Redeemer
- August 1, 2017
- Sobaka Studio
- 6h median play time
A game that held a lot of potential. Five or ten years ago, this game would have been an exceptional 2-player co-op brawler à la Gauntlet or Golden Axe. Today it’s a forgettable, short distraction that you’re unlikely to play through a second time.
REDEEMER is a Top-Down Action game where you will punch, hack and blast your way through enemies using fists, hammers, fire arms and even the environment.
Reviews
- story414 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The story of the game is generally viewed as simplistic and clichéd, often described as a basic revenge plot involving a monk battling against military and mutant foes. While some players appreciate the comic book-style cutscenes and find the narrative entertaining in a retro action movie sense, many agree that the story serves primarily as a backdrop for the gameplay rather than a focal point. Overall, it is characterized as lacking depth and originality, with most players emphasizing that the enjoyment comes from the action rather than the plot.
“This is the story of what happens when a military-corporate mogul is stupid enough to undo a monk's path of atonement.”
“The story is about a monk who attacks a military mutant/cyborg cloning facility to avenge his monk brothers.”
“The character of Vasily is a very likable, strong character who talks only when he needs to while having the strength to rip up his enemies and wrestle cyborgs; his story is told in a stylish comic book-style way where visuals invoked memories of reading old Punisher comics in me.”
“The story is cringe and the optics dated, but compared to so much stuff being released nowadays and claimed to be full of story and depth, this dumb, honest, and slightly Shaolin-obsessed action title is doing so much right!”
“The plot was written by a person without imagination - too primitive.”
“The only reason the story exists is to have a reason to slaughter 120,382 people.”
- gameplay311 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay in "Redeemer: Enhanced Edition" is characterized by a satisfying blend of visceral combat and strategic action, featuring smooth mechanics and a variety of levels that keep the experience fresh. While the combat is intuitive and enjoyable, some players find it can become repetitive and simplistic, lacking depth for those seeking a greater challenge. Overall, the game is praised for its engaging gameplay loop, enhanced visuals, and brutal finishing moves, making it a solid choice for fans of action games, despite some minor bugs and a straightforward narrative.
“The gameplay is a satisfying mix of over-the-top action and strategic combat.”
“Redeemer: Enhanced Edition delivers a satisfying dose of adrenaline-fueled action, wrapped in a straightforward yet engaging gameplay experience.”
“Its visceral combat, enhanced visuals, and satisfying gameplay loop make it a worthwhile purchase, especially for fans of action games.”
“I can't believe such a huge part of the gameplay is bugged but the developer won't lift a finger to fix it...”
“It has the potential to be better and it's a real shame that it is full of so many bugs, glitches and mostly repetitive gameplay.”
“A boring, uninspired brawler with repetitive, anaemic combat mechanics and muddy graphics.”
- graphics235 mentions
- 51 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game have received a mixed reception, with many praising the vibrant visuals, smooth animations, and immersive environments that enhance the gameplay experience. However, some players noted issues such as occasional blurriness, frame rate drops, and graphical glitches that detract from the overall quality. Overall, while the graphics are generally considered good and contribute positively to the game's appeal, there are areas that could benefit from further optimization and refinement.
“The graphics and sound design contribute to the game's immersive experience, making each encounter feel as impactful as it should.”
“The game boasts improved graphics and smoother animations, adding an extra layer of polish to the already intense action sequences.”
“The graphics and physics are very well done, with detailed destructive environments that you can use for glorified finishing kills on your enemies.”
“The graphics definitely need more work and sometimes enemies will glitch out into terrain and you can't really reach them, which gets annoying at times.”
“Washed out graphics with blurry effects makes you feel like you're drunk.”
“A boring, uninspired brawler with repetitive, anaemic combat mechanics and muddy graphics.”
- music54 mentions
- 52 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the pumping soundtrack and good sound design that enhances gameplay. While some tracks are memorable and fit the game's pace, others are described as generic or forgettable, leading to a lack of immersion for some players. Overall, the soundtrack is considered decent, with a range of quality from good to average, but it may not leave a lasting impression.
“The sound design is excellent and the music is good, non-intrusive and helps to enhance the gameplay experience effectively.”
“Music is nice and contains a lot of very interesting tracks.”
“A fun brawler with some excellent environmental kill-synchs, pumping soundtrack and decent visuals.”
“Nothing was annoying, but my playthrough was like 15 minutes ago and I can't even remember how the music sounded.”
“You barely notice the soundtrack, but it's just the regular 'military' tracks with some metal squeezed in.”
“But every time I wanted to play this game, I just quit after like 20 minutes. It seems graphics alone are not enough; it doesn't introduce much new gameplay, the story and atmosphere are too shallow, and I don't feel immersed in the game. There is nothing special about the music.”
- optimization38 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is a mixed bag; while some players report smooth performance at high settings, others experience significant stuttering and frame rate drops, particularly in graphically intense areas. Despite these issues, many find the gameplay enjoyable, especially in local co-op, though it does require some tweaking of settings for optimal performance. Overall, while there are notable performance problems, the game remains engaging for those willing to adjust their configurations.
“+ Performance is amazing, had everything on max detail and was rocking 144 fps the whole way through.”
“Redeemer is even better now with co-op, quality of life updates and optimization - making load times and gameplay even faster alongside slightly improved graphics.”
“No performance issues at all on my rig at 1440p ultra settings.”
“It feels not unlike a 'left click to make a guy explode into gibs' ARPG like Diablo or Grim Dawn in execution, except it doesn't have any RPG character-building or optimization, just left-clicking to make guys explode for several hours.”
