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. TeamXbox
    88
    One of the best values when considering that it fully supports Live and System Link play, has HD graphics support, and one of the best audio tracks ever laid down in a video game.
  2. PGNx Media
    83
    There is a lot of value in the game with a rather large single-player mode (about twelve hours) and co-op, four-player split-screen and Xbox Live support. While there are other FPS that do things better, Shadow Ops is a solid entry.
  3. BonusStage
    82
    The game isn't perfect, but the amazing combination of gritty realism and cinematic elements makes up for some minor sore spots.
  5. Next Level Gaming
    80
    I am also disappointed by the lack of blood. War is bloody and full of gore, and I want to see it all when I am playing.
  6. Gamer.tv
    80
    It feels like being in the middle of an action blockbuster.
  7. Times Online
    80
    The lack of detail and setup options may annoy the hardcore FPS fans, but the arcade approach will appease most players.
  8. GameZone
    75
    Shadow Ops hardly ever strays from its basic first-person shooter blueprint and that's what makes this a lackluster shooter, but the action is always of the pulse-pounding kind and that certainly counts for something.
  9. Stuff
    75
    The creators seem to have focused more on blending cinematic elements and story arc than on controls and action. Still, it's a solid all-around title that pushes games in a different direction and serves as a vivid reminder that living in America is way better than living in Chechnya.

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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