PGC NEWS

Redfall, the latest offering from Arkane Studios, the creators of the critically acclaimed Deathloop, arrived in early May 2023. Departing from the studio’s signature action-stealth gameplay, Redfall ventures into the realm of first-person shooter with a “looter shooter” twist. Does this shift in direction pay off, or does it leave players wanting more? Let’s delve into the sun-starved world of Redfall and uncover the truth.

Redfall gameplay screenshot showing a character in a dark environment

A Glimmer of Hope in a Sea of Disappointment

The story unfolds in the town of Redfall, besieged by a menacing horde of vampires. Players assume the role of one of four vampire hunters tasked with rescuing the remaining townsfolk and unraveling the mystery behind the vampiric infestation. Unlike Deathloop’s time-looping mechanics, Redfall embraces a looter shooter approach, offering two expansive maps. However, much of the environment feels like window dressing, with the majority of houses locked and inaccessible.

Redfall gameplay screenshot showing an outdoor environment

A few well-designed areas manage to capture the intended horror atmosphere. Key mission areas, such as safe houses and the Hollow Man’s mansion, stand out. These locations feature claustrophobic, dimly lit corridors adorned with unsettling details like bloodstains and flickering TVs displaying a sinister face. These elements create a palpable sense of dread, forcing players to proceed with caution. Sadly, these moments of genuine horror are few and far between.

Redfall gameplay screenshot showing a dark interior with blood stains

A Bland Design Drains the Life Out of Redfall

From the studio that brought us the innovative gameplay of Deathloop and the intricate level design of the Dishonored series, Redfall feels like a significant step backward. The world design is disappointingly bland and uninspired, making exploration a tedious chore. The vast maps are largely empty, with locked buildings serving as little more than background scenery. Even mission areas lack depth, populated by a handful of generic enemies and offering little in the way of engaging encounters.

Redfall gameplay screenshot showing a character aiming a weapon

Side missions, which involve hunting down three sub-bosses to collect their skulls, are repetitive and uninspired, further contributing to the game’s monotonous feel. While Redfall attempts to incorporate stealth mechanics, reminiscent of Arkane’s previous works, the execution falls flat. Movement is sluggish, enemy detection is overly sensitive, and takedowns lack any visual flair. The stealth mechanics feel tacked on and ultimately detract from the overall experience.

Redfall gameplay screenshot of a snowy outdoor environment

A Flawed Foundation Cracks Under Pressure

Redfall’s initial premise – surviving in a vampire-infested town – holds promise, but the game quickly unravels due to its poorly constructed narrative and technical shortcomings. The story is disjointed and meandering, with a series of fetch quests and rescue missions that fail to build towards a compelling climax. Cutscenes, primarily composed of static images and voiceovers, further diminish the narrative’s impact.

Redfall gameplay screenshot showing a character holding a weapon

The looter shooter mechanics, a core element of Redfall, are equally underwhelming. The gunplay feels clunky, with weapons lacking the satisfying punch of other genre staples. The absence of adjustable aim sensitivity further hinders the shooting experience. Environmental hazards, such as explosive barrels and the relentless pursuit of the vampire “The Rook,” add to the frustration.

Redfall gameplay screenshot of a character performing a takedown

Technical Troubles Plague the Experience

Beyond its design flaws, Redfall suffers from numerous technical issues. Texture pop-in is frequent, resulting in environments that look unfinished. Frame rate drops are pervasive, impacting both open-world exploration and combat sequences. Enemy AI is also problematic, with erratic movement and pathfinding issues.

Redfall screenshot of a character in a stealth position

Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity

Redfall represents a significant misstep for Arkane Studios. Its bland world design, uninspired gameplay, and pervasive technical issues combine to create a frustrating and ultimately disappointing experience. While the core concept holds potential, the execution falls far short of the studio’s previous works.

Redfall gameplay screenshot showing multiple characters

Redfall screenshot of a character in action

Redfall screenshot showcasing the game's environment

Redfall promotional image