Red Faction: Guerrilla

"remember Freedom Fighters? ever wanted a sequel? Here it is; well, sort of..."

After just 20 minutes in the game, I started to get flashbacks of the day when I played (and completed) Freedom Fighters in one sitting. The fun factor of Freedom Fighters was insane and I loved every bit of those 12 or so hours. I always wanted a sequel to Freedom Fighters and what IO Interactive gave us was the disastrous "Kane & Lynch".

This game has similar vibe and fun factor as that of Freedom Fighters. Although the story takes place on Mars and the scenario is completely different, the experience is somewhat similar and the game is very enjoyable.

The story is simple and always sits in the background. The way the upgrade system work makes you wanting to complete more and more side missions. There are tons and tons of side missions in this game and the gameplay never gets old and boring. Two main reasons for that are the difficulty of the game (it isn't forgiving) and the NPC involvement. If you get caught in heavy fight with EDF, Any passing by red faction member will stop and fight alongside you. This had changed the tides of battle many times while I was playing this game. Mission variety is also acceptable.

Graphics are no better than their recent Saints game but it doesn't look bad either. You can blow just about anything in this game and it looks fantastic sometimes.

The controls are super solid. Nothing is more satisfying then smashing down your foes with the sledge hammer. Aiming system works well.

Sound effects are not top quality but are good. I liked the background music for this game. It is different from usual movie inspired orchestra which many games are adopting. Music in this game feels like old school.

I totally recommend buying this game because it has a very lengthy single player campaign and excellent and addicting multi-player mode.

I really really wish they make another game with exact same gameplay mechanics but takes place on earth (anywhere but new york city). I'd be the first person in line to buy it.


Presentation: 8.0
Story isn't important in this game. User interface is well designed and very usable. Long save times however, are annoying.

Graphics: 8.0
I didn't expect more since the game takes place on Mars. Naturally, most of the color palette has tons of variations of RED. They still managed to create six different looking areas in the game.

Sound: 8.5
Not your usual movie orchestra but a great sound track. Reminds me of old school games for some reason. Sound effects are good as well.

Gameplay: 9.0
solid controls and tons of mission variety. Side missions are fun to do and the upgrade system wants you to go hunt for more. Fun factor is insane.

Lasting Appeal: 9.0
A super lengthy single player campaign and a very addicting multiplayer mode.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/09/09

Game Release: Red Faction: Guerrilla (US, 06/02/09)