Red Faction: Guerrilla

Red Faction: Guerrilla sets a new benchmark for destruction-based gameplay. It's an absolute blast!

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"Red Faction: Guerrilla" is an action-packed game set on Mars 50 years after the original Red Faction. As an insurgent fighter, battle for liberation from the Earth Defense Force using guerrilla tactics, improvised weaponry, and destructible environments. The game features an open world where you decide when, where, and how to attack, with strategic destruction integral to gameplay.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Reviews

80%

Audience ScoreBased on 7,302 reviews

story658 positive mentions

stability90 negative mentions

Incredible destruction mechanics that allow players to demolish almost any building piece by piece.
Engaging gameplay with a variety of weapons and vehicles to use in combat and destruction.
Fun open-world environment that encourages creative approaches to missions and challenges.

Repetitive missions and side quests that can become tedious over time.
Weak story and character development that fails to engage players.
Driving mechanics can feel awkward and the game suffers from infinite enemy respawns during high alert levels.

story
2,894 mentions
23 % positive mentions
68 % neutral mentions
10 % negative mentions
The story in "Red Faction: Guerrilla" is generally considered weak and predictable, serving primarily as a backdrop for the game's focus on destruction and gameplay mechanics. While some players appreciate the basic narrative of rebellion against an oppressive regime, many find it clichéd and forgettable, with missions often feeling repetitive and lacking depth. Overall, the game is praised for its engaging destruction mechanics, which overshadow the lackluster story.
- “Epic destruction, tough but fair enemies and an interesting story that made my cheeks squeal.”
- “The destruction was fun and the story was very enjoyable.”
- “The story is interesting and well done.”
- “The story is weak and underwhelming, but it hardly matters.”
- “The story isn't anything special and the gameplay is fairly simple.”
- “The story is mediocre but has instances of intrigue but they're too few and far between its difficult to keep engaged.”
gameplay
806 mentions
43 % positive mentions
52 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Red Faction: Guerrilla" is widely praised for its innovative destruction mechanics, allowing players to demolish nearly everything in the environment, which adds a unique layer of strategy and fun. While the core gameplay loop can become repetitive and the story is often considered weak, the engaging third-person shooter mechanics and open-world design provide a satisfying experience, especially for fans of sandbox-style games. Overall, the game is recognized for its enjoyable and addictive gameplay, making it a standout title despite its dated graphics and occasional gameplay flaws.
- “The gameplay loop of gathering salvage, destroying structures to lower the EDF's control and taking on missions is a ton of fun.”
- “Beyond its groundbreaking destruction mechanics, Red Faction Guerrilla offers engaging third-person shooter gameplay set in a sprawling open-world Martian landscape.”
- “The destruction mechanics shine, and the open world format is perfect for this kind of game.”
- “The gameplay is extremely dated, but the destruction is honestly very impressive even for today's standards.”
- “Aside from that, it's a somewhat bland 'shoot the evil faceless soldiers a lot' game with very little story and average gameplay.”
- “The game does get a tad repetitive as there is not a lot of variation in the gameplay.”
graphics
502 mentions
42 % positive mentions
51 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game, originally released in 2009, are generally considered decent for its age, with many reviewers noting that they have aged well and still hold up in terms of performance and visual appeal. However, some players have pointed out that the remastered version does not significantly improve upon the original graphics, and issues such as graphical glitches and performance problems persist, particularly on modern hardware. Overall, while the visuals may not be cutting-edge by today's standards, they effectively support the game's focus on destructible environments and engaging gameplay.
- “The graphics were absolutely phenomenal and way ahead for its time and honestly, compared to a lot of games 7 years later, they still compete at the highest level.”
- “The graphics still hold up nicely and the game runs buttery smooth on modern systems, making this an easy game to recommend if you want to switch your mind off and just enjoy some of the grandest mayhem ever seen in a game to date.”
- “Overall, red faction: guerrilla is a great open-world destruction simulator, with nice graphics, awesome gameplay, interesting story and sophisticated mechanics.”
- “I was expecting a total graphic overhaul, but alas, it pretty much looks the same as the original.”
- “The graphics are monotonous and gameplay resembles a tech demo.”
- “The graphics are tolerable, but not great even for a 2009 game, and Mars is a pretty dull landscape.”
music
108 mentions
52 % positive mentions
44 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its orchestral and electronic elements, as well as its ability to enhance the atmosphere of the Martian setting. While some players found the soundtrack to be memorable and well-composed, others noted that it often felt repetitive or was overshadowed by in-game sound effects. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a strong point, though opinions vary on its impact during gameplay.
- “The soundtrack used for the game is pretty good, lots of orchestral scores, as well as electronic music.”
- “There was enough variety that you don’t constantly hear the same music being played, it loops very well, and is fitting for what’s happening on screen.”
