Rise of the Triad: Ludicrous Edition
- July 31, 2023
- Apogee Software
- 32h median play time
Get on Steam"Rise of the Triad: Ludicrous Edition" is a remastered version of the classic FPS game with updated features and content. It includes support for 4K and ultrawide resolutions, unlimited frame rates, and all original episodes and expansion packs. The game also offers new HUDs, weapon SFX, lighting, and a brand new level editor, as well as online and LAN multiplayer modes. Additionally, it features a new episode created by New Blood, Night Dive, and Apogee Software.
Reviews
- The remaster of Rise of the Triad is a fantastic update, bringing back a cult classic with modern features and quality of life improvements.
- The game retains its quirky charm and humor, with unique mechanics like Dog Mode and a variety of explosive weapons that enhance the gameplay experience.
- Nightdive Studios has done an exceptional job in preserving the original content while adding new episodes and a level editor, making it the definitive way to play the game.
- The level design can be frustratingly maze-like, often leading to confusion and backtracking, which detracts from the overall experience.
- Some players have reported issues with multiplayer stability and lag, making online play less enjoyable.
- The game can feel repetitive due to limited weapon variety and the tendency for enemies to be bullet sponges, which may not appeal to all players.
- music89 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The music in "Rise of the Triad" is widely praised as one of its standout features, with many reviewers highlighting the exceptional soundtracks by Lee Jackson and Bobby Prince, as well as Andrew Hulshult's 2013 remixes. Players appreciate the flexibility to switch between multiple soundtrack versions, including the original MIDI and modern remixes, enhancing the nostalgic experience. Overall, the game's music is considered a timeless classic that significantly contributes to its appeal.
“The soundtrack of Rise of the Triad is famously awesome, and sort of sounds like if the music from a bunch of different classic retro games got bashed together in an explosion of auditory perfection.”
“The music is actually really awesome, and it's funny because I was wondering where YouTuber Civvie got his ending card song from, and it's actually from this game after beating a level and it's the result screen.”
“Rise of the Triad is a killer soundtrack, which also happens to come with a fun game attached.”
“Just listen to the soundtrack, it's really the only thing worth your time from this game.”
“The biggest issue, for me (and probably only me), is that when version 1.3 of the original ROTT was published, the OPL/Adlib instruments (soundfonts, soundtrack?) were changed to that of Duke3D.”
“My only gripe is that the MIDI music sounds nothing like on original hardware.”
- gameplay36 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this title is a mixed bag, featuring a blend of unique mechanics and chaotic fun that can be both charming and frustrating. While some players appreciate the frantic pace and variety of weapons, others find the maze-like levels and repetitive nature of gameplay to be tedious. Overall, it offers a nostalgic experience with quirky elements, but it may not appeal to everyone due to its dated design and occasional lack of depth.
“By far the best way to experience this absolutely deranged and insane fever dream of a game, where almost every mechanic has a weird and unique twist that keeps things interesting and adds a lot of charm and personality to the game.”
“The gameplay is intense and frantic, offering various weapons and power-ups to help you battle your way through hordes of enemies.”
“Movement is excellent; as fast as the gameplay is, you're always in perfect control without the inertia and momentum that modern games use to give a feeling of weight, which makes zooming around levels, blasting bad guys, and searching for secrets feel effortless.”
“Boring, maze-like, and overall irritating gameplay plague this version just like the original.”
“The gameplay itself is actually quite lackluster.”
“It has a truckload of problems, the gameplay can be really boring, the levels are mazes, all rooms have the same height and there are only 90 degree walls... but it is easily one of the most endearing trainwrecks ever made.”
- graphics26 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally viewed as dated, primarily featuring a palette of greys, browns, and reds, which some players find unremarkable compared to modern standards. While the visuals have received minor enhancements for newer platforms, they largely retain the original pixel art style, which can evoke nostalgia but may not appeal to everyone. Despite the graphical limitations, many players appreciate the game's unique aesthetic and engaging gameplay, suggesting that the overall experience compensates for the lack of modern graphical fidelity.
“Great game, great art style, wildly confusing and endearing gameplay.”
“Visuals of the game are the same from the DOS game with modern improvements, making it the only port/version you need of ROTT.”
“Finally, able to play in 160fps UW with excellent visuals and sound.”
“Don't let the graphics fool you, there is a reason why it's been ported to so many systems.”
“The game doesn’t have much of a consistent aesthetic; it’s very slapdash and amateurish, and so is its game design in general.”
“Love the remaster for 15 bucks, but would love it even more if the graphics were updated in HD or had the option to do so.”
