Destruction is a beautiful thing. Whether it be by rocket, crazed mech, or old-fashioned sledgehammer, there's nothing Red Faction is afraid to present in pieces. In just about a month, Volition is taking us back to Mars to begin the demolition anew with Red Faction: Armageddon. Though the last Red Faction title, Guerrilla, was a fantastic return to form for the dormant series, there are a few key matters that Armageddon needs to focus on in order to surpass its predecessor.

Many dicey things went down last time we controlled Mr. Alex Mason. now that he's long gone, things have become far worse. With life support running out and the surface of Mars once again uninhabitable, the cavernous depths of the Red Planet are the only sanctuary left for humankind. Of course, it won't be easy; with fanatic humans and all sorts of angry beasts present they'll need both new equipment and augmented features to emerge victorious from such a debacle. Let's delve deep, and take a look into...

The Underground

According to THQ, around 80% of Armageddon will take place in the bowels of Mars. That's a pretty long time to spend in a single area, and it might become a little boring to look at. This brings us to goal numero uno - make the environments varied, not at all like those found in Guerrilla.

With a setting as alien as Mars is, there's an infinite number of ways to craft meticulously detailed environments for gamers to fawn over and explore. We've got to be able to stay interested as look for things to blow up. Guerrilla had some interesting locales, but the game was in large part completely brown from top to bottom. Volition, here's your chance to give us some shiny, crystalline caverns that just weren't possible in Guerrilla. We're tired of brown.

High Profile Targets

One of the best things about running about in Guerrilla was finding all the EDF's important buildings and structures, and leveling them. We aren't sure who the real threat is going to be in the new game, but I'll be damned if they don't have any important buildings down there. Allow us the freedom to move about and tackle these puppies once again and you'll gain some points with the crowd that really matters - the people reading this article.

GeoMod destructibility

Guerrilla was criticised by fans for the fact that its environment could not be altered. To me this is a minor feature that, while not essential, would be nice to have. What's more important is how the structures we attack come apart; we need more consistency. I can't tell you how many times a giant structure, after its architectural integrity was compromised beyond repair, would be standing up on a single beam of steel. It would eventually fall over, but this happened far too often to be considered acceptable. Make it more reliable Volition - this Red Faction needs it!

Missions

Remember those race-type missions in Guerrilla that would have you cross a large area? Remember how many times you got right to the end to have the timer run out on you? These missions need to vanish into the dark recesses of Mars, never to be seen again. Tie something more interesting, like high profile buildings and targets, into the mission structure. Rail-shooter sections in Guerrilla were tons of fun, and Demolition Master and Heavy Metal missions practically made the game. I am expecting some new ones, but damn you, Volition... damn you to hell if you rid the world of these excellent pieces of digital crack.

Co-op

Initially I thought for sure that Armageddon would incorporate some type of story driven cooperative play. I was wrong. Infestation mode is just like Halo's Firefight, or Gears of War's Horde mode, but it needs to be different. I'm not against components like Infestation, it's just that a lot of the time waves of monsters become repetitive, and therefore becomes a mode no one cares about. This is especially true now that Armageddon will be missing the multiplayer component Guerrilla had. No, it wasn't the best multiplayer by any means, but it was silly fun. With that said, Infestation has some rather large pressure behind it now. If it fails, the replayability of this Armageddon will tank significantly.

Red Faction is a great series, and if its latest incarnation resembles anything like Guerrilla, it will be a ton of fun to play. With some small tweaks and minor changes, Red Faction: Armageddon could very well become the definitive game in the franchise. We only have to wait another month to find out.

What changes would you like to see to the game? Let us know in the comments section below!

