Red Steel

 Wii
  • Publisher: Ubisoft
  • Release Date: Nov 19, 2006
User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 141 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 71 out of 141
  2. Mixed: 40 out of 141
  3. Negative: 30 out of 141
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  1. BaronMonaco
    Jun 14, 2015
    5
    Red Steel is a big empty promise, the sword fights are just boring and the gunfights is full of bugs (your aiming point goes back on the center of the screen for no reasons in the middle of your gunfights) it would have been even more annoying if the game was difficult, but at least the game is very easy and you'll just have to walk your way through the levels to finish it (shouldn't takeRed Steel is a big empty promise, the sword fights are just boring and the gunfights is full of bugs (your aiming point goes back on the center of the screen for no reasons in the middle of your gunfights) it would have been even more annoying if the game was difficult, but at least the game is very easy and you'll just have to walk your way through the levels to finish it (shouldn't take more than 8 hours). The story comes right from a 80's D movie, so does the actors, and will at best make you smile for its stupidity. To finish with this list of problems, the graphics are pretty ugly even for a Wii launch game, and I'd just like to emphasize that the absence of blood for a game named RED steel, is also a bit dumb.
    But in the middle of all this there is some nice destruction and even a bit of fun.

    I could have ignore the ugliness if the controls were better thought and without bugs, but Red Steel is barely not a pain to play and doesn't deserve almost any kind of money from your pocket instead of other games out there.    … Expand
  2. TechSavvy
    Sep 18, 2011
    3
    I didn't enjoy this game at all. The controls are totally not intuitive and don't feel natural for how a samurai would move. The gun is nearly impossible to aim. When get the game and hate it so much that I can't even bare to play it again after the first time, that can't even be considered a game, rather an expensive demo.
  3. Reviewer
    Aug 15, 2010
    6
    Red steel is a hard game for me to review because I liked the game overall, but many of the game's glitches/problems could have been easily fixed. The hook of the game is that it is part shooter part sword fighter, but sadly the sword slinging is clunky and most of the time not much fun. The gun motion controls are also a bit of a problem, while most of the time they work fine some ofRed steel is a hard game for me to review because I liked the game overall, but many of the game's glitches/problems could have been easily fixed. The hook of the game is that it is part shooter part sword fighter, but sadly the sword slinging is clunky and most of the time not much fun. The gun motion controls are also a bit of a problem, while most of the time they work fine some of the time they will freak out and you will start spiraling in a circle for about a second, but keep in mind this is very rare problem (it will happen once or twice the entire game.)The graphics of red steel are not award worthy or great because they are bland, gray, and overall terrible even for a wii game, but there are some decent explosions. Too add to this seemingly never-ending list of problems the story seems to be taken out of a d movie, and while some will laugh at this story other will just skip it altogether. Possibly the largest problem with this game is that it is only 5 hours long with no on line, but since the game now is the price of a wiiware game I guess that isn't a huge problem. Even though all these problems are true and in the game I am giving it a 6 because even though the game has its faults is also has many fun mini games, a variety of weapons, good local multi-player, an original idea, and most of the time fun fast paced shooting action. Now to recap I do not recommend this game to everyone, but to those who can accept its faults should definitely buy the game used or rent it.… Expand
  4. VideoGameCritic
    Aug 10, 2013
    2
    This game has the same story as every action movie that has been made in the past thirty years.The action is terrible, the music sounds like it was made in the 80's and the controls are pure The more I played this game the more I really just wanted to return it. The characters are badly writing because they are Asian american stereotypes. You play as a bodyguard what is also marring theThis game has the same story as every action movie that has been made in the past thirty years.The action is terrible, the music sounds like it was made in the 80's and the controls are pure The more I played this game the more I really just wanted to return it. The characters are badly writing because they are Asian american stereotypes. You play as a bodyguard what is also marring the daughter of a very respected Asian gang. The problem is that a rival gang has killed your boss an stolen your fiance. That is the most lazy and reused idea EVER!!!!!! Its like zombies and vampires had a baby and the baby was born to play in a kart racer! This game was made just to show off the Wii's motion controls and that's it. This game is horrible and it shows with badly thought out game design and very little effect other than that when you move the Wii mote the sword moves almost a whole ten seconds after your actual movement. Avoid this game at all cost don't buy this for anything less than free.… Expand
  5. VWhimsy
    May 10, 2018
    3
    An interesting idea. Just done poorly. The controls are horrid and the Wii sensor seems to have quiet a bit of trouble picking up the sword movements. I would not play this again simply out of sheer frustration, and I certainly wouldn't recommend it.
  6. DavidPerkins
    Dec 29, 2006
    8
    The lower scores given out by reviewers smacks of nothing more than a review they were forced to rush to cover the Wii launch.

