RoboCop: Rogue City (2023 Video Game)
8/10
A most solid AA game
9 October 2024
When Robocop - Rogue City was first announced, I wasn't excited. In fact, I was pretty skeptical. I presumed it would be just another mediocre title, failing to capture the magic of its source material. How wrong I was! This game turned out to be an unexpected gem, evoking a wave of nostalgia that reminded me of the glory days of gaming around 2004/2005-specifically, games like Vampire the Masquerade, which I adored back then.

As soon as I jumped in, it became clear that this game is an action title at its core, and it's where it really shines. There's something utterly exhilarating about roaming the gritty streets of this semi-open world, engaging in combat with Splatter-punks, bikers, OCP soldiers, and rogue robots. The action is mostly linear, yet diverse. Yes, the main campaign is straightforward, but there's plenty of side content that invites exploration and decision-making. I was delighted to discover that my choices had real consequences in the world, enhancing the immersion and making me feel like my actions held weight.

The gunplay? Incredible. There's just something satisfying about the sound of the firearms, especially knowing that my pistol comes with unlimited ammo! This surprising mechanic adds a level of carefree fun that I didn't expect, although I found myself dying more than I'd like to admit, proving that even unlimited bullets can't save you from poor decisions or sneaky enemies.

Interacting with NPCs and taking on various missions is where the game truly delivers a classic RPG feel. You can go from shooting bad guys to solving petty disputes, and each interaction feels meaningful. The dialogue trees provide an opportunity to shape your story-again, a lovely nod to titles like Vampire the Masquerade and Deus Ex: Human Revolution, both of which have left marks on my gaming heart.

Visually, the game runs smoothly at 60 frames per second, and while it boasts a 4K image, I have to be honest-the character models feel somewhat stiff and lifeless. In some respects, it feels like a product of yesteryear, reminiscent of a 2007 release. But somehow, I found I could overlook these shortcomings. The compelling gameplay and engaging story kept me glued to my screen.

Speaking of story, Robocop - Rogue City presents a narrative that feels true to the Robocop universe. The corporate machinations and moral ambiguity resonate deeply, and though there aren't many surprising plot twists, the storytelling serves its purpose well. And on a nostalgic note, I was thrilled to hear Peter Weller reprising his role as Robocop. His voice acting is on point, enriching the experience with gravitas. Don't get me started on the music-the iconic Robocop theme enhances the ambiance and evokes memories of the classic films.

However, it's not all roses. I found Robocop's movements a tad sluggish, which occasionally made traversing the environment and hunting down hidden quests tedious. I missed a fair number of side quests simply because they were challenging to locate. I clocked around 22 hours of playtime, but I know I could have squeezed even more out of it with proper navigation.

In conclusion, Robocop - Rogue City transformed my initial skepticism into genuine enthusiasm. It rekindled my love for AA single-player titles in a big way, sparking a desire to delve into more games of this ilk. I'm already looking forward to exploring more stories just like this one.

A solid 8/10. This game isn't perfect, but it captured my heart and will certainly stay with me longer than I ever expected. If you're a fan of action RPGs and have an appreciation for classic sci-fi, you owe it to yourself to give this one a try!
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