We've had a Chimeran invasion of Britain. It didn't work, fortunately for us. Another invasion took place in the United States, which also failed miserably. So why, oh why, do those pesky converted-human Chimera want to try another invasion?

The answer - they haven't failed in America. Well, not yet anyway. Enter Resistance Retribution. Set in the time between the end of Fall of Man and the beginning of Resistance 2, Retribution follows the storyline of fomer British Royal Marine, James Grayson in the weeks following the destruction of the Chimeran tower in London. After being forced to kill his brother inside a Chimeran conversion tower, James suffers a nervous breakdown and is imprisoned for desertion. However, the European resistance - the Maquis - enlist Grayson's help, and soon he is fighting against the Chimera in Europe.

Developed by Sony Bend, Resistance Retribution was first revealed at E3 2008, and since has enjoyed both it's own hype whilst also bathing in the hype of Resistance 2. And Bend have certainly gone to great lengths to make sure the first PSP incarnation of the Resistance series is a gaming experience to remember.

Retribution features some fantastic and innovative new features, the likes of which have never been seen on the PSP before. 'Infection' mode allows players with a copy of Resistance Retribution and Resistance 2 to connect their games and 'infect' their PSP, changing the game mode and giving new features such as a new player costume and look, new weapons and health regeneration. Retribution will also be one of the first games to feature a form of cross-platform processor sharing; players will be able to hook their PSP-2000 or -3000 up to a PS3 and use the Dualshock 3 to play their copy of Retribution on a big screen.

Graphically, Retribution impresses. For a PSP game the graphics are very good, and from the in-game visuals that I've seen, the game is unlikely to disappoint. Also, the graphics do not lose quality when played on a big screen, so players wishing to play at home on their 40" plasma will get just as much out of Retribution as on-the-road gamers will on the PSP's display.

Gameplay looks excellent, especially for a PSP shooter. Sony Bend have learnt from the mistakes of shooters which have gone before, and as such have not attempted to make a game with an advanced, home-console thesis. In fact, Bend have developed a game which is designed for PSP through-and-through - this is evident from the new 'aim assist' option, which counters the problem of not having two analog sticks on the PSP whilst making gameplay more fluid.

Retribution is the first Resistance game to feature a common shooter concept - a cover system. Players will be able to take cover automatically when they are near it, making for a (hopefully) much more tactical feel to the game. In addition to the non-replenishing life bar the game will feature, Retribution is sure to have a less run-and-gun feel that it's PSP brothers.

Resistance Retribution is due for release in North America on 17 March, and whilst Europe is still waiting for a release date, if you really want this game you can pre-order from Amazon, Gamestop or any other good retailer.

Linford

Labels: Hype Train, PSP, Resistance Retribution

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