    The control system is different, but it's nothing like broken, and those who claim otherwise are simply wrong. The game is very on-rails, but that doesn't damage the otherwise satisfying gun and sword play offered here. It's not going to drop    The lower scores given out by reviewers smacks of nothing more than a review they were forced to rush to cover the Wii launch.

    The control system is different, but it's nothing like broken, and those who claim otherwise are simply wrong. The game is very on-rails, but that doesn't damage the otherwise satisfying gun and sword play offered here.

    It's not going to drop any jaws, but this is about as solid a launch FPS title the Wii could have hoped for. There's enough original ideas to call it well above average, and the control system is a real breath of fresh air.

    Complaints against the games technical side also seem unfair. Red Steel would be considered an extremely competent and visually impressive Cube title, and given that Ubisoft were working on GC development kits for most of Red Steel's development, they have done a cracking job.

    Most notable for me though, is the variety of locations and set pieces, within the games - admittedly straight forward - story, which makes the whole thing feel like an expansive adventure.

    Red Steel may not be a system seller, but if you've got a Wii and are looking for some solid FPS action, this is absolutely indispensable.    … Expand
  7. VijayL.
    Nov 30, 2007
    10
    I was a bit reluntant to get this game with the mixed reviews. #However i found it fun and light. I'm busy so picking up the game enjoying some non sci-fi fps (which isn't a ww2 game) with some sword slashing was excatly perfect. violent fun is whats this game is about not great strategy play.
  8. Maslab
    May 21, 2008
    4
    Fun at first, but sword fights are a pain to start and once you get the controls down, they're just way too easy. The only part I truly like about it is how the gun mechanics work, but the absence of an actual reticle is akward. Really only fun in the beginning, probably just a rental at best, a leave-it-alone in my solemn opinion.
    Points for actually making use of the motion    Fun at first, but sword fights are a pain to start and once you get the controls down, they're just way too easy. The only part I truly like about it is how the gun mechanics work, but the absence of an actual reticle is akward. Really only fun in the beginning, probably just a rental at best, a leave-it-alone in my solemn opinion.
    Points for actually making use of the motion sensing in a good way.    … Expand
  9. JasonH.
    Jun 12, 2009
    6
    This game is not very fun. I thought that the cut scenes were just really tacky, and the story didn't motivate me at all. There's a MAJOR flaw in the aiming ability, which I'm surprised was over looked. Aiming with out close up (zooming in and out was terrible) was fine: just point and shoot. However, if you're a distance away, and you want to aim up close, the stupid This game is not very fun. I thought that the cut scenes were just really tacky, and the story didn't motivate me at all. There's a MAJOR flaw in the aiming ability, which I'm surprised was over looked. Aiming with out close up (zooming in and out was terrible) was fine: just point and shoot. However, if you're a distance away, and you want to aim up close, the stupid game auto targets, making it difficult to shoot the enemies you want to shoot. Aside from that, the graphics when not in a cut scene are great (weird huh?), and people can be shot through the tiniest of crack. Also, the AI are pretty smart.… Expand
  10. TK
    Jun 19, 2009
    8
    I just rented this game and have been playing it for about an hour. In that short time playing i thought it was great. It's like a modern Driv3r for PS2 with ninjas. The only problem is that the ememies can't shut up! You'll be in a gunfight with a bunch of guys and the whole time you are being showered with "I'll get you!' "You're a dead man!" "What the I just rented this game and have been playing it for about an hour. In that short time playing i thought it was great. It's like a modern Driv3r for PS2 with ninjas. The only problem is that the ememies can't shut up! You'll be in a gunfight with a bunch of guys and the whole time you are being showered with "I'll get you!' "You're a dead man!" "What the hell?" "You'll regret that!" "Murderer!". It gets annoying very fast, and all of the excesive swearing will turn away parents of younger gamers.… Expand
  11. VaiseC.
    Nov 15, 2008
    10
