Rogue Trooper Redux Review – True Blue Shooter Worth Bringing Back 11 Years Later

Rogue Trooper Redux Review

Making video games and movies based on comic books have been hit or miss in the past, but every so often one of them works fantastically well. Developed by Tick Tock Games, Rogue Trooper Redux is one of those rare instances where slapping a fresh coat of paint on a game is basically all it needs to still be incredibly enjoyable. Originally launching back in 2006, Rogue Trooper was an excellent and critically acclaimed title for its time, being more than just a shooter but truly a game about tactics and story. Fast forward, Rebellion and Tick Tock Games knew Rogue Trooper was a hit, and giving it an overhaul to its graphics made all the difference to make this a serious contender for shelf space regardless of your console.

Rogue Trooper Redux follows the original story from the 2000 AD Comics originally published back in 1981. The story follows the “Genetic Infantryman” or GI, known as Rogue. GI are genetically enhanced soldiers, capable of withstanding most known poisons, the highly toxic atmosphere of Nu-Earth, and the vacuum of space without a protective suit. Rogue and his squad mates are sent into the fray to battle the Norts in the Quartz Zone; however, the entire GI regiment had been led into a trap and it’s up to Rogue to find out what happened.

_____________________________

“serious contender for shelf space regardless of your console”

Our first meeting of Rogue and his squad on screen gives us the same “tough military man” motif we would expect from the opening scene of a war movie: brash confidence, cockiness, and the willingness to do their patriotic duty for the people. It’s only when you arrive at The Quartz Zone to see the devastation, murder, and destruction that you see the reality of war. The GI, however, has one final trick up their sleeve: personality chips. Implanted in their neck, a GI’s personality and consciousness is downloaded to the chip at the time of death and can be slotted into another GIs gear for more tactical advantages.

Of course, having originally been written in the 80s, the names of Rogue’s squadmates all reflect what they will do for him as if it was cosmic destiny: Gunnar is attached to Rogues Rifle, Bagman becomes the vitally important backpack, and Helm is – you guessed it – embedded in Rogues helmet to provided tactical observations. Setting aside the names, having his entire squad in his gear makes him not only more effective, but you still get the feeling of being in a squad as they talk to you through comms without having pesky blue bodies get in the way.

______________________________

“you really are the big blue badass the game has made you out to be.”

The game has a lot of controls to remember, however, not only is it easy to get the hang of, the first few levels take their time to introduce the mechanics at a healthy pace. I didn’t feel overwhelmed with options and buttons to hit, I could actually go at my own pace and treat each situation with my own tactics, both of which are key features which make it more than a simple shooter. With Gunnar set in your rifle, you have the option of activating him as a turret which will not only distract enemies but serve as having a stationary backup. Sacrificing your rifle will equip your pistol or any other weapon you have acquired, but even the pistol you get has some serious oomph behind it and you never feel underpowered – you really are the big blue badass the game has made you out to be.  Most situations can be dealt with as a sniper, an assassin; really, however, you want to approach it. Another helpful feature from Gunnar is his assisted targeting: being a part of the gun, Gunnar will let you know if a shot will be a headshot or to the enemy’s life-saving explosive oxygen.

Instead of picking up ammo from the enemy or finding resupplies, dead soldiers will have salvage to collect. Bagman is able to use your high-tech backpack to craft anything you need out of salvage on the fly, including more grenades, health packs, and ammo. It might not be a revolutionary mechanic, but it makes your squad mate useful, your backpack essential, and it just sounds great. It plays out well in the game.

Using your head to go at your own pace is important, as cover can make the difference between life or death. I do find the cover system could be better as Rogue would either stick to cover I didn’t want him too or refuse to take cover at random times. By no means is Rogue squishy, he can take a hit, but the enemy also isn’t blind. Unless at a great distance or odd angle, enemies are going to spot you fairly easily, making stealth more of a challenge and firefights a lot more interesting as you need to close the gap.

Despite the numerous updates they made to the game, I still find some odd and jerky animations from time to time that reminds me this was originally a game from two console generations ago. It isn’t game breaking if anything it’s an amusing nod to the games history and a testament to how well the story holds up. Even 11 years later, the portrayal of the military, the enemy, the reality of war, it feels relevant and – despite being fantasy – it comes across fairly real. It’s been expertly crafted and I found myself bargaining between sleep or one more mission several times.

Rogue Trooper Redux is a third person shooter that surpasses the original by adding depth, a story of betrayal, an interesting dynamic with Rogue’s squad, multiple tactics, and fantastic controls. The game looks great and it’s easy enough for newcomers to enjoy without feeling overwhelmed. Rebellion and Tick Tock Games did a fantastic job keeping it authentic to the source material and it’s a game everyone should try.

**PC code provided by the publisher**