Blacklight: Retribution

About

"Blacklight: Retribution is a free-to-play, futuristic FPS where players can utilize advanced tech like the Hyper Reality Visor to see through walls and spot enemies. Customization is key, with the ability to design firearms, equip armors, and unlock in-match bonuses to gain an edge. Hardsuits offer powerful weapons, but using them requires strategy as they move slowly and leave the user vulnerable. Raw skill remains essential, making every match a true test of a player's abilities."

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Multi-Player Compete or cooperate with other players online

+14

75%

Audience ScoreBased on 11,088 reviews

gameplay506 positive mentions

grinding152 negative mentions

gameplay
1,007 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
46%
4%
The gameplay of Blacklight: Retribution is characterized by its fast-paced, dynamic action and innovative mechanics, particularly the Hyper Reality Visor (HRV) that allows players to see through walls, adding a strategic layer to encounters. Players appreciate the extensive customization options for weapons and characters, which enhance the overall experience, although some express concerns about the game's balance and the impact of microtransactions on gameplay. While the game has been praised for its engaging mechanics and visuals, many reviews note that recent updates have affected the gameplay negatively, leading to a mixed reception regarding its current state.
- “With its futuristic visuals and dynamic gameplay, it was a must-play for FPS enthusiasts looking for a fresh twist.”
- “The gameplay is solid, chaotic, and fun, with a unique mechanic that allows players to see through walls, adding a layer of strategy.”
- “The gameplay is fast-paced, featuring deep customization and a unique wallhack mechanic that keeps players engaged and on their toes.”
- “The gameplay sucks.”
- “Gameplay gets boring fast since the core gameplay was dumbed down a lot.”
- “The gameplay is now a zero-recoil laserpointer fight.”
graphics
807 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
29%
4%
The graphics of "Blacklight: Retribution" receive mixed reviews, with many players praising its impressive visuals and art style, particularly for a free-to-play game. While some users note that the graphics can appear dated compared to modern titles, others highlight the game's ability to run smoothly on lower-end systems without sacrificing visual quality. Overall, the aesthetic is often described as a strong point, contributing to the game's immersive cyberpunk atmosphere.
- “The game's art style perfectly blended futuristic and gritty, with detailed environments that made each map feel alive.”
- “The graphics are amazing, the gameplay is fun and will surely keep you entertained for hours and hours on end as long as you like a little challenge.”
- “For a free-to-play game, the graphics are amazing.”
- “Now it's just flashy graphics with no substance.”
- “The graphics look dated by today's standards; however, I remember seeing this game when it first came out and thinking that it looked just like real life.”
- “The graphics are pretty piss poor with the game maxed out, which honestly I heard good things about the graphics, but I guess they were blind or just high as hell.”
grinding
153 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
99%
The grinding aspect of the game is a significant point of contention among players, with many describing it as excessively tedious and time-consuming. While some appreciate the challenge and find enjoyment in the grind, others criticize it as a barrier to progression, often leading to frustration, especially for new players. The option to pay for quicker access to weapons and upgrades is seen as a double-edged sword, making the game feel pay-to-win for those unwilling to invest the time.
- “But just thinking about grinding away for your weapons and attachments for days on end gives a terrible feeling when you know you won't even get to keep the attachments for your efforts.”
- “The grinding is pure BS.”
- “Overall I would recommend avoiding this game unless you're a wallet warrior who likes to buy your way (expensively) to the best gear with little effort or if you get your kicks out of grinding for hours on end for one tiny upgrade for your weapon.”
story
91 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
15%
75%
10%
The game's story is largely criticized for its absence, with many players expressing disappointment over the lack of a narrative or campaign mode, which they believe could enhance the experience. While some maps and missions hint at a deeper lore, the overall sentiment is that the game feels unfulfilled without a cohesive storyline, leading to a sense of disconnect among players. Many reviewers wish for a sequel that incorporates a strong narrative alongside its multiplayer features to better engage the community.
- “There is a sense of wonderment in simply roaming around the game - every single map tells a story.”
- “This game is a story of a rise to glory and its downfall.”
- “I would pay good money for a campaign story game in this universe.”
- “The developer gambled that other players would be an acceptable substitute for adding storytelling, level design, etc. to the game.”
