Defiance

74%
Game Brain Score Based on 6,261 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Defiance Game Cover
Defiance, like its TV Show counter-part, offers a vast and diverse world for you to explore.
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Defiance is a massively multiplayer science fiction shooter game with good story and graphics, offering both co-op and competitive gameplay. Scavenge for alien technology on a transformed Earth, equip powerful weapons, and engage in epic battles while leveling up and forming alliances. Despite some bugs and grinding, Defiance delivers a unique and often humorous, action-packed experience.

  • PC
  • Windows
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station 3
  • Xbox
  • Xbox 360
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

74%
Audience ScoreBased on 6,261 reviews
story420 positive mentions
stability171 negative mentions
  • story1,911 mentions

    The story of "Defiance" is a mixed bag, with many players appreciating its connection to the TV series and the engaging main storyline, while others criticize it for being repetitive and lacking depth. The game features a variety of missions, including main quests, side missions, and episodic content that ties into the show, but many players find the quest structure formulaic, often revolving around similar objectives like killing enemies or collecting items. Overall, while the narrative has its moments and can be enjoyable, it often falls into a cycle of grind and repetition, which can detract from the overall experience.

    • “The rich lore and cross-platform integration provide an immersive experience for those who appreciate science fiction storytelling.”
    • “The story is good and the gameplay is fun.”
    • “The storyline is interesting too.”
    • “The story feels like a child wrote it.”
    • “The storyline is lackluster.”
    • “The story is terrible, and the game gets awfully repetitive after at most 5 hours of gameplay.”
  • gameplay625 mentions

    The gameplay of Defiance is characterized by its blend of third-person shooter mechanics and MMO elements, offering a dynamic open-world experience with cooperative play and various missions. While many players appreciate the fast-paced action, diverse weaponry, and engaging events like arkfalls, criticisms often highlight repetitive gameplay, performance issues, and a reliance on microtransactions. Overall, the game provides a fun experience, especially in multiplayer settings, but can become monotonous over time.

    • “With its open-world gameplay and dynamic events, it immerses players in a futuristic Earth ravaged by alien technology.”
    • “Defiance is an intriguing science fiction-themed shooter that ambitiously blends gameplay elements with a TV series, offering a unique, immersive experience.”
    • “The gameplay is fast-paced with a good selection of weapon types, special abilities (cloak, speed, overcharge, and decoy), and enemy types.”
    • “The gameplay is horrible and it makes the game very boring in general.”
    • “The gameplay is repetitious and extraordinarily dull.”
    • “Gameplay is incredibly repetitive.”
  • graphics433 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while the visuals can be impressive and detailed in certain aspects, they often feel dated and plagued by bugs. Some users appreciate the art style and overall aesthetic, especially for a free-to-play title, but others criticize the graphical quality as reminiscent of older console games, with frequent glitches and performance issues detracting from the experience. Overall, the graphics are seen as adequate but in need of optimization and updates to meet modern standards.

    • “The graphics are great for a game you don't have to pay for, or pay to win.”
    • “The graphics, sound, and weapon effects are great.”
    • “The graphics are simply beautiful and the DLC content is not very expensive and you can enjoy playing the game vs being stuck at all points and letting the game just take up space.”
    • “However, this game was nothing more than a graphics overhaul of Rift.”
    • “The graphics are 1990's level graphics and this usually won't stop me from playing a game but the enemy AI is also poor and there was no way to adjust ADS sensitivity.”
    • “The graphics are poor, the storyline is useless and boring with forgettable characters, and the dialogue is Velveeta-level cheesy.”
  • stability174 mentions

    The game's stability is widely criticized, with numerous players reporting persistent bugs, graphical glitches, and server issues that significantly detract from the overall experience. While some find the game's charm in its imperfections, many express frustration over game-breaking glitches and frequent disconnections, leading to a generally negative perception of its stability. Despite occasional fun moments, the overwhelming consensus is that the game remains a "buggy mess" that requires substantial improvements.

    • “This isn't the prettiest game, but it runs great on a dual-core with 8GB RAM and a 2GB 4K video card hooked up to a 4K TV, to give you an idea of what it takes to run Defiance.”
    • “It runs great.”
    • “I don't have a good PC and it runs great on it.”
    • “A seemingly okay sci-fi action MMORPG, but I ran into a bunch of graphical glitches such as floor textures not loading, which made it really confusing and difficult to find my way around at points.”
    • “The game is filled with visual glitches, such as players disappearing from in front of you and reappearing, which looks quite bad when you have a lot of players blinking as you approach them.”
    • “The game has huge amounts of glitches and contains microtransactions (was mostly a pain when the game wasn't free-to-play).”
  • grinding131 mentions

    The reviews indicate that grinding is a significant aspect of the game, with many players finding it both tedious and repetitive. While some enjoy the grind as part of the MMORPG experience, others criticize it for being overly time-consuming and lacking variety, leading to a sense of frustration. Overall, the game appeals to those who appreciate grinding for character progression, but it may deter players seeking a more dynamic gameplay experience.

