Insurgency
- January 21, 2014
- New World Interactive
- 33h median play time
Insurgency is a tactical first-person shooter that focuses on team-based gameplay. Players must work together to complete objectives and eliminate the enemy team in a variety of maps and modes. With a realistic damage model and no HUD, Insurgency demands strategic planning and communication for success.
Reviews
- gameplay7,206 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Insurgency" is characterized by its intense realism and tactical depth, requiring players to engage in careful planning and teamwork to succeed. With a minimal HUD and a focus on objective-based modes, the game emphasizes strategic gameplay over run-and-gun tactics, making each encounter feel significant and rewarding. While the steep learning curve may challenge newcomers, those who invest time in mastering its mechanics find a highly engaging and immersive experience.
“Insurgency is known for its realistic and tactical gameplay.”
“The intense firefights, realistic mechanics, and tactical gameplay make it a standout FPS.”
“The gameplay is a healthy balance of unrealistic and realistic.”
“The gameplay is very simplistic but has a very addictive play style.”
“The gameplay is slow-medium speed pacing as it would be in a swat vs terrorist kind of setup.”
“The gameplay is intense, butt(_|_) intense.”
- graphics4,569 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Insurgency" are generally considered decent, especially for a game built on the aging Source engine. While they may not compete with modern AAA titles, many players appreciate the game's solid optimization, allowing it to run smoothly on a variety of hardware. Overall, the visuals effectively support the immersive gameplay experience, though some users note that the graphics can feel dated and could benefit from updates.
“First and foremost, the graphics in Insurgency are mind-blowing.”
“The graphics are so realistic, I felt like I was actually there... and by 'there,' I mean hiding behind a rock for 20 minutes straight, too scared to move because a grenade just went off in my face.”
“The graphics are absolutely fantastic for the source engine.”
“While the game's graphics are serviceable, they do not push the boundaries of modern gaming.”
“The graphics are quite dated, but the 'realism', the tactics and the fantastic sounds are pretty much worth the time.”
“The graphics look dated.”
- story792 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 76 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The game's narrative aspect is largely absent, with many players noting that there is no traditional storyline or campaign mode. Instead, the focus is on cooperative and multiplayer missions that emphasize teamwork and tactical gameplay, often set against a backdrop of realistic military scenarios. While some players express a desire for a more developed story, the gameplay experience is generally considered engaging enough to compensate for the lack of a narrative.
“The story was also really touching and had a really good and meaningful message.”
“This game is truly a masterpiece... there's no cry babies, no crosshair, no mini map, no shit like HUD which all have on most AAA now... if you want something really tactical and mission-based gameplay not same old deathmatch.. this game could be for you but it's very unforgiving.”
“I believe they could incorporate a story into this game and that story would be good.”
“☑ no story”
“This game is almost 100% multiplayer with no storyline but is still entertaining with or without a squad.”
“Single player is available, but the AI on the bots is so poor that it's really not worth buying it for the 'solo' mode - there's no campaign or story to it.”
- optimization702 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The optimization of "Insurgency" is generally praised, with many users noting that it runs smoothly on a wide range of hardware, including older and lower-end systems. While some players report occasional performance issues and stuttering, particularly with AMD processors, the game is often described as well-optimized for its age, delivering decent graphics and solid frame rates even on less powerful machines. However, there are mixed opinions regarding the game's optimization, with some users expressing frustration over persistent performance problems that detract from the overall experience.
“While the graphics may not be cutting-edge, 'Insurgency' is well-optimized, allowing it to run smoothly on a range of hardware configurations.”
“Fantastic gameplay, well optimized by source engine standards, so even a weak laptop can crank out a good frame rate.”
“The game is very well optimized and has a large workshop community especially for coop.”
“The game has been out several years but it is terribly optimized.”
“This game has the worst optimization I've ever seen in my entire life.”
“I can't even play this game normally; the optimization is bad with big FPS drops, crashes, game freezes, and sound stutters.”
- stability531 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 2 % neutral mentions
- 81 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a mixed bag, with many users reporting frequent bugs and glitches, particularly in the UI and multiplayer aspects, leading to crashes and freezes. While some players experience smooth performance and minimal issues, others face significant stability problems, especially on certain systems or after updates. Overall, the game runs well on lower-end PCs, but persistent bugs can detract from the experience.
“The game runs great, not many bugs.”
“Despite being early access, there are little to no glitches and those that are present in the game are not game-breaking.”
“On top of the gameplay, the game runs amazingly smoothly; it has no lag and no glitches.”
“The game freezes my complete system and needs to be hard reset.”
“It's a really fun game, but literally half the time (maybe more) I boot it up, it freezes my computer and all of my unsaved progress in other programs (e.g. ms word, chrome tabs) is gone.”
“The glitches that were there when I first got it are not only still there in many frustrating cases, but new ones have been added since the newer updates.”
- humor518 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in "Insurgency" is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting the game's ability to create hilarious moments through its chaotic gameplay and community interactions. Many reviews mention the comedic value of ragdoll physics, unexpected team kills, and the lighthearted banter among players, often punctuated by humorous voice lines and mods. Overall, the game is described as a blend of intense tactical action and laugh-out-loud scenarios, making it particularly enjoyable when played with friends.
“Whether you’re dodging bullets, laughing maniacally, or questioning your life choices, one thing’s for sure – you’re in for a ride!”
“I have a bunch of clips of funny stuff that happened when me and my friend were playing and it is just a good time.”
“It's funny when playing with friends.”
“It's not funny... but if you like reality, it's good.”
- atmosphere364 mentions
- 58 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in "Insurgency" is widely praised for its intense realism and immersive sound design, which includes realistic weapon sounds, environmental noises, and engaging team communication. Players feel a palpable tension and excitement as they navigate detailed maps that evoke the chaos of a modern battlefield, making it a standout experience for fans of tactical shooters. Overall, the game's gritty ambiance and attention to detail create a compelling and memorable atmosphere that enhances gameplay.
