Red Faction was one of the surprise hits on the Playstation 2 that combined new technology into excellent gameplay, a long adventure, and a very good overall package. For the PC we get pretty much the same game with expanded internet multiplayer, even better graphics, and the ability to control the game the way it was supposed to (mouse and keyboard). However, in the end, the PC version, while better than the PS2 version, actually reveals a few problems to Red Faction's formula I never noticed before.
The core of the game is still great. The graphics and sound are excellent and actually a big improvement over the already pretty PS2 version. This time we're allowed to pump the resolution up quite a bit, and while the system requirements for the higher resolutions are steep, most gamers should still experience a decent frame rate.
This time through the game, though, my appreciation for the Geo-Mod technology actually decreased. This technology is ultra-cool... no doubt about that. It allows for entire walls and floors to be blown away by your weapons. It was supposed to allow for alternate routes, through walls and by digging tunnels with a rocket launcher and other explosive weapons. However, it's not used nearly enough. Early on, you'll use this technique quite a bit. Instead of attacking a tank crossing a bridge, for instance, you'll just use your new rocket launcher to blow away the bridge around the tank, dropping it and its crew into the great abyss.
However, as you progress through the game, its use is almost entirely forgotten. The game quickly becomes very linear, and blowing away walls to get through locked doors becomes a non-factor as most walls aren't allowed to be destroyed, especially indoors.
Still, even despite this, the game is very fun. While the weapons aren't really new to most veteran FPS gamers, they are still (for the most part... what's up with the almost useless riot shield?) well balanced and fun to use. What saves Red Faction is its relentless, challenging action. There are times when you'll wonder if the enemies are ever going to stop rushing at you. That's a good thing.
The vehicles are also a unique addition to Red Faction. Mostly though, the vehicle levels are pretty short. Still, they're exciting and add to the game by breaking up the action.
Control is better this time around too, although it actually reveals Red Faction to be a shorter and easier game than I previously thought. The control scheme on the PS2, while adequate, still used up tons of ammo and reduced head-shots. On the PC, the control scheme with the mouse and keyboard is much more responsive and accurate, saving me ammunition and allowing for many more pinpoint shots. The effect, while creating a smoother and less frustrating game, actually makes many of the sections that were extremely hard on the PS2 much easier to get through.
The multiplayer component is pretty average. You get only the most basic modes, including deathmatch, team deathmatch, and capture the flag. It's still fun to play, though, because the weapons work well in multiplayer and blowing destroying chunks of the earth out from beneath an opponent's feet is very cool. Beware, though... you die very fast in Red Faction's multiplayer, and the pace is furious.
Still, despite the game's flaws and the lack of use of the Geo Mod technology in the single player game, Red Faction is still cool. The designers were able to make a game that, above all things, is just a blast to play.
-Jerred
Company Line
Lured to Mars by the Ultor Corporation's promise of a better life, thousands have come to seek their fortune and work for the massive mining company. But all is not as it seems. A deadly plague is sweeping through the barracks, and miners suffer daily abuse at the hands of the Ultor guards. Is a revolution on the horizon?
Red Faction revolutionizes gaming with Geo-Mod™ technology, the ability to completely alter and destroy the environment in real-time. Featuring 5 controllable vehicles, 15 weapons of mass destruction, unparalleled multiplayer action, and a setting on Mars in the midst of a deadly plague and rebellion, Red Faction sets the gold standard in gaming!
FEATURES
Geo-Mod technology - the only FPS with real-time, arbitrary geometry modification
Unparalleled multiplayer action, with Geo-Mod specific strategies
Advanced physics simulation - supports falling geometry, particles and liquid
Five land, sea and air vehicles to commandeer and control
A compelling storyline across 20 diverse levels
Stealth and action driven objectives
Varied environments including natural settings unique to the genre
Dynamic, real-time lighting including lightmaps, object shadow casting and more
Advanced AI behavior
Real-time skeletal deformation and interpolation for silky smooth animations
Location-based damage system
Multiplayer support for LAN and TCP-IP (up to 32 players)
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