“Graphics and story are nothing special, performance at the same time is spotty though (GTX 1070 in 1440p).”
“There is also an issue with slowdowns in places where the environments are destroyed (final boss in chapter 15 and the first arena); the game gets a huge hit in performance which sucks.”
- stability31 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 94 % negative mentions
The game's stability is frequently criticized, with many users reporting various bugs, glitches, and occasional freezes that disrupt gameplay. While some players experience minor issues, others find the game significantly affected by these problems, indicating a need for further polish and updates. Overall, the game shows potential but suffers from a lack of stability that detracts from the overall experience.
“Runs great for me so far on a 980ti @ 1440p with everything maxed.”
“It has the potential to be better and it's a real shame that it is full of so many bugs, glitches, and mostly repetitive gameplay.”
“Game is good but can't give it 5 stars because it freezes at times and you have to restart the machine.”
“Could use a little bit of polish as there are some glitches and bugs.”
- replayability30 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players praising its potential through modes like the arena and unlockable perks, while others criticize its short campaign and lack of diverse builds, leading to a feeling of limited replay value. Many agree that while there are enjoyable elements that encourage replaying, such as graphics and fun mechanics, the overall experience may not sustain long-term interest. Overall, opinions vary widely, with some finding significant replay value and others feeling it falls short.
“Great game, lovely graphics, replayability through the roof.”
“Highly recommend to get this game as there is so much replayability.”
“Overall worth its price, replay value is definitely here, and there's also arena mode where you have to defeat waves of enemies adding an arcade mode.”
“Game is very short and has no replay value.”
“1) No specific builds...so lack of replayability; chances are, you're going to do a playthrough once or twice...and that's it.”
“Now, replay value-wise, I would like to wait for the enhanced edition to talk about that, but as it stands now, I don't think there is much other than collecting all scrolls or getting the achievements that you missed, just because our character doesn't gain any new abilities at all. So, long time playing it and even replaying it can become boring.”
- grinding29 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it tedious, especially as larger armored enemies appear, disrupting the flow of combat. While some enjoy the initial fun and fluidity of the gameplay, they note that the limited enemy variety and repetitive mechanics can make progression feel like a chore. Overall, the game is seen as enjoyable for short sessions, but the grinding and lack of engaging content may deter long-term play.
“A fun brawler, until the larger mutants with armor start showing up as regular enemies, then everything just becomes tedious. They have way too much HP and take too long to kill even on easy, which ruins the flow and fun of the game.”
“Most of the skill points are useless, there are very few boss encounters, and it feels tedious at the end. It almost feels like a chore to complete, which is a shame as it starts really strong; environment kills were fun and the game felt fair.”
“Progression system: very limited due to its dependence on grinding, low ceiling.”
- humor10 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its humor, featuring hilarious fatality animations, funny dialogue, and a blend of brutal yet comedic kill animations. While the graphics and voice acting are noted as serviceable, the overall experience is described as enjoyable and filled with ridiculous moments, making it a fun choice for players.
“The graphics are very well done, the voice acting is serviceable, and little details such as the fatality animations are often zoomed up close and are hilarious.”
“It is complete and perfect ridiculousness with some funny dialogue and voice acting.”
“The stealth, execution, and environment kill animations are both brutal and funny.”
- emotional8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is mixed; while some players feel empowered and enjoy the gameplay, many criticize the story as boring and lacking depth. Overall, it seems to serve more as a casual experience rather than an emotionally engaging narrative.
“It made me feel powerful and badass throughout the entire game, and it’s truly a gem on Steam.”
“To be honest, as much as I would like to appreciate the hard work and efforts put in by the devs, it is a boring game with an Arkham-esque fight style and a dull story. There are also a few bugs, but I recommend this game only on sale.”
“The story is quite boring.”
“The game lacks emotional depth and engagement, making it hard to connect with the characters.”
- monetization6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game is polarizing, with some users expressing frustration over microtransactions that significantly impact gameplay, while others appreciate that certain microtransactions do not interfere with the overall experience. This division highlights a contentious balance between profit-driven strategies and player enjoyment.
“Microtransactions over gameplay!”
“Microtransactions that significantly affect the gameplay.”
“Microtransactions that do not interfere with gameplay.”
- atmosphere6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is described as cool and appropriate for the levels, but ultimately lacks depth and immersion, leading some players to feel disconnected and quit after a short time. The graphics alone are insufficient to create a compelling experience, and the music does not enhance the overall atmosphere.
“Cool atmosphere.”
“It was atmosphere-appropriate according to levels.”
“The atmosphere really enhances the overall experience.”
“But every time I wanted to play this game, I just quit after about 20 minutes. It seems graphics alone are not enough; it doesn't introduce much new gameplay, the story and atmosphere are too shallow, and I don't feel immersed in the game. There is nothing special about the music.”
“It didn't stand out to me, but it was atmosphere-appropriate according to levels.”
Critic Reviews
Redeemer Review
A game that held a lot of potential. Five or ten years ago, this game would have been an exceptional 2-player co-op brawler à la Gauntlet or Golden Axe. Today it’s a forgettable, short distraction that you’re unlikely to play through a second time.
60%Redeemer Review – Monks, Mutants and Madness
Redeemer is a flawed title at best. It's a brawler at heart and succeeds on that line, offering visceral and often entertaining combat. However, the inclusion of cheap enemies and a hugely fluctuating difficulty curve makes for often irritating experiences in a number of levels. Though not a large concern for the genre, the story is a mess throwing in characters and concepts with no explanation.
55%Violence is Not So Golden
Redeemer was a game that firmly grabbed my attention when I played it at EGX Rezzed earlier this year.
60%