Cold Vengeance
- January 11, 2017
- Renegade Sector Games
In Cold Vengeance, players assume the role of Sgt. Jon Dagger, a lone soldier on a mission to rescue the President of the United States, who has been kidnapped by the totalitarian National Hell Party in Canada. Accompanied by a former Soviet engineer residing in his brain, Dagger must battle his way through various environments, confronting post-apocalyptic barbarians, Canadian soldiers, robots, and ninjas. This 3D run 'n' gun game pays homage to late 90s early 3D games and 80s and 90s action games and movies.
Reviews
- The game offers a fun and dynamic experience with engaging gameplay mechanics, including a satisfying upgrade system and multiple paths in levels that enhance replayability.
- It successfully captures a nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic arcade shooters, with a quirky story and humorous dialogue that adds charm to the experience.
- The low-poly graphics and punk-styled art contribute to a unique aesthetic that, while not polished, fits well within the game's retro homage.
- The game suffers from significant camera and aiming issues, which can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences, especially during boss fights.
- Difficulty balancing is inconsistent, leading to moments of extreme challenge that can feel unfair and may cause players to rage quit.
- Some players may find the simplistic gameplay and crude graphics unappealing, potentially limiting its audience despite its fun elements.
- gameplay20 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The gameplay is described as fun and engaging, despite some initial disappointments due to its simplistic mechanics and clunky aiming. While the graphics may be crude and the camera can be problematic, players can find enjoyment in the retro aesthetic and fast-paced action, especially when leveraging the stacking power-ups for powerful attacks. Overall, it appeals to those who appreciate early 3D game design, though it may not resonate with everyone.
“Not as refined as some of the dev's more recent works, but the core gameplay is still quite fun.”
“The base mechanic of picking up stacking power-ups creates some incredibly overpowered firepower.”
“Wild yet appropriate aesthetics and fast-paced gameplay.”
“The base mechanic of picking up stacking powerups creates some stupidly overpowered firepower.”
“I may end up liking the game more, but my immediate reaction is that while I enjoy what the game offers, I could see many people being turned off by its simplistic approach and somewhat clunky aiming mechanics.”
“I will probably end up enjoying the game and may end up recommending it, and this shouldn't be thought of as a be-all end-all non-recommendation as I do think the game is entertaining, especially to those seeking a retro 3D game that can wrangle its somewhat crappy camera and enjoy it despite some lame deaths due to strange aiming mechanics.”
- graphics14 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The graphics are characterized by a low poly aesthetic that evokes nostalgia for the N64 and PS1 eras, though opinions vary on their appeal. While some players appreciate the retro charm and find the visuals fitting for the gameplay, others note that the blocky graphics may deter those unfamiliar with the style. Overall, the art direction is seen as appropriate for its homage to classic gaming, with a unique flair that enhances the fast-paced experience.
“Low poly graphics always tickles my nostalgia.”
“Wild yet appropriate aesthetics and fast-paced gameplay.”
“The art style is about as good as one could expect from something that pays homage to N64/PS1 era games.”
“If you can look past the blocky graphics and get it on sale, it is worth it, believe it or not!”
“The music is serviceable (if a bit repetitive), and the art style is about as good as one could expect from something that pays homage to N64/PS1 era games.”
“I can't feel nostalgia toward N64/PS1 because I haven't had either system, so for me the visuals aren't retro, but their own thing. From what I played on emulators, this game is much less janky than those were.”
- story10 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as a fun and cliché narrative set in a quirky world where Canada is the villain. Reviewers appreciate its weird and humorous tone, noting that it embraces its nonsensical elements without taking itself too seriously, making for an enjoyable experience.
“The story is weird and funny without being tryhard.”
“The story is pretty non-sensical, but not self-serious in any way.”
“I can happily say that all of my apprehensions were blasted away after completing the first mission.”
“The story is pretty nonsensical, but not self-serious in any way.”
- music10 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, featuring a solid soundtrack with a surf rock vibe that complements the early 3D PS1 aesthetic. While some players find it a bit repetitive, the sound design, including chunky sound effects and impactful bass, enhances the overall experience and keeps players engaged. Overall, the music effectively supports the game's atmosphere and progression.
“The effects of the game and gameplay beyond the POV restriction are still cool and fit the early 3D PS1-esque designs well, with the sound design being well done and the sound effects and soundtrack being appropriately chunky. The enemies exploding as their point total is shown and a heavy bass sound effect hitting is nice and gets you into building a large score.”
“The soundtrack and game have a sort of surf rock/laid-back presentation that fits it well, which I imagine changes up as the game progresses.”
“The music is serviceable (if a bit repetitive), and the art style is about as good as one could expect from something that pays homage to N64/PS1 era games.”
“The soundtrack and game have a sort of surf rock/laid back presentation that fits it well, which I imagine changes up as the game progresses.”
“Music is solid too.”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by its lighthearted and quirky dialogue, featuring amusing interactions with bosses and a comical soviet scientist character. Reviewers appreciate the balance of weirdness and humor, noting that it feels natural rather than forced.
“There's a lot more dialogue here than in some of the other Tales games - many bosses talk to the player, there's a Soviet scientist in their head, etc - and it's funny and lighthearted.”
“The story is weird and funny without being tryhard.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game exhibits significant stability issues, frequently freezing or crashing during the achievement unlocking process, which detracts from the overall experience.
“The game freezes or even crashes when unlocking achievements.”
“The game freezes or even crashes when unlocking achievements.”