- “There is almost no story.”
- “The only way they could save the franchise, if their remaining resources permit them, is to make a third title and introduce a story mode.”
monetization
83 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
8%
59%
33%
The monetization model in the game has drawn significant criticism for its heavy reliance on microtransactions, often perceived as a "pay-to-win" scheme that hampers the experience for non-paying players. While some users appreciate that many items can be earned through gameplay, the aggressive marketing and high costs associated with in-game purchases have led to frustration and a sense of imbalance. Overall, the monetization strategy is seen as detrimental to the game's enjoyment, overshadowing its otherwise solid gameplay.
- “I was pleasantly surprised that I was still able to play competitively without making any in-game purchases, even though the pay options were marketed aggressively.”
- “It's fast, fun, and stylish, and the microtransactions are implemented fairly and transparently.”
- “This is probably the best free-to-play game out there, as it doesn't screw you over with the 'necessity' of microtransactions.”
- “It's a shame it died, but I recall the microtransactions being incredibly expensive for what you'd get.”
- “This game was a mediocre pay-to-win cash grab with overpriced decaying gear... I played some, then spent some, then played a bit more.”
- “What was once a very fun game is gone and all that is left is just an empty shell of a watered down console port with greedy microtransactions.”
optimization
82 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
39%
23%
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its performance and graphics, particularly on lower-end systems, while others report significant issues such as stuttering, FPS drops, and poor performance on higher-end hardware. Many users express frustration over the game's optimization post-patch, indicating that it has worsened, leading to a clunky experience and inconsistent performance. Overall, while some find it well-optimized for their setups, a substantial number of players highlight ongoing performance problems that detract from the gameplay experience.
- “Overall technically very well optimized shooter with satisfying gunplay and huge gun customization.”
- “Great optimization; I was able to play this game while I was on vacation on my older laptop.”
- “Incredible graphics, and well optimized.”
- “The game is now plagued with frame stuttering, rubberbanding, textures that take longer to load in, or don't at all resulting in a blurry mess, bugged screen effects that persist even into the menus obscuring your vision, longer load times.”
- “I've come to the conclusion that this game just has poor optimization, and it's insanely frustrating because it looks like there's a good game here that I want to play.”
- “Never, ever, fucking download this horribly optimized piece of shit.”
stability
77 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
4%
99%
The game's stability is widely criticized, with numerous reports of bugs, glitches, and crashes that significantly hinder gameplay. Many users experience issues such as freezing, disorientation, and unresponsive menus, leading to an overall frustrating experience. While some players find enjoyment despite these problems, the consensus is that the game remains a "buggy mess" in need of substantial fixes.
- “If you want a free-to-play FPS that isn't really buggy and is still grindy, but not unreasonably so, play Dirty Bomb.”
- “The game runs smoothly with minimal bugs, making for a stable and enjoyable experience.”
- “I've had very few crashes or issues, which is impressive for a free-to-play title.”
- “Overall, the game is still a buggy mess.”
- “Don't waste your time downloading a game that just freezes your computer.”
- “The game is so buggy; as soon as I start playing, everything just keeps spinning around in a circle. I have disabled all video settings, and still, it keeps spinning around. When I try to move, the spinning goes 4x faster. This game is unplayable.”
music
53 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
57%
6%
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the catchy dubstep soundtrack that complements the futuristic setting, while others find it repetitive and annoying. Some users noted that the sound design, particularly the weapon sounds, is realistic and satisfying, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. However, there are calls for more variety and intensity in the music to better match the fast-paced action.
- “Weapon sounds were realistic and satisfying, while the game's soundtrack perfectly complemented the futuristic setting.”
- “The soundtrack is really nice.”
- “Great game, great graphics, great music.”
- “Need more intense soundtrack and SFX.”
- “The music is annoying, the playerbase is horrible, and the whole 'intel SSD' business only makes things worse.”
- “Blacklight's sound is nothing special, with forgettable music and typical gun sounds.”
humor
28 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
96%
11%