“The gunfire, explosions, and ambient noises all contribute to the intense atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience and creating moments that will stick with me long after I've put the mouse down.”
“With its gritty realism and immersive atmosphere, it's a must-play for shooter enthusiasts.”
“The atmosphere here is absolutely beautiful; you really feel yourself in the narrow, claustrophobic streets of Iran/Iraq.”
“Some of the servers that work are filled with unnecessary and annoying mods that break the atmosphere.”
“The atmosphere that Insurgency provides a well-tuned feeling of panic and exhilaration while playing on a good server, but as of late, with the influx of new players and, as cliché as this is to say, from games like COD or CS:GO, there seems to be a breakdown of the core mechanics that make this game what it is or should be.”
“The visuals aren't breathtaking, but they certainly get the job done and communicate a bleak atmosphere.”
- music313 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The music in the game is noted for its diversity and ability to enhance immersion, with a mix of community-created content and atmospheric soundscapes that fit the game's setting. While some players appreciate the absence of constant background music during gameplay, allowing for a more realistic experience, others find the limited soundtrack can lead to a lack of engagement in single-player modes. Overall, the sound design, including weapon sounds and ambient music, is praised for contributing to the game's intense and tactical atmosphere.
“The music combined with the gameplay made this, as far as I’m concerned, one of the absolute best in its genre.”
“Beautiful models, sounds, and a great soundtrack really immerses you in this awesome game.”
“The main highlight of the game in my opinion has to be the sound and music.”
“Too much of the singleplayer can become depressing as the lack of music, destroyed and foreign structures and eerie ambiance (especially at night) really sucks out the fun and light-heartedness most shooters have.”
“The soundtrack is kinda not a big part of the game, so I can't say much about it.”
“I can't say anything about the music because I turned it off, and you'll learn that it's better that way, because you really need both your eyes and ears to not get shot.”
- monetization240 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 61 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its lack of microtransactions, offering a straightforward purchase model where players pay once and access all content without additional costs or pay-to-win mechanics. However, some players express frustration over the presence of server ads, which they find intrusive and reminiscent of a cash grab, despite the absence of in-game purchases. Overall, the monetization approach is seen as refreshing in a market often dominated by microtransactions and DLCs.
“The developers clearly love this game, not only continuing to update it several years after its release, but also standing by a no DLC or microtransactions policy.”
“Most importantly, pay once and own the whole game, no in-app purchases, no season passes, everything comes unlocked, no crates/drops, etc.”
“This is a most excellent FPS, probably the best multiplayer FPS I've ever played and definitely worth the money, especially considering that they add new maps, modes, and weapons to the game free of charge (no microtransactions or costly DLC).”
“Instead of a more realistic experience and gunplay, it's now a clear cash grab by appeasing to the younger Fortnite crowd.”
“The game is good fun, but they now put ads into it which I just find ridiculous for a game that is paid for.”
“Got the game yesterday, paid 15 dollars; it's worth maybe 8. Every server is ad-funded, so you have to hear ads the whole time you play, and sometimes it randomly keeps playing when you leave a game.”
- replayability209 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The game boasts exceptionally high replayability, driven by a diverse array of guns, maps, and game modes, as well as a robust modding community that continually refreshes the experience. Players appreciate the engaging multiplayer and co-op modes, which provide ample opportunities for varied gameplay, despite some noting a lack of progression systems and a smaller player base. Overall, the combination of low cost and rich content makes it a highly recommended title for those seeking lasting enjoyment.
“The variety of guns, maps, and modes lend to its replayability.”
“The replayability is beyond imagination, especially if you also add on some handy aesthetic mods at the workshop.”
“This game has more replayability than most triple-A games, buy it and enjoy it.”
“It's just sad that it doesn't offer more replayability.”
“Simply put, there's too small a playerbase to sustain lasting replayability.”
“What it has is good enough, but it's just that; just enough to make the game interesting, relying more on the gameplay to keep replayability high.”
- grinding132 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 24 % neutral mentions
- 62 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate a mixed perception of grinding in the game, with many players expressing that it can be excessively grindy, requiring significant time investment, while others appreciate the lack of a traditional grind or unlock system, allowing for immediate access to all weapons and a focus on skill-based gameplay. Some players find the absence of grind refreshing compared to other titles that emphasize achievement grinding, though a few still note moments of tedium in gameplay. Overall, the game is seen as a balance between realism and enjoyment, with a preference for skill over grinding.
“There is no grinding, no DLC, no micro-transactions.”
“No grinding, no perk, just pure skill and tactics.”
“Absolutely no grinding whatsoever!”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“There isn’t much reward to grinding other than knowing you’re one of the best.”
“The achievements for insurgency are uncreative, bland, numerous and all about grinding your time away playing.”
- emotional71 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players describe the game as an emotional experience that evokes a wide range of feelings, from joy and camaraderie to heartbreak and frustration. The immersive storytelling and realistic gameplay create a strong connection to the characters and situations, often leading to tears and deep reflections on personal experiences. Overall, the game is praised for its ability to make players feel genuinely invested in their virtual battles, resulting in a memorable emotional journey.
“The story was also really touching and had a really good and meaningful message.”
“I've never played a FPS that made me feel like I was really fighting in a war, and this game did it great 10/10.”
“Dying is heartbreaking, especially compared to how many modern shooters address it.”
- character development2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers praise the character development for its impressive design and variety in uniforms, particularly highlighting the heavy armor for security forces as a standout feature.
“Another great point is the character design and uniforms for the different armor levels; heavy armor for security forces is my favorite, basically like the USMC.”