Labels: 2011, Andrew Whipple III, GeoMod, Red Faction Guerrilla, Red Faction: Armageddon, THQ, Volition

If you look around the industry, you’ll notice that regenerative health remains a favourite mechanic amongst developers, and why shouldn’t it? Continuing your onslaught of chainsawing, bullet-hosing manliness after absorbing sustained amounts of firepower to your sternum is always a win. But haven’t you wondered how our favorite protagonists come out of these predicaments alive? Perhaps you’ve questioned exactly what is preventing those bullets from perpetually penetrating their adventures? The answers lie within.

Many think that Halo was the pioneer of regenerative health. And, in a way, they're right; Bungie did bring the critically-acclaimed mechanic to the forefront of mainstream gaming. The birthing of it, though, is located in another castle completely. Nonetheless, regaining lost health after avoiding damage for a period of time is a smooth, insanely popular feature in contemporary games. It provides players with a reason to utilise cover while still being able to bounce back from mistakes in the midst of battle. How else were you supposed to recover from the prismatic dragon-ninja’s shuriken of dark lightning? It makes sense gameplay-wise, but as far as the games that utilise it - that’s a whole different ball game.

Now this list isn’t just about games that use regenerating health; no siree. That list would be far too lengthy and lacks the focus we’re going for here. Instead, this list is fixing its unending gaze on the games that contain unexplained reasons why your character regenerates. If a dinosaur clawed my spleen from the confines of my body, I probably wouldn't recover very well. In videogames, however, they can do so with no real issue. How is this justice?

Each game in the following list will receive a score based on how believable its form of regeneration is. A score of ten marks the most believable regeneration, whilst one indicates ghastliness. Here we go.

Killzone

The Killzone franchise has been through quite a lot during its lifetime. First it was a muddy, messy, overhyped PS2 game; then it transformed into a visually appealing, constantly-delayed PS3 title. And who could forget that glowing PSP game? Regardless of where you stand with the series, Killzone has done one thing consistently from the very beginning: regeneration.

I don’t get it though. You’re the standard space marine who - like the rest of the flock, apparently - is capable of absorbing countless numbers of bullets. Okay, okay: you’re wearing weird space military gear and all that, but I’m going to go out on a limb here and suggest that it doesn’t come equipped with quantum-regenerative mind-gear.

Verdict: These guys aren’t Warhammer 40,000 genetically-altered Space Marines of doom. Bullets hurt badly, and I’m not convinced you can bounce back from a Helghast shooting a rocket down your throat. Still, they’ve got some pretty fancy technology, so maybe its possible. Just maybe... [5/10]

Assassin’s Creed

Altaïr, Ezio; whoever your assassin of choice is, it doesn’t matter. Both of these badass dudes regenerate anything, from minor cuts to arrows in their ass. I think my biggest issue with Ubisoft’s star child is that when you’re fighting someone, another comes up and wants a piece. That’s cool, but things escalate rather quickly, and before you know it you’ve got armoured guards wanting to shove their six-foot pike in unwieldy places. The combat makes it a bit touchy to counter blows every single time, so it’s inevitable that you’re going to be hit with some form of weapon.

Let's paint a picture: your screen is flashing red, you’re screaming, you're running, and you suddenly heal back to full. How does this even happen? Do assassins in the Crusades or Renaissance Italy possess the ability to mend wounds with a snap of the fingers? Yes, you’re technically controlling a memory brought forth by the Animus, but the machine doesn’t give you Final Fantasy powers.

Verdict: Sorry: these highly trained, highly skilled assassins may be the cream of the crop when it comes to silent murder, but they’re no mutant. They’re wearing cloth and light armour so as to be weightless enough to run from any pursuer. However, if hit by tangible force, fall like tangible assassin. There’s no Curaga in this time period. I'd say that you should at least have to be hidden to regain health. [3/10]

Mirror’s Edge

You can shoot people in this game, but it sucks. It sucks because you can’t run whilst firing, and running is what this game is all about. And the running isn't short of its own problems, either.

Running! How the hell can you run when you’ve just been roundhouse kicked by a rhinoceros? It’s a fair question: you’re usually being chased by beefy officers or kung-fu masters who, against your delicate feminine frame, could cause some noticeable damage.