- “While the age of this game shows in its graphics, and the multiplayer collapsed not long after release, it still has fantastic gameplay and an amazing soundtrack.”
- “Not much of a soundtrack though.”
- “The combined dry atmosphere of Mars and the sometimes vacant music and sound design can make for a boring experience.”
- “The music is there, but nothing really stands out.”
optimization
98 mentions
39 % positive mentions
47 % neutral mentions
14 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its performance improvements and smooth gameplay, especially on lower-end systems, while others report issues such as frame drops during intense scenes and inconsistent performance across different PCs. The recent updates have addressed many previous glitches and enhanced compatibility with modern hardware, but some users still experience poor optimization, particularly with specific graphics cards. Overall, while many find the game well-optimized for its age, others highlight ongoing performance challenges.
- “The steam edition brings several enhancements to the table, including improved graphics, smoother performance, and support for modern hardware.”
- “I'm writing this review because I want to give a shout out to how ridiculously well-optimized this game is.”
- “Not only that but the game is somehow incredibly well optimized for the sheer amount of physics implemented into the game's engine.”
- “Poor optimization for the PC version.”
- “Valve or Volition must have screwed up something major, because the 'Steam Edition' turns into a jittery, stuttering mess at random times even with all the graphics settings turned all the way down.”
- “A lot of people have complained online about the weird graphical glitches and performance problems.”
stability
98 mentions
8 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
92 % negative mentions
The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and various graphical glitches that significantly impact gameplay. While some users note improvements following updates, particularly with the removal of Games for Windows Live and the introduction of a better port, others still experience persistent issues that render the game nearly unplayable. Overall, while there are instances of smooth performance, the consensus leans towards the game being buggy and unstable, especially for those who encounter the more severe glitches.
- “This game runs great with an Intel i5 processor and Intel HD Graphics 4600. I can run the game on high. Great job, devs! (I know it was made in 2009, but still.)”
- “It runs great and smooth as well, and I'd have to say it's really well optimized.”
- “It runs great; the physics are amazing, considering this came out in 2008-2009.”
- “On PC, it crashes often and it freezes my computer, requiring a full restart.”
- “Even after Steam released the Steam edition of this game, there are just so many graphical glitches, other game-breaking glitches, and crashes that this game is literally unplayable.”
- “Stay away from this title; it's glitchy, buggy, and eventually crashes.”
humor
72 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by its absurdity and chaotic destruction, with players finding joy in smashing buildings and enemies with a variety of weapons, including hammers and vehicles. The dialogue and situations often lead to hilarious moments, such as civilians thanking players for their destructive antics, while the game's over-the-top physics and silly AI contribute to a lighthearted, comedic experience. Overall, players describe the game as a riotous blend of fun and mayhem, making it a recommended choice for those seeking a good laugh.
- “It's a lot of fun; when I was first given the sledgehammer and told to go smash some buildings, I found myself actually laughing in childish delight in simply smashing things with a big hammer.”
- “The level of destruction is insane, and the crazy situations you can get yourself into are equal parts severely badass and totally hilarious.”
- “Also, the civilians thanking you for destroying every single sign of civilization on the planet will never stop being hilarious.”
grinding
64 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and repetitive, particularly as they progress through side missions and resource farming, which can lead to a monotonous experience. While the initial gameplay, especially the destruction mechanics, is enjoyable, many reviewers note that the fun diminishes over time due to the grindy nature of missions and the need to repeatedly travel for objectives. Overall, the game offers satisfying moments but is often bogged down by its tedious tasks.
- “In order to advance the plot, you have to down EDF control (enemy faction's control over an area) through doing side missions or destroying buildings, and main missions are locked off until you do it. This means that pacing drops to an absolute halt and you're forced to do tedious tasks.”
- “Mostly what happens is you drive for a few minutes to get to something worth destroying, blow up things until you're out of explosives, which then means driving all the way back to the safehouse to restock, and then driving all the way back to something to destroy and repeat. This tends towards extremely tedious gameplay, even if the destroying part is incredibly fun.”
- “This game had promise, but got too repetitive and boring after grinding the same types of side missions for farming salvage (currency) and purchasing upgrades.”
replayability
62 mentions
42 % positive mentions
48 % neutral mentions
10 % negative mentions
The game boasts high replayability, largely due to its destructible environments and the inclusion of Steam Workshop support for user-generated content, which enhances its longevity. While many players enjoy the open-world mechanics and various challenges, some note that the lack of regenerating buildings and limited endgame content can diminish replay value over time. Overall, it remains a favorite for those who appreciate chaotic gameplay and exploration.