    Ok, First of all...To all you who say "Ohh The Aim is to Sensitive!" Theres something called the OPTIONS MENU! YOu can adjust the sensitivity..The game is Awesome...It was the First FPS game for the wii .. I think...So if it does bad..Dont hate...If you say it "SUCKS" Well thats pretty much your opinion...People who dont like the game..Are not hardcore gamers like myself..I play any Ok, First of all...To all you who say "Ohh The Aim is to Sensitive!" Theres something called the OPTIONS MENU! YOu can adjust the sensitivity..The game is Awesome...It was the First FPS game for the wii .. I think...So if it does bad..Dont hate...If you say it "SUCKS" Well thats pretty much your opinion...People who dont like the game..Are not hardcore gamers like myself..I play any game..i can beat...And believe me..I baught the game Teletubbies for PS1 And beat it. If your not a hardcore gamer.....Get Games maybe like..Half life 2...or...I dont know....But RedSteel...Is a very Amazing Game...The story line is Old School "Kidnappes GirlFriend rescue" BUt theres lots of twists to the story also..What makes the game even more amazing is the fact that when i was thinking i finished the game..The game suprised me with Missions you can do optionally...The funnest and wackiest one being the fun house mission...If your going to say its hard to control...Then your not an aivid Wii Gamer..I suggest you go be a lazy Person and pick up a 360 controller...Because I have played them all...Because im a VERY hardcore gamer..And if you wanna hate the graphics..in my opinion..they are VERY good for a Virtual Shooting Game...Shizamn.… Expand
  12. Mats2468
    Dec 4, 2017
    10
    A solid FPS game for Wii. Red Steel was a game that led me to an action-filled Japanese world where we had to fight ourselves with fun samurai swords encountering melee enemies and shoot agianst enemies trough the level. Can say sometimes it was very annoying with the melee fighting but otherwise Red Steel shows a good excercise of a motion FPS game. One thing I don't understand, it's wayA solid FPS game for Wii. Red Steel was a game that led me to an action-filled Japanese world where we had to fight ourselves with fun samurai swords encountering melee enemies and shoot agianst enemies trough the level. Can say sometimes it was very annoying with the melee fighting but otherwise Red Steel shows a good excercise of a motion FPS game. One thing I don't understand, it's way to underrated!!… Expand
  13. AndrewM.
    Apr 30, 2009
    8
    Similar in structure to 'Medal of Honour' style shooters, where you wander from scene to scene blasting away at anything that moves. If you get hit, hide for a while and you'll be back to full fitness. The addition of sword fighting makes good use of the Wii controls and the Yakusa storyline gives it a nice twist on the genre - you will do better in the game if you spare Similar in structure to 'Medal of Honour' style shooters, where you wander from scene to scene blasting away at anything that moves. If you get hit, hide for a while and you'll be back to full fitness. The addition of sword fighting makes good use of the Wii controls and the Yakusa storyline gives it a nice twist on the genre - you will do better in the game if you spare your opponents' lives! It's available cheap, particularly pre-owned, and I'd say well worth the money.… Expand
  14. DavidP.
    Sep 10, 2006
    9
    I give this game a 9 as I am unsure of the contorls yet, if it replicates the exact movement of the controller to the sword on the screen then it scores a 10 because i think that game would be incredibly fun however if it only has certain places where it replicates i score it a 8, i gave it half way for now because I do not know either one for certain.
  15. AlanS.
    Jan 14, 2007
    8
    Great game, although it does not have the greatest of voice acting. The controls work fine for me, I don't have any "jumpyness" in the game itself, and it is very enjoyable, although it does not break any new ground for gaming.
  16. JimG.
    Mar 8, 2007
    8