- story12 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The story of the game is a straightforward, 90s-style narrative involving a cult attempting world domination, which players thwart through action-packed gameplay filled with surreal elements and a variety of enemies. While the plot is simple and reminiscent of classic titles like Doom, it serves primarily as a backdrop for the game's engaging content and memorable soundtrack, rather than a focal point of the experience. Additionally, the inclusion of a campaign editor and new story elements adds depth to the overall narrative experience.
“The plot is about some cult that tries to take over the world, and you stop them by shooting lots of guns into lots of people, robots, and fat, undead monks.”
“There is even a full-fledged map/campaign editor and a completely new campaign with its own story and 'cinematics'.”
“The plot is about some cult that tries to take over the world or something, and you stop them by shooting lots of guns into lots of people and robots and fat, undead monks.”
“The story is nothing at all but 90s as hell, basically.”
“The story and the way it is told is very much of its time, simple and to the point like Doom and Doom 2.”
- humor9 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised for its nostalgic and ludicrous elements, often drawing comparisons to classic titles and pop culture references. Players appreciate the over-the-top, tongue-in-cheek humor that complements the gameplay, although some find the constant backtracking detracts from the overall experience. Overall, the game's comedic aspects are seen as a standout feature that enhances its appeal as a classic shooter.
“The music, humor, and everything that comes with it makes it a timeless classic.”
“There are so many hilariously ludicrous features to this game.”
“I think the game's sense of humor is probably what sets it apart from any other shooter the most.”
- grinding4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, particularly in combat scenarios where reliance on basic weapons can lead to repetitive gameplay. The level editor's frequent crashes add to the frustration, making map creation a cumbersome process. Additionally, excessive platforming and traps detract from the overall experience, prompting some to wish they could skip these sections entirely.
“Combat with the proper guns in this FPS game is tedious.”
“Many levels are simply too filled with obnoxious platforming and traps, making the whole experience just a tedious mess that you mostly just want to skip.”
“With just the MP40, the gameplay can get a bit tedious, especially near the end.”
- optimization3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is praised for its smooth performance across various aspects, including the map and multiplayer features. Reviewers feel that the quality of performance and the extensive content provided offer excellent value for the price.
“Runs smoothly.”
“The performance is great, and the amount of content you get for the price is definitely worth it in my opinion.”
“The map, performance, multiplayer, achievements, and everything else--that's all bonus.”
“The map, performance, multiplayer, achievements, and everything else—those are all just bonuses.”
“The game runs poorly on most systems, making it frustrating to play.”
“Optimization seems to have been an afterthought, leading to frequent lag and crashes.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is vibrant and dynamic, featuring engaging environments filled with moving traps, atmospheric skyboxes, and vertical gameplay elements like jump pads and walkways. Players appreciate the cult-like vibes that enhance the overall experience, although some have not completed the game.
“Instead of monotonous gray hallways, levels are alive with lots of moving tricks and traps, atmospheric skyboxes and lightning storms, and jump pads and moving walkways to add some vertical gameplay to the mix.”
“Always loved the cult vibes and the atmosphere but never got around to finishing it.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviewers appreciate the game's approach to monetization, highlighting that it avoids excessive microtransactions and instead focuses on delivering a quality experience. This reflects a nostalgic sentiment for games made with care, suggesting that a well-crafted game can thrive without relying on additional purchases.
“This game is a perfect example of how to do monetization right; it shows that you don't need microtransactions for every feature to create an engaging experience.”
“I appreciate how this game respects players by not bombarding them with microtransactions, allowing me to enjoy the game fully without feeling pressured to spend more.”
“The monetization model is refreshing; it focuses on delivering a complete experience without relying on constant in-game purchases.”
“My god, Civvie, thanks for this masterpiece of a song, to another masterpiece from Nightdive, New Blood, and good old Apogee. When games were made with love and care, a good proper example of when you do a game right, you really don't need microtransactions for every feature.”
“I still remember the 'buy this game!' screen at the end advertising dog mode in ROTT95 (RIP Loki!).”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game currently experiences some bugs, particularly with projectile interactions and moving traps, though these issues are not game-breaking. Multiplayer also has its share of glitches, but players still find it enjoyable.
“Sadly a bit buggy at the moment; sometimes you can't hit an enemy with projectiles if they are standing on a trap, and moving walls often don't crush you as they should. However, nothing game-breaking or frustratingly bad.”
“Multiplayer is a bit buggy, but is still fun.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers appreciate the updates made to the classic game, enhancing its playability on modern systems, which contributes positively to its replayability.