- “Additionally, the inclusion of Steam Workshop support allows players to access a wealth of user-generated content, from custom missions to new multiplayer maps, extending the game's longevity and replayability.”
- “I would highly recommend this game to anyone that loves open world games, destruction, and a high amount of replayability to keep you going for days!”
- “Plus it's got replayability, it's got destruction challenges, time trials, raids (all optional of course), and, being an open world free roam game, you can just wander about causing trouble and explosions if you so wish.”
- “This game is a great example of an open world game made right, but with the downfalls of diminished replayability due to being unable to replay missions or regenerate the environment.”
- “I thoroughly enjoyed this game the first time through, doesn't have much replayability though, and due to the overly dead multiplayer, the only reason to pick it up is the single player, which in my opinion is still worth a try.”
- “Replayability: not so high because of lack of endgame content and stuff...(9/10)”
atmosphere
54 mentions
59 % positive mentions
35 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for effectively capturing the desolate and colonized landscape of Mars, enhanced by impressive graphics and a fitting soundtrack. While many players appreciate the varied environments and the immersive open-world experience, some note that certain areas can feel monotonous or lifeless, potentially leading to boredom. Overall, the game's atmosphere is considered a strong point, contributing significantly to the gameplay experience.
- “The game delivers the atmosphere of colonized Mars very well.”
- “The setting on Mars is amazing; mixed with the destruction and open world, it creates an epic atmosphere to play in.”
- “The plot is thin, but the sci-fi atmosphere is thick: free roaming on half-terraformed Mars, through craters and hills (but no mountains).”
- “The combined dry atmosphere of Mars and the sometimes vacant music and sound design can make for a boring experience.”
- “Not too bad, but gets boring quickly, thanks to the monotonous atmosphere of the game and dumb storyline.”
- “I suppose driving vehicles in the atmosphere of Mars isn't really my thing.”
emotional
22 mentions
45 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
55 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is largely criticized, with reviewers noting a lack of engaging storyline and flat characters that fail to evoke any emotional investment. While the gameplay mechanics, particularly destruction, are praised for their fun factor, the overall narrative is described as boring and uninspired, detracting from any potential emotional impact. Players express a preference for gameplay over story, indicating that the emotional attempts in the game fall flat.
- “You play as Alec Mason, and soon after touching down on Mars to start working with your brother, you watch the EDF gun him down.”
- “Recently went back to play this game after a few years of not touching it and replayed it fully.”
- “The characters were flat and dull, and I had no emotional investment in any of them.”
- “Boring story, characters, and basic gunplay.”
- “This is a game with most of the gameplay being the 'fun part', unlike games these days with chunks of boring cutscenes and narrative trying to make a fundamentally boring story interesting but fail, making it even more boring, or just scripted gameplay where the player has no control of what is going on.”
- “Boring story, awkward combat, and missions that simultaneously encourage 'hit and run' tactics and yet demand a direct offensive.”
character development
8 mentions
25 % positive mentions
38 % neutral mentions
38 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is notably inconsistent; while some characters, particularly the love interest, are well-written and exhibit depth, many others lack significant growth, leading to player apathy towards key figures. Overall, the character development is often described as minimal and disappointing compared to previous entries in the series.
- “I'm not going to lie, the love interest girl was actually quite well written and had more depth and character development than I would have thought.”
- “Yes, and certainly because of the limited character development, I found myself displaying a certain apathy towards supposedly key characters.”
- “The story is pretty cheesy, or at least the acting is... it's just typical 'rebellion' material. In that aspect, the first game of the series was much better; the character development is also close to non-existent.”
- “It's not the story (which is reminiscent of total 'get your ass to mars' recall) that keeps you playing; it's certainly not the throw-away character development.”
- “Because of the limited character development, I found myself displaying a certain apathy towards supposedly key characters.”
monetization
4 mentions
0 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
50 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate a strong dissatisfaction with current monetization practices in gaming, highlighting a trend where games are designed to be less enjoyable to push players towards microtransactions. Many users feel that this approach has led to a decline in overall game quality and has introduced predatory elements that exploit players.
- “The past years in gaming have been horrible, even if you somehow do not care about the predatory monetizations and agenda-driven narrative abuse the medium has been infected with.”
- “Probably has something to do with a world before games were intentionally made crappier to encourage microtransactions that let you skip the intentionally crappy game.”