Shadow Ops: Red Mercury

 Xbox
  • Publisher: Atari
  • Release Date: Jun 15, 2004
  • Also On: PC
Metascore
61

Mixed or average reviews - based on 45 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 45
  3. Negative: 11 out of 45
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  1. Worth Playing
    45
    If not for the impressive sound and the sheer intensity of fighting a seemingly endless supply of terrorists, this game would have no redeeming qualities.
  2. eToychest
    45
    The game lacks checkpoints, and missions can take upwards of twenty minutes to complete, so should you die 18 minutes into a level, you're forced to go through the entire level again. For a game this bad, that's torture.
  3. DailyGame
    45
    This is a bad game. A game so bland and annoying, it took twice as long as most other titles to play for a review because I could only bear it in 20-minute doses.
  5. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    42
    This includes multiplayer, which is a joke: dull levels, instant respawns in capture the flag (try invading a base when downed enemies just reappear right away, with full health), and a horrible interface that leaves online soldiers more confused than eagerly anticipating the action. [Aug 2004, p.110]
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  6. Game Revolution
    42
    Many of the right elements are in play – lots of bad guys, decent graphics, online functionality - but it seems Shadow Ops: Red Mercury is merely following an old recipe without adding the proper seasoning to spice things up. The result is just a shadow of the competition.
  7. Gaming Age
    42
    The fact of the matter is there are many other FPS on the Xbox that have a better story, better multiplayer play, and more innovation that will make you feel like you just made a smart 50 dollar purchase.
  8. Xbox Nation Magazine
    40
    This wonky A.I., coupled with an online component that falls flat on its face, makes Mercury hard to recommend for shooter fans. Just like Hollywood, rote imitation works for a short time only.
  9. Edge Magazine
    40
    Shadow Ops feels like a game put together by a team bored by the clichés of the genre and the special forces material it was given to work with. This quickly communicates itself to the player. [Aug 2004, p.102]
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  10. GMR Magazine
    40
    It's a dull action-heavy first-person shooter emphasizing run-and-gun play rather than tactical warfare - with some noticeable slowdown when enemies and friendlies clog the screen. [Aug 2004, p.96]
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  11. GameShark
    40
    The game is so hopelessly generic, even with what little is does get right, it just can't rise above what it is... another "me-too" game.
  12. GameCritics
    35
    Frustrating, boring, and poorly executed, this is a game that is destined for the dustbin.

Awards & Rankings

48
#48 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2004
24
#24 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2004

User Reviews

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User Score
6.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 14
  3. Negative: 4 out of 14
  1. SamJ.
    May 13, 2007
    6
    Good game, but damn guys, how bout some checkpoints?? im what some might call a hardcore fps fan (like all i play is shooters) easy is too Good game, but damn guys, how bout some checkpoints?? im what some might call a hardcore fps fan (like all i play is shooters) easy is too easy, medium is challenging enough, but no save points! hard is insane! difficulty levels are not balanced! a good weekender, but dont buy it, there is never ANYONE online anyway.… Full Review »
  2. BobM.
    Feb 1, 2005
    8
    Shadow ops is a solid game. It is tough and very intense. The graphics are very nice and the levels are a blast. Everything is great in this Shadow ops is a solid game. It is tough and very intense. The graphics are very nice and the levels are a blast. Everything is great in this game except one thing. The are no checkpoints. You have to restart the long levels every time you die.… Full Review »
  3. NuNRG
    Nov 18, 2004
    9
    Definitely an under appreciated FPS. The graphics may not set a standard for the genre, however, it does have its moments. The sound effects Definitely an under appreciated FPS. The graphics may not set a standard for the genre, however, it does have its moments. The sound effects and music is among the best in an xbox game easily on the same level found in the recently released Halo 2. The aiming cursor feels very tight making it easy to aim in on targets. The control scheme setup rivals that of Halo's and in a few ways actually improves upon it. The left-trigger is used to zoom in making it easier and feel more natural than pushing in the R3 (very nice) Weapons change is done via the d-pad with each weapon assigned to a direction press for four weapons carrying at once vice two from Halo (an improvement) You can lob or roll a grenade with the black/white buttons (another improvement) Xbox live and link play support (oh yeah) and a fairly decent story to carry you through the game making Red Mercury a very solid purchase.… Full Review »
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