The humor in the game is widely praised, with players enjoying the funny voiceovers, emotes, and the overall comedic atmosphere that often turns gameplay moments into hilarious experiences. Many reviews highlight the game's meme-worthy content and the amusing interactions among players, making it a fun choice for those who appreciate a lighthearted gaming experience. Despite some criticisms regarding bugs and updates, the humor remains a significant draw for the community.
- “The vast player look customization was also very good, the funny voice overs when you kill or die, and the funny emotes.”
- “Very nice game and super funny :D”
- “This is a great game and it's hilarious on what some people look like lol”
- “I find the zombie mode not funny at all; there's not even a small countdown to the next wave like we had in Call of Duty 4: Reign of the Undead.”
- “The humor in this game falls flat; it feels forced and doesn't resonate with the gameplay.”
- “The jokes are stale and lack originality, making it hard to enjoy the comedic elements.”
atmosphere
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
56%
25%
19%
The atmosphere of the game is predominantly characterized by a captivating cyberpunk aesthetic, featuring vibrant neon visuals and a moody, war-torn setting that enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the combination of stunning graphics, immersive sound design, and extensive customization options, which contribute to a fast-paced and intense gameplay environment. While some reviews note minor drawbacks, the overall consensus highlights the game's ability to create a rich and engaging atmosphere that stands out in the genre.
- “The graphics, atmosphere, and sounds are amazing.”
- “Great cyberpunk atmosphere, and the graphics are not bad.”
- “They turned it into Call of Duty, with a better 'future soldier' atmosphere/charm.”
- “The distinct future war-torn setting gives it a very moody atmosphere, and the art style is very pleasing to the eye.”
- “I am sure you will find a place where to craft your story, but not with this community, not on those maps and without this game's atmosphere.”
replayability
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
33%
33%
Overall, the game offers significant replayability, particularly when played with the right teammates, thanks to its diverse weapons and equipment. However, some players express concerns about server availability affecting their experience, which may diminish long-term engagement. While many find the game enjoyable and replayable, others feel that it can become stale after a short period.
- “The good: so many ways to kill and so many ways to die...there is a ridiculous amount of weapons and equipment in this game, which gives it a lot of replayability.”
- “Always a fun game, replay value is pretty good too.”
- “A great 'free to play' game with tons of replayability.”
- “So you have a US server, a EU server, a Russia server, and you had an AU server, and now you only have Russia, EU, and US servers. None of them are playable if you live in AU. You should have thought before removing the AU server; now your game is less popular. It was a good game before when we had AU servers that we didn't lag into; now it's just a piece of crap.”
- “However, it sends a pretty dim message of the game's future viability and replayability when something so simple goes ignored for so long.”
- “The good: so many ways to kill and so many ways to die... there is a ridiculous amount of weapons and equipment in this game, which gives it a lot of replayability.”
emotional
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players express a deep emotional connection to the game, reflecting on its nostalgic value and the heartbreak of its server shutdown. The mix of feelings—ranging from infuriation to elation—highlights the game's impact on their gaming experiences, while the current state of the game evokes sadness and frustration over its decline and perceived lack of updates. Overall, the emotional attachment remains strong, despite the game's shortcomings.
- “I had just been thinking of old games I used to play, and this one popped into my head. This is one of the first games I had ever played, and one of the reasons that I started to do online gaming at all. So knowing it's gone (more than likely) permanently was heartbreaking, to say the least.”
- “The only thing I can describe about how this game made me feel was infuriated, elated, and when you really got into the zone.”
- “Every time I see this in my games library sorted by play time, I feel like I want to cry.”
character development
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
100%
Character development in the game is noted for its impressive customization options and appealing character designs, particularly the hardsuits. However, some users feel that the overall graphics and character design are merely average, suggesting a mixed reception in this area.
- “I love this game; slick gameplay and graphics as well as the incredible gun and character customization, and I love the character designs and the awesome looking hardsuits.”
- “Cool character designs”
- “The character development feels incredibly shallow, lacking depth and meaningful progression.”
- “I was disappointed by the lack of unique traits and backstories for the characters; they all felt too generic.”
- “The choices I made during the game didn't seem to impact the characters' growth or relationships at all.”