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Red Faction Guerrilla Reviewed
When it comes to videogames there are instances where graphics take
priority over gameplay. Many will tell you that gameplay is what matters most
but the value of graphics engines cannot be underestimated. In some cases an
advanced technology can elevate a game beyond expectations, as is the case here
with Red Faction Guerrilla. The technology put to use here is the star and the
gameplay is a means to show it off. That’s not to say Red Faction hasn’t been
given a new lease of life. It’s by far the best entry into the
series.
Whilst Guerrilla is a sequel to the original game it’s not necessary to have played it. Set on a Mars, you play as Alec Mason. He’s a miner turned rebel after the Earth Defence Force, heroes of the first game, turns from savoir to oppressor and kills his brother, a member of the Red Faction. The objective of the resistance is to drive the EDF from the planet, forcing them out sector by sector.
Guerrilla is quite a bit different to what’s gone before. For a start it’s now set in an open world rather than a series of linear levels. It’s also gone from first person to third but, before you long term fans balk at the idea, consider that the games developer, Volition, is responsible for Saints Row. The studio is well versed in the genre and they deliver here in a big way.
The aforementioned technology is absolutely the focus here. Whilst previous iterations of the “Geo-mod” engine have allowed deformation of the scenery, this latest version makes possible a level of destruction never before seen in a videogame. It’s nothing short of spectacular. Whilst the terrain is impervious, anything man made, regardless of the material or size, it can be razed to the ground.
Many games feature iconic weapons. Gears of War will be remembered for the Lancer and chainsaw, and Halo will always be remembered for its assault rifle and pistol. Red Faction Guerrilla goes back to basics and will be remembered for the all purpose hammer. It might sound like an anticlimax but this thing can bring down everything given enough swings. It’s hard not to get carried away with clubbing walls, buildings, stairs and crates.
Destruction is at the heart of Red Faction Guerrilla. You break things to earn salvage and you use salvage to buy and upgrade weapons that will help you break bigger things faster. Nearly all of the missions revolve around you knocking something down or blowing something up.
You earn massive amounts of salvage for wrecking highlighted EDF property. When rescuing prisoners you invariably smash your way into whichever base holds them captive. Raids are won by killing occupying EDF troops but the fastest way to victory is to bring down a key structure. Demolition is the focal point.
The game features a total of 120 full missions across 6 sectors, all with their own unique visual flavour. You start in the molten looking sector of Parker before moving onto the open plains of Dust. The Badlands brings with it a few surprises and you’ll even visit a location where a level of terraforming has begun. On top of the standard mission selection you also get optional challenges, retrieval missions and random enemy convoys or base attacks to attend to for extra rewards. The game is always looking to keep you busy.
This no doubt sounds tried and tested but the moral/control system stands out. Each sector starts out fully controlled by the EDF but as you lower their control by destroying key structures and completing missions, resistance fighters join your cause, making taking on bigger structures easier.
When you’re fighting off the EDF in full pursuit, only for reinforcements to roll in, the battles become epic, with a great number of troops on screen amongst all the vehicles and battered buildings.
The campaign isn’t perfect though. Before you earn the ability to jump between safe houses the drives can be long and, as you’d probably expect, aside from the occasional vista, Mars doesn’t always look that interesting. It’s a lifeless planet after all. Dust is an especially boring looking place between towns and military bases.
The story is also not that engaging. You’ll become more attached to the hammer and walker mechs than to Alec himself, and that’s a shame. The politics of the thing are also pretty dodgy. These issues aside, the campaign is pretty lengthy and a blast to play.
It doesn’t stop there though. With so many games featuring multiplayer components that feel bolted on, Red Faction Guerrilla is a breath of fresh air. Multiplayer here is excellent. You get 6 modes across 21 maps, full stat tracking and experience points, unlocks, a solid matchmaking and party system, and all of the impressive technology is carried over into the online experience.
Standard modes like Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch are present but Guerrilla also has standout modes like Destroyer. In Destroyer, the team that causes the most destruction wins but only one member of each team can actually cause the damage. That means the other members are trying to protect their scorer whilst trying to kill the other team’s.
Control is also another excellent mode, Volition’s own take on Territories. Rather than simply standing next to a point to take it over, you have to destroy and rebuild the node. All of the physics from the offline game are present and it runs silky smooth. You can even batter other players with your trusty hammer.