    • “It's free, it's fun, the TV series it's based on is pretty good, the map is easy to remember, not too grindy, has a fun gameplay loop... basically, give it a shot if you're looking for a game to play.”
    • “Lastly, it isn't that grindy as other games of its type.”
    • “Over all the game can be summed up by two words: tedious and annoying. The game needs a lot of work; I know it's an old game, but it's still being updated.”
    • “Way too grindy and just not enjoyable for some reason.”
    • “Boring, grindy, repetitive, and no matter how many better weapons and gear you get, you never feel any stronger... because you aren't any stronger.”
  • monetization72 mentions

    The monetization model of the game has received significant criticism, with many reviewers labeling it a "cash grab" due to its heavy reliance on microtransactions, which are often seen as necessary for a full experience. While some players appreciate the option to play without spending money, the overall sentiment suggests that the game is designed to encourage in-game purchases for exclusive items and faster progression, leading to concerns about balance and fairness. Despite being free-to-play, the monetization practices have left many feeling frustrated and disillusioned with the game's value.

    • “The game has a lot of in-game purchases, but it doesn't necessarily throw them in your face, so that's fine.”
    • “It is free to play with microtransactions but still playable.”
    • “I love this game because although it is free, I haven't been pressured into spending any real money, nor have I found anyone seeming really overpowered because they have used microtransactions.”
    • “Good job Trion Worlds, way to screw up a good thing with an attempted cash grab.”
    • “The game is all about getting people to buy microtransactions for 'exclusive' loot that doesn't even perform any better than random free loot you can get by playing the game.”
    • “It's a cash grab and you should absolutely not touch it with a ten-foot pole.”
  • music63 mentions

    The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with many praising the soundtrack as outstanding and enjoyable, particularly during combat and exploration, while others criticize it for being repetitive and generic. Some players appreciate the dynamic nature of the music that changes with the game's intensity, but others find the combat tracks annoying and reminiscent of dubstep. Overall, while the soundtrack has its highlights, it often falls into a cycle of repetitiveness that detracts from the overall experience.

    • “So much love to Bear McCreary for an outstanding job on the music for the game and for letting it be released for one's listening pleasure now that the game is gone.”
    • “The music is okay to good, the graphics are okay to good, the gameplay is good to very good, and the handling is very easy.”
    • “The soundtrack, enjoying a game usually has something to do with the soundtrack, with the intense combat music and calm music when exploring the world; not much else to say about the soundtrack other than that it's amazing.”
    • “The quest design is simple: go across the very large open map, shoot some stuff in an area that has predictable spawns for enemies, listen to the same music loop every time, either click on a console in said area, or kill a 'named' mob (same type as every other mob in area), drive/run back to the other side of the map to turn in.”
    • “There's one track for every major enemy faction in the game which plays during incursions and expeditions that dynamically reacts to what's happening... aaaand that's about it, apart from the standard 'nothing is happening, everything is calm' music.”
    • “Terrible soundtrack.”
  • optimization51 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues such as frame rate drops, lag, and server instability, particularly during large battles. While some users have experienced smooth gameplay on high-end systems, others have found the game poorly optimized overall, leading to frustration and a less enjoyable experience. Despite these challenges, there are also mentions of improvements over time, indicating ongoing efforts to enhance performance.

    • “The itemization and weapon customization, however, is honestly pretty darn good; you can make barrel, stock, scope, and magazine modifications that noticeably boost a weapon's performance in combat via elemental damage procs, bonuses, synergies, etc. Mods actually affect model appearance in-game, too!”
    • “Well optimized, great replay value, exciting quests, this game is everything I remember and more, had a blast with this on PS3 and I can't wait to play it again.”
    • “The game has come a long way in performance; Trion has worked very hard to mitigate latency and crash-related issues and it only seems to get progressively better with each update.”
    • “A very poorly optimized and nearly unplayable mess, to accompany a low-budget show with bad writing.”
    • “The overall concept is a good one but after the first year, the game went free-to-play, and the publisher, Trion Worlds, cut costs dramatically, so server-side performance is completely terrible.”
    • “Laggy, regular stuttering (not PC-related on my end, especially given my specs), rubber-banding, phasing of NPCs and players.”
  • humor50 mentions

    The humor in the game is often described as hit-or-miss, with some players finding it amusing, particularly in multiplayer settings where they can laugh at the game's bugs and glitches. Comparisons to Borderlands highlight a lack of the original's charm and wit, leading to mixed feelings about the comedic elements. While some appreciate the dark humor and funny cutscenes, others find the humor cringy or annoying, suggesting that enjoyment may depend on player expectations and social context.