Sometimes you actually have to stop and initiate combat manoeuvres, which is fine, but you take the risk of getting injured. I guess the risk isn't too large though, because in the future everyone seems to have regenerative implants.

Verdict: I don’t know about you, but after I get shot I can totally do a double wall jump. [1/10]

Red Dead Redemption

Great as Rockstar’s wild west adventure may have been, did they explain their regeneration system? In short: no. You’d think that, in an environment where greats were born and slain, you’d receive a little more realism when it comes to pain.

Don’t get me wrong, you can kill people in a shot or two (which is just like real life, apparently), but some of the punishment you can take is downright ridiculous. With the amount of shootouts you encounter, you’ll be tucking yourself away to regenerate constantly. After the eightieth bullet, that leg of yours should be the most decrepit thing on the planet.

Verdict: How about that deer you shot? Do you see it running over to the nearest form of cover? That’s right, you didn't. It isn't coming back, because it can’t regenerate. Instead, it died, like in real life. Are you even listening or are you just skinning that deer? [4/10]

Far Cry 2

Far Cry 2 wasn’t the best game. Questionable AI, dodgy respawning points and horrible stealth mechanics made this gamer cry in dirty corners, but at least the health system was unique.

And gross.

As this video indicates, you can heal manually if you’re at critical health. This form of manual regeneration entails some of the most grotesque animations I’ve ever witnessed. Pulling glass from your wrist, prising bullets free from your kneecaps, wriggling wire out from between your fingers; Far Cry 2 tries its best to make you vomit.

While this mechanic is unquestionably awesome, it makes no friggin’ sense whatsoever. How the hell does pushing a bullet through your arm give health? I’m no medical expert but I’m pretty sure that after you pull a large piece of shrapnel from your arm, it's going to bleed and you probably aren’t going to be using it for a while.

Verdict: Points for disposing of the junk in your body, but deductions for the nonsensical health giving. Also, since the animations are random you could be shot at, and then all-of-a-sudden be pulling a shard of glass from your wrist. Unless the enemy is armed with wine-bottle launchers, that shouldn't happen. [6/10]

GoldenEye 007 (2010 Wii version)

This re-imagining of the famed N64 shooter was high on many gamers’ lists of unbridled anticipation. Then it came out. All I can say here is that Daniel Cr... - er, I mean, James Bond - now regenerates health rather than having to use med kits. Thanks go to Activision, for shattering my nostalgia into lots of tiny unsalvageable pieces with the most contrived game mechanic possible. Why not add laser cannons and giant mechs next time?

Verdict: James Bond is not a space marine. At least, not yet. As good a spy as he is, he's still only a man, and a well-placed bullet ought to puncture his anatomy like a nail through a slab of soft butter. [2/10]

Gears of War

Only the manliest of men can say that this game doesn’t feature enough gore. Gears of War is responsible for doing a lot right, and a whole lot wrong - see Gears of War 2's multiplayer mode, for instance. Regardless, Marcus Fenix and his COG brethren are fighting a war that they must win. And what equipment do they have in order to ensure this victory against a heavily-armed, ruthless enemy? Chainsaws and standard-issue armour.

Just to remind you, these people are fighting against a horde of mutant angries called the Locust, who have a whole arsenal of hurt just waiting to be unleashed. How does a unit that are struggling for any type of technology fight against beasts the size of small buildings with rockets strapped to their back?

They regenerate, of course.

Verdict: There are no shields, no special infusions to make you a God, nothing. That obviously means that when a colossal space laser descends onto the surface of the world, hitting you square in the forehead, so long as you get out of the blast radius within a few seconds everything's good. Where is the sense? [2/10]

Uncharted

This blows my mind. Nathan Drake and company are wearing what appear to be clearance items from JC Penney, and they have no fear of taking on waves of enemies. What happens when Drake gets shot? The obvious of course: he regenerates. But how?! How can you heal gaping shrapnel and bullet wounds, with your half-tucked shirt as your only form of protection?