Red Faction Guerrilla, taken as a whole, is something that should not be ignored. It’s rare to find such a lengthy, enjoyable campaign that comes boxed with an equally content filled multiplayer component. It sports incredible technology and solid game design from top to bottom and the unique level of destruction takes the open world genre to new places. If over the top action is your thing then as, of right now, there is nothing that comes close this.
9/10
Whilst Guerrilla is a sequel to the original game it’s not necessary to have played it. Set on a Mars, you play as Alec Mason. He’s a miner turned rebel after the Earth Defence Force, heroes of the first game, turns from savoir to oppressor and kills his brother, a member of the Red Faction. The objective of the resistance is to drive the EDF from the planet, forcing them out sector by sector.
Guerrilla is quite a bit different to what’s gone before. For a start it’s now set in an open world rather than a series of linear levels. It’s also gone from first person to third but, before you long term fans balk at the idea, consider that the games developer, Volition, is responsible for Saints Row. The studio is well versed in the genre and they deliver here in a big way.
The aforementioned technology is absolutely the focus here. Whilst previous iterations of the “Geo-mod” engine have allowed deformation of the scenery, this latest version makes possible a level of destruction never before seen in a videogame. It’s nothing short of spectacular. Whilst the terrain is impervious, anything man made, regardless of the material or size, it can be razed to the ground.
Many games feature iconic weapons. Gears of War will be remembered for the Lancer and chainsaw, and Halo will always be remembered for its assault rifle and pistol. Red Faction Guerrilla goes back to basics and will be remembered for the all purpose hammer. It might sound like an anticlimax but this thing can bring down everything given enough swings. It’s hard not to get carried away with clubbing walls, buildings, stairs and crates.
Destruction is at the heart of Red Faction Guerrilla. You break things to earn salvage and you use salvage to buy and upgrade weapons that will help you break bigger things faster. Nearly all of the missions revolve around you knocking something down or blowing something up.
You earn massive amounts of salvage for wrecking highlighted EDF property. When rescuing prisoners you invariably smash your way into whichever base holds them captive. Raids are won by killing occupying EDF troops but the fastest way to victory is to bring down a key structure. Demolition is the focal point.
The game features a total of 120 full missions across 6 sectors, all with their own unique visual flavour. You start in the molten looking sector of Parker before moving onto the open plains of Dust. The Badlands brings with it a few surprises and you’ll even visit a location where a level of terraforming has begun. On top of the standard mission selection you also get optional challenges, retrieval missions and random enemy convoys or base attacks to attend to for extra rewards. The game is always looking to keep you busy.
This no doubt sounds tried and tested but the moral/control system stands out. Each sector starts out fully controlled by the EDF but as you lower their control by destroying key structures and completing missions, resistance fighters join your cause, making taking on bigger structures easier.
When you’re fighting off the EDF in full pursuit, only for reinforcements to roll in, the battles become epic, with a great number of troops on screen amongst all the vehicles and battered buildings.
The campaign isn’t perfect though. Before you earn the ability to jump between safe houses the drives can be long and, as you’d probably expect, aside from the occasional vista, Mars doesn’t always look that interesting. It’s a lifeless planet after all. Dust is an especially boring looking place between towns and military bases.
The story is also not that engaging. You’ll become more attached to the hammer and walker mechs than to Alec himself, and that’s a shame. The politics of the thing are also pretty dodgy. These issues aside, the campaign is pretty lengthy and a blast to play.
It doesn’t stop there though. With so many games featuring multiplayer components that feel bolted on, Red Faction Guerrilla is a breath of fresh air. Multiplayer here is excellent. You get 6 modes across 21 maps, full stat tracking and experience points, unlocks, a solid matchmaking and party system, and all of the impressive technology is carried over into the online experience.
Standard modes like Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch are present but Guerrilla also has standout modes like Destroyer. In Destroyer, the team that causes the most destruction wins but only one member of each team can actually cause the damage. That means the other members are trying to protect their scorer whilst trying to kill the other team’s.
Control is also another excellent mode, Volition’s own take on Territories. Rather than simply standing next to a point to take it over, you have to destroy and rebuild the node. All of the physics from the offline game are present and it runs silky smooth. You can even batter other players with your trusty hammer.
Red Faction Guerrilla, taken as a whole, is something that should not be ignored. It’s rare to find such a lengthy, enjoyable campaign that comes boxed with an equally content filled multiplayer component. It sports incredible technology and solid game design from top to bottom and the unique level of destruction takes the open world genre to new places. If over the top action is your thing then as, of right now, there is nothing that comes close this.
9/10