    After being bored by Wario Ware Smooth Moves, Rayman Raving Rabbids and Wii Sports (mini-games don't last forever) and after being extremely disappointed by Sonic & the Secret Ring and SSX Blur (games that I felt were somehow broken), I was looking for something deeper and easy to pick up. I was also giving up on the Wii because I thought the only game I would ever enjoy was Excite After being bored by Wario Ware Smooth Moves, Rayman Raving Rabbids and Wii Sports (mini-games don't last forever) and after being extremely disappointed by Sonic & the Secret Ring and SSX Blur (games that I felt were somehow broken), I was looking for something deeper and easy to pick up. I was also giving up on the Wii because I thought the only game I would ever enjoy was Excite Truck. So if you feel the same, please read this. I finally decided to rent Red Steel. I took a while to do it since the reviews were a mix of both uber good comments and big disappointments. After 2 hours of play... the conclusion is... I have to buy this game. I must admit that I'm not a FPS gamer at all, so I never felt handicapped by the limited controls and the extremely straight forward storyline. I really enjoyed that game. The story is fun and it doesn't take a couple of hours to get use to the controls (as opposed to many reviews I've read). Yes it's old school, but who said it was bad? However the sword fight isn't as responsive as I would've expect it to be. If you were a fan of the first Perfect Dark and even 007: Golden Eye on the N64 and still enjoy them, you will feel right at home with that one. I still recommend to rent it first... After spending over a hundred dollars for both Sonic and SSX, I've learn my lesson... Wii games have to be tried first.… Expand
  17. NoahW.
    Jul 1, 2007
    7
    This is an excellent game. It uses the wiimote and numchuck in a way no other game I've played has, making you feel as though you are holding the gun. It also has a style unique to most modern FPS's. Instead of missions or battles, you just fight your way to the next place, usually in little skirmishes. The interface is like a cross between those flash games where you shoot the This is an excellent game. It uses the wiimote and numchuck in a way no other game I've played has, making you feel as though you are holding the gun. It also has a style unique to most modern FPS's. Instead of missions or battles, you just fight your way to the next place, usually in little skirmishes. The interface is like a cross between those flash games where you shoot the targets moving across the screen and a mouselook FPS shooter. The swordplay could use a bit of work, though. You use moves, such as slashing with the wiimote and parrying by swing your numchuch, so it's pretty fun, but actually happens so little in the game. You will on swordfight someone only a few times per level, and you can't at all in multiplayer mode. The graphics are ok, not very flashy (except maybe for the explosions... preeetyyy explooosiiiooons), but what they lack the gameplay makes up for.… Expand
  18. JackH.
    Nov 20, 2006
    3
    This game plays like it was rushed out the door. The cut-scenes look like they were produced by interns, the sword scenes are reminiscent of PC games circa 1988 and the controls just don't work. save your money.
  19. KyleW.
    Dec 2, 2006
    9
    The game is very well put together exept I thought the swordplay could have been more interactive. All in all I highly recommend Red Steel for any FPS fan.
  20. Born2respawn
    Dec 30, 2006
    8
    Not the best shooter ever, but good fun none-the-less. I'll never find it as easy to control as, say, Halo 2 or any PC shooter, but that's just familliarity. My girlfriend, who never plays shooters, loves it and find's it easy to control.
  21. SteveP.
    Jan 1, 2007
    8
    As an FPS it was quite average, but with the new control system (which can be a little buggy at times) it turned it into a whole new experience. I only want to play FPS this way now, I can't wait for a top notch game with similar controls!
  22. BrianM.
    Dec 21, 2007
    9
    This game might have occasionally frustrating swordplay and sometimes repetitive gameplay, but by no means does that mean it's not fun to play. It's shocking to see some of the very low scores this game is getting. It deserves a 7 at the very least. Anything lower than that is madness.
  23. RichardC.
    Oct 24, 2007
    8
    Yes, this game has some minor annoyances in both design and control, but if you've been pining for the glory years of 2002 and 2003, the years of colorful fantasy worlds, optimism, and simple, satisfying blaster combat, you'll see this as a gaming great! If only it could be patched.
  24. AndrewG.
    Jan 6, 2007
    8
    The only real problem that I've heard about this game is that the controls are bad. For me though, this game was easy pick up and play status for multiplayer. If you have experience with other wii games (especially the bow and arrow in Zelda) then this game should be no problem for you. Red Steel reminds me of Golden Eye, but is not quite as good - the single player is a little too The only real problem that I've heard about this game is that the controls are bad. For me though, this game was easy pick up and play status for multiplayer. If you have experience with other wii games (especially the bow and arrow in Zelda) then this game should be no problem for you. Red Steel reminds me of Golden Eye, but is not quite as good - the single player is a little too linear, and the subobjectives are a little too lame. But multiplayer was hella fun.… Expand