Verdict: I guess half-tucked shirts are the new Kevlar. [1/10]

Call of Duty

There is nobody in the entire galaxy that would be able to survive a .50 cal straight to the chest at point-blank range. No manner of Void Armor, magical forces or hostage children used as shields could save you from your dire fate. In Call of Duty, however, apparently they can.

I still remember the day I stopped playing Modern Warfare. I was patiently waiting for some camping hobo to return to the window he’d shot me from several times before. When he appeared, I focused and fired a very accurate shot, dead centre in the middle of the poorly-hidden gentleman's chest. And he didn't die. Even despite the fact that my reticle registered the hit, the bastard lived and shot me again.

Verdict: No. [1/10]

Red Faction Guerrilla

Red Faction is known for its ridiculously enticing destruction. The GeoMod is something that hasn’t been embraced throughout the industry, and it’s ridiculous that it hasn’t been utilised more. However, the very mod I was just praising shows why Guerrilla’s regeneration system makes no sense.

First off, Alex Mason is wearing some kind of industrial rain coat that frightens me. Second, you can be decimating a building and have a two-by-four block of solid concrete fall straight on your face, and yet can still get up after the ragdoll physics have stopped, and be good for another round. Is Mason made of rubber or something? Last time I checked, he was still human, and concrete still really, really hurts when thrown on top of you.

Verdict: Even on Mars, a building collapsing on you is still a building collapsing on you. You’re not coming back out. Ever. [1/10]

Labels: 2011, Andrew Whipple III, Assassin's Creed, Call of Duty, Gears of War, Goldeneye, Killzone, Mirrors Edge, Red Dead Redemption, Red Faction Guerrilla, Uncharted

Looking back at the history of mankind, one thing can be traced as the highlight of all of our existence; destruction. No game captures this essence greater that Red Faction Guerrilla. Developed by Volition Inc. (the team behind the Saints Row series) and using the "Geo-Mod 2.0" destruction engine, Red Faction successfully gives the player a feeling of pure destructive bliss. However, the other aspects of the game wrapped around the carnage don't quite impress the way the demolition of buildings does.

In Red Faction Guerrilla you take the role of Alec Mason, a worker who relocated from Earth to Mars looking for work. Upon his arrival on the red planet, Alex meets up with his brother (a member of the rebellion group "Red Faction") who is soon gunned down by the Earth Defense Force before you even start to play the game. To make things worse, after the gruesome murder of your brother, the EDF associates you with the rebellion and attempts to take you out. You are promptly saved by members of the Red Faction and, with one thing leading to another, you're soon a full fledged member of an organization supporting the liberation of Mars. Not that any of this really matters though, because the games cutscenes are few and far between. Apart from the intro, ending, and a few story highlights through the game, the story is told entirely though radio transmissions. This causes the games story to come of as uninteresting, anti-climactic, and in some cases, practically non-existent.

Although the story comes off as throwaway, it really isn't the highlight of the game. As mentioned before, the most entertaining aspects of the game come from destroying the buildings on Mars. The game starts you off with a hammer and some remote explosives to take care of destroying architecture. These two items will be your companions for most of the game, but a few other tools are introduced later in the game, such as a rocket launcher and a rifle that's ammunition melts anything on contact. The thing that makes the destruction in this game so pleasing is how realistically the buildings break apart. Explaining the destruction, or even watching it in a trailer, really doesn't do it any justice, it's something that needs to be experienced to fully appreciate. The first time you take you hammer to the side of a building and it slowly crumbles to the group is extremely satisfying. That being said, the disintegrating architecture of Red Faction isn't perfect either. On numerous occasions I found buildings being supported by single pieces of metal. Another annoyance that I encountered several times was ramming into a building with a vehicle in hopes of destroying a good portion of it, only to be stopped dead in my tracks by an indestructible object.

