Rogue Trooper: Redux Reviews

Rogue Trooper is an interesting concept. The science-fiction design it was based on translated decently to the original back in 2006 and it translates better now with everything learned in over a decade. The best parts of the game took players into airships to chase villains across ravines and cities and put them blind into treacherous forests full of snipers. These things made it along well to Rogue Trooper Redux. Unfortunately, bad enemy AI and overly simple controls where actions get caugh...

Rogue Trooper Redux is an example of why remasters are not always a good idea. While its visuals have unquestionably been brought up to speed, the gameplay remains deeply mired in the past. At release, Rogue Trooper’s third-person shooter action was no doubt exciting and engaging, but the years have not been kind to it, and no amount of spit and polish can cover up that fact. Dull, repetitive and rough around the edges, Rogue Trooper Redux may entertain those with fond memories of the original title, but everyone else is probably better off remaining oblivious to its existence.

Rogue Trooper Redux is a fun game, but after plowing through the campaign I’m left wondering why it exists. Why re-release a game that’s perfectly adequate but doesn’t do anything particularly noteworthy or special? What’s even more puzzling is that it ends on a cliffhanger. Considering there has never been a sequel, I would have rather have seen how Rogue’s next chapter played out than tread down a well-worn path once more.

For better and for worse, Rogue Trooper Redux remains obstinately old school.

Rogue Trooper Redux might have been a strange game to remaster, but I had a decent time playing through the story again. I enjoyed taking advantage of the limited enemy AI as well as taking them out with my arsenal of gadgets. Although I would have preferred a reboot or sequel to the series, this provided a nice trip down third-person shooter memory lane, but that might not be enough to gauge enough interest from modern gamers.

Rebellion’s remaster won’t last you long, but for a few hours of nostalgia for a sixth-generation shooter it might be worth a shot.

I get the feeling that Rogue Trooper was once an average game that had a few neat ideas. The problem is that it's now 2017, and nearly all of its ideas either don't work properly, or have been improved upon everywhere else. Rogue Trooper Redux is a perfect remastering of a game that shouldn't have been remastered.

Making video games and movies based on comic books have been hit or miss in the past, but every so often one of them works fantastically well. Developed by Tick Tock Games, Rogue Trooper Redux is one of those rare instances where slapping a fresh coat of paint on a game is basically all it needs to still be incredibly enjoyable. Originally launching back in 2006, Rogue Trooper was an excellent and critically acclaimed title for its time, being more than just a shooter but truly a game about tactics and story. Fast forward, Rebellion and Tick Tock Games knew Rogue Trooper was a hit, and giving it an overhaul to its graphics made all the difference to make this a serious contender for shelf space regardless of your console.

Of course, Nu-Earth isn’t exactly the most hospitable of places after hundreds of years of endless war, so prepare yourself for a slog through muddy brown environments and bland industrial and military buildings. The enemies also aren’t particularly distinctive against this backdrop, and can be a little tricky to pick out, even with Gunnar highlighting those near to where you’re aiming. There’s also a lack of real variety in the enemies you face. Yes, some of them have different shades of combat suit, which could indicate that they’ve got a heavier machine gun or are toting shot guns, but outside of the hulking mechs, they’re all just fodder for Gunnar to chew through, sometimes just taking a bit longer to go down.

It’s been a while since the Rogue Trooper series last graced consoles, and it’s been even longer since the franchise first debuted as a comic strip here in the UK, so it goes without saying that this is a franchise with a long history. Unfortunately, a long history doesn’t necessarily mean a large fanbase. Of course, 2000 AD (the comic in which Rogue Trooper debuted) has it’s fond fans here and abroad, but long periods of inactivity has stifled any fanbase growth it could’ve achieved.

This game has everything I personally love in a third person action shooter. It provides a satisfying blend of action and story with the freedom of play, personable characters, and a compelling storyline. The comic book presentation gives the shooter its own personality and character and it has online cooperative play. If you enjoy a thoughtful tactical shooter, then I would recommend giving Rogue Trooper Redux a try.

A solid remaster/remake/whatever-you-want-to-call-it of what was at the time, a pretty fine shooter. Rogue Trooper Redux represents fantastic value for money, even if it hasn't quite managed to stand the test of time.

Rogue Trooper Redux boasts an enjoyable campaign with a wonderful supply maintenance system in place. The ability to spend your earnings on whatever you please rather than relying on what is handed to you sets this title apart from the more “standard” games in the genre. The online multiplayer modes aren’t as fun as they could be, though, and the main game’s relatively short length (anywhere from 5-10 hours depending on your play-style) means that it strays just short of being a truly amazing experience. Despite this, it is still definitely worth your time - whether you’ve played the game before or not. If you enjoy your shooters, give this one a go.