  25. BRIAND.
    Feb 16, 2007
    7
    Good graphics and gameplay but didn't last long enough. Finished in less than 10 hrs of playing. Would have been very good if it were online multiplayer.
  26. RayM.
    May 20, 2007
    3
    For a FPS person, this game has a ton of potential (other than the storyline and c'mon...if you want a storyline, read a book...for me, I just want to shoot things). The controls are the most frustrating as they don't feel very intuitive. I think I would like to try the game if and when they made the gun for the wii-mote...so you can actually hold it like a gun and not fumble For a FPS person, this game has a ton of potential (other than the storyline and c'mon...if you want a storyline, read a book...for me, I just want to shoot things). The controls are the most frustrating as they don't feel very intuitive. I think I would like to try the game if and when they made the gun for the wii-mote...so you can actually hold it like a gun and not fumble around with it. As it is now...it feels like you are drunk trying to shoot people. The game actually made me feel nauseous at times. I didn't even get to the sword part and honestly, didn't care if it was bad or not...I want a good Wii FPS… Expand
  27. DavidGough
    Apr 17, 2008
    9
    I consider this one of the best games I have, not quite the best, but pretty close. I love the swordplay (something I've never seen before in ANY game), I like the graphics, and the very well designed multiplayer.
    My few complaints: too few multiplayer maps, and
    no online play (though not all that many games have this). Even with these complaints, I still think that it is a    I consider this one of the best games I have, not quite the best, but pretty close. I love the swordplay (something I've never seen before in ANY game), I like the graphics, and the very well designed multiplayer.
    My few complaints: too few multiplayer maps, and
    no online play (though not all that many games have this).
    Even with these complaints, I still think that it is a awesome game.    … Expand
  28. CH.
    Nov 20, 2006
    3
    The controls are twitchy, the sword fights are boring, the graphics are muddy, and the voice acting is bad (bad for an FPS even). The game had so much potential to be great it's a real heart break to see it fall flat on it's face. I wanted to enjoy this game so much, but I couldn't. For a better FPS on the Wii, check out Call of Duty 3.
  29. ShaneP.
    Nov 25, 2006
    9
    Great game, ignore all "ugly by gamecube standards" type comments, because this game could not be handled on the cube, much as I love that system. Excellent controls, the only downside is the lack of online multi-player. A great first entry into the new world of immersive FPS.
  30. AllistairP.
    Dec 5, 2006
    7
    Decent enough, and sadly in the top 3 launch titles for the Wii. I had a good time with it, and especially enjoyed the controls (although they were buggy). It'd be nice to see a Half-Life caliber shooter with this control set up. Better than COD3, but not as flashy.
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Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Best Wii Game of 2006
3
#3 Most Discussed Wii Game of 2006
3
#3 Most Shared Wii Game of 2006

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
63

Mixed or average reviews - based on 54 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 54
  2. Mixed: 35 out of 54
  3. Negative: 5 out of 54
  1. Nintendo Gamer
    90
    It's liquid movement... A massive improvement on previous console FPS control... Not only making excellent use of the Wii's controllers, this is huge fun in its own right. For a launch title to get so much right is an indicator of great things to come. [Dec 2006, p.70]
  2. eToychest
    78
    There are still some minor control issues, and the game is still incredibly inconsistent in terms of visual acuity, but in spite of this Red Steel is still an unquestionably fun game to play.
    Read full review
  3. GameSpot
    55
    Red Steel introduces a promising control scheme both for shooting thugs and for slashing them with samurai swords, but wraps it in a buggy, thoroughly unimpressive game.
    Read full review
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