    • “Nonetheless, my own fault and I don't mind because it was a lot of fun, really fun to shoot mutants and hear the sarcastic humor and the dumb jokes.”
    • “The game has a full narrative, narrated by Chris Parnell, who adds a dark-humorous tone to the game.”
    • “On the upside though, cutscenes in one-off co-op missions are very enjoyable, especially when they are often funny (in a Borderlands-ish way), and they don't seem out of place with the main missions so you start getting a real feel for the characters.”
    • “If this is supposed to be humor, then it's not funny at all.”
    • “The jokes fell flat and felt forced throughout the game.”
    • “I expected a lot more laughs, but the humor just didn't land.”
  • replayability19 mentions

    Overall, the game's replayability is highlighted by its multiple modes, exciting quests, and the potential for countless hours of gameplay, making it a favorite among players. However, some reviews point out limitations such as lack of character uniqueness and minimal differences between races, which can hinder long-term engagement. While many players find it highly replayable, others feel it falls short in providing diverse experiences after initial playthroughs.

    • “The game also has multiple modes that add replayability and challenge, such as contracts mode, sniper mode, and elusive targets mode.”
    • “Well optimized, great replay value, exciting quests; this game is everything I remember and more. I had a blast with this on PS3 and I can't wait to play it again.”
    • “It's easily the most replayable shooter I've got in my library.”
    • “Falls short with its replayability factor, and the only reason to run dungeons is to obtain unlockable cosmetic gear.”
    • “In short, the lack of character uniqueness, lack of involved character missions, and different classes/races really did hurt the replay value of the game.”
    • “And last, there is no class specialization or specialized class missions, so there is no value in leveling more than one character, which limits replay value.”
  • atmosphere15 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is a mixed bag, with some players praising its immersive post-apocalyptic setting and social elements that enhance the experience, while others find it lacking in depth and originality compared to similar titles. The game's world is described as vibrant and alive, contributing positively to the overall ambiance, though some critiques highlight outdated mechanics and graphics that detract from the atmosphere. Overall, it offers a decent atmospheric experience, particularly for fans of sci-fi and multiplayer gameplay.

    • “It adds a nice atmosphere to the game, knowing there are other people around.”
    • “Very atmospheric for a post-apocalyptic game; you will feel yourself in a truly destroyed world and not in paradise.”
    • “It really adds to the game’s atmosphere and perfectly fits in with the world, no matter if you’re in the northern half of the map where grasslands dominate the landscape or the southern half where it looks like a barren wasteland.”
    • “The game's mechanics and outlook seem very outdated; there is less atmosphere than on the moon, and way too many things are hidden behind a pay-to-win wall.”
    • “If you liked Fallout, then you might like this game, but still the plot, landscape, and general atmosphere are all meh.”
    • “It feels a lot like a third-person Borderlands, but minus the atmosphere, characters, and story.”
  • emotional9 mentions

    Players express a range of emotional responses to the game, from frustration and disappointment due to perceived underpowering and business practices, to nostalgia and excitement from challenging gameplay and unique weaponry. Some players felt compelled to share their experiences, highlighting both negative feelings towards the game's direction and positive connections to its mechanics and challenges. Overall, the emotional spectrum reflects a mix of dissatisfaction and fondness, depending on individual experiences with the game's design and community engagement.

    • “I am not one to write reviews, but this game made me feel like I had to!!!”
    • “The people looked weird, so I ran away, then stuff blew up and I cried.”
    • “This game's last fight difficulty made me feel nostalgic, as I have not met a game that truly challenged me in a fun way like this since my days with a SNES. I love this game and cannot say enough about its quality dev team who rolls out fixes and actually cares about their players and the game content.”
  • character development8 mentions

    Overall, character development in the game is generally well-received, with players appreciating its depth and integration into the storyline. While some users suggest improvements in character design aesthetics, the open-ended nature of character progression and the engaging narrative contribute positively to the gaming experience. Voice acting also enhances the character development, making it a notable aspect of the game.

    • “Character development is nice though.”
    • “It is a great game, a great storyline, character development, open universe, mission or task oriented, and a lot of action.”
    • “I recommend this game to people who are looking for an interesting game with a dedicated player base, character development, and people who are looking for something that will make their wallets happy.”
    • “Character development feels shallow and lacks meaningful progression.”
    • “The character development system is overly simplistic and doesn't allow for much customization.”
    • “I was disappointed by the lack of depth in character development; it feels like a missed opportunity.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

66% average critic score

Buy Defiance

Play time

22hMedian play time
87hAverage play time
5-100hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 66 analyzed playthroughs

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