Mars is portrayed fairly accurately in Red Faction, all of the rocks and environments being red. However, this isn't as visually pleasing due to nearly every inch of the games world looking identical. This is even furtherly emphasized by all of the games buildings are quite similar in design, and most of the structures are repeated all across the map. Although the design of Mars in Red Faction isn't so creative, it is partially forgiven by that fact that the game is very visually pleasing. Using the Havok engine, the games visuals are very polished, and though they arn't the greatest graphics, Red Faction is a good looking game. My only complaint regarding the games graphics is there is constant texture popping as the games far off objects appear from the foreground.

Red Faction Guerrilla is an open world game. This means that it falls victim to many of the genres problems. For starters, you will constantly be navigating the games world using your minimap rather than the actual game screen. The games developers attempted to avoid this by placing a navigation line in front of you when walking or driving toward an objective, but I still found myself staring at the bottom left corner of the screen way too much. Another pitfall that the game encounters is the plethora of side quests. Now this can be considered good or bad depending on how much you enjoy the game, but there are only 9 types of side missions and most of them are not very amusing. However, I did find some of the games side missions, such as destroying a building as fast as possible, and maning the turret of a vehicle to destroy as much as possible, to be quite fun.

I find it necessary to bring the games AI up. It proved to be excessively annoying at times. It seems thoroughly unnecessary that as soon as I so much as touch a building that suddenly and entire army appears to take me down. The game constantly throws more enemies than required at you, all of them blessed with pin-point accuracy. This makes for some frustrating moments in the game, especially when long, checkpointless missions have to be restarted several times. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you teammates are never much help at all, that is if they even show up. From missing most of there shots, to would-be rescued hostages not being able to get into your vehicle, your teammates are the only thing more aggravating than you enemies.

Red Faction Guerrilla's multiplayer offering is fairly standard. It consists of two modes: wrecking crew and online. Wrecking crew is a pass-the-controller, local-only destruction fest. It involves two to four players taking turns to see who is able to achieve the most points given different rule sets. This mode is quite entertaining as it eliminates some of the frustrations of the single player campaign and allows players to enjoy ripping down buildings without any distractions. The other multiplayer component of the game is online. This mode is exactly what it sounds like; travel into the world of Xbox Live or Playstation Network and put your skills to the test against other players. The online modes are fairly generic, consisting of the usual suspects of deathmatch (called anarchy), team deathmatch, and capture the flag. Some other modes, such as damage control and demolition, bring the destruction factor into the mix for a more unique flavor. The main difference to the way the game is played in the multiplayer is the addition of backpacks. Stations are set up across the maps that distribute power-ups in the form of backpacks. From being able to run faster to healing yourself and teammates to making yourself invisible, there's a backpack for nearly every situation. The online multiplayer in Red Faction can be hectic at times, and some of the weapons don't work as good against thinking opponents, but it's a fun if your looking to kill a bit of time. Aside from the addition of the backpacks, the multiplayer comes off as an afterthought in the development in the game, and it's hard to see the game keeping a solid number of players other than a dedicated few.

All in all I enjoyed my time with Red Faction Guerrilla. The campaign drags on a little more than it needs too, and the story is quite forgettable, but the game's emphasis on destruction is truly entertaining. The games missions and environments are not especially varied, but the graphics and fun factor more that make up for these shortcomings. The games multiplayer is enjoyable if you want to get a little more out of the game, but it's hard to recommend to anyone looking for a strong, long-term multiplayer experience. If you are looking for an open world experience, or just a fun time in the summer games drought, Red Faction Guerrilla is a great game that can easily be recommended if you can get past its flaws.

7/10 - Worth a rental for fans of the series/genre

Tyson

Labels: Red Faction Guerrilla, Review, Tyson, Tyson Breen, Volition