Red Faction: Guerrilla

I've had a lot of fun with Guerrilla's destruction physics, but that's all I can really say in favour of the game.

The narrative is threadbare with no memorable characters - including the protagonist. There are no dramatic twists or turns in the story: "We have to stop the EDF!" is the character arc of pretty much everyone in the game.

The AI, most notably in friendly NPCs, is atrocious. Colonists throw themselves in front of passing vehicles and run into buildings you're in the process of demolishing. You're then penalised for their poor design with a "population demoralised" notification.

The combat is okay. Firefights aren't particularly enjoyable, but some of the unlockable weapons speed things up and help to minimise the amount of time spent trading shots with the EDF.

Guerrilla's driving holds some notoriety, but the mechanics when on-road aren't bad. The vehicles unfortunately aren't well-suited for the terrain of Mars, and so driving off-road is rarely a productive or fun experience. The surprising level of customisation available in weaponry isn't shared by the vehicles in this game, and so the player never feels any ownership. Making matters worse, there isn't much variety in vehicles. My best driving experiences usually involved stealing one of the EDF vehicles.

While the physics in this game are remarkably ahead of their time, they can't carry the game to a point of recommendation. Pick it up on sale and have some fun demolishing everything in sight, but don't make a full-price investment hoping for a satisfying, complete game.

Released in 2009, "Red Faction: Guerrilla" sits proudly among the treasures of the golden era of AAA single-player games, despite its attempts at multiplayer. I vividly remember those days when I'd sink my teeth into rich narratives and immersive gameplay, and this title was no exception.

Set in the year 2125, the game thrusts you into the worn-out boots of Alec Mason, a mining engineer caught in the crossfire of a rebellion on Mars. The oppression of the Earth Defense Force (EDF) looms heavily as you join the Red Faction resistance, navigating a world rife with conflict. While I won't spoil the plot, the premise serves as an engaging backdrop for the stunning chaos that unfolds.

At its core, "Red Faction: Guerrilla" is a third-person sandbox game, inviting players to engage in a variety of missions, both main and side. What truly sets this game apart is the extraordinary freedom it offers in how objectives can be completed. I remember one mission in particular where I had to demolish a specific building. With a truck full of explosives, I barreled it into the structure, jumping out just before the explosion. The sense of accomplishment that came from crafting my own chaotic solution was exhilarating!

Driving is another essential element of gameplay, with an assortment of vehicles-trucks, jeeps, and even mechs-allowing you to traverse the Martian landscape. You earn XP to enhance your skills, adding another layer of engagement.

As for the weapons, they stick to familiar sci-fi tropes-shotguns, assault rifles, and snipers-but what really stood out to me was the trusty hammer. Nothing felt as satisfying as smashing through walls or demolishing cover. The destruction mechanics in "Red Faction: Guerrilla" remain unparalleled in my gaming experience. With intricate designs, buildings crumble and collapse in ways that continue to impress. This dynamic truly kept me on my toes, as both I and my enemies could blow apart cover, adding a frantic pace to gunfights.

Graphically, the game isn't breaking any new ground, but it serves its purpose. The landscape of Mars is accurately portrayed, sometimes drawing comparisons to "Mad Max" in its desolate beauty. After all, a dusty red planet provides a fitting backdrop for the mayhem.

While the story isn't the focal point, the character interactions-mostly delivered through intercoms-do create a functional atmosphere. It may not lend itself to deep immersion, but I found it didn't detract from my experience. The surprisingly captivating music, particularly during intense moments, helped elevate the stakes, making me feel like I was genuinely fighting for something important.

While I never achieved 100% completion, my roughly 25 hours of gameplay were filled with memorable moments and gratifying destruction. It's a shame what happened to the sequel-it would be fantastic to see a proper follow-up to this gem. Ultimately, "Red Faction: Guerrilla" earns a well-deserved 9/10 from me. It's a classic that showcases not just fun but the freedom to create your own chaos in an enthralling sandbox environment.