameplay is like a 7, good not spectacular and graphics are subpar but not terrible. Then again it's free and despite the complaints I've got a good record without dropping a dime. I can use gamepoints to get a titan if I want, upgrade or get a new gun, etc. If you want everything and not expect to pay a dime go make your own game. If you want a F2P FPS where not spending money doesn't equate to getting wrecked like some games ahem PlanetSide 2, then this is your game.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

25
#25 Best PS4 Game of 2013
15
#15 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2013
12
#12 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
  1. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    Mar 3, 2014
    80
    It lacks the bells and whistles, but give Blacklight a chance and you'll be pleasantly surprised. [January 2014, p79]
  2. games(TM)
    Jan 23, 2014
    70
    If you've a passing interest in blasting chumps and don't fancy dropping 50 quid for the privilege, Blacklight: Retribution is a more than serviceable option. [Issue#143, p.105]
  3. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Jan 21, 2014
    50
    In its defence, Retribution is free to play – so while it can’t compete with Killzone Shadow Fall, that’s an unfair expectation to begin with. But it’s still a PS4 release, and in this regard feels like a grubby stowaway that’s snuck aboard a glitzy cruise liner bound for the golden shores of next-gen.
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