Rise of the Triad: Ludicrous Edition

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"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.

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Play Modes

Reviews

95%

Audience ScoreBased on 930 reviews

music74 positive mentions

story3 negative mentions

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 a ludicrous amount of content including new episodes, restored cut content, and a level editor.
The soundtrack is exceptional, featuring both the original and a remixed version, enhancing the overall experience.

The level design can be confusing and maze-like, often leading to frustration in finding exits and navigating through levels.
Weapon variety is limited, with many players relying heavily on the MP40 due to the low effectiveness of other weapons.
Multiplayer functionality is currently buggy, with issues related to netcode and a lack of game modes, making it less enjoyable.

music
178 mentions
42 % positive mentions
57 % neutral mentions
2 % 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 remakes, enhancing the nostalgic experience. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a major reason to engage with the game, often described as a timeless classic that elevates the gameplay.
- “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.”
- “The soundtrack is perhaps one of the best, thanks to Lee Jackson and Bobby Prince.”
- “Just listen to the soundtrack, it's really the only thing worth your time from this game.”
- “My only gripe is that the midi music sounds nothing like on original hardware.”
- “When no weapon is fired the music gets louder without a reason only to turn down as soon as weapons are fired.”
gameplay
72 mentions
31 % positive mentions
58 % neutral mentions
11 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Rise of the Triad" is a mixed bag, featuring a blend of chaotic mechanics and unique twists that add charm, but also suffers from repetitiveness and maze-like level design. While some players appreciate the frantic pace and variety of weapons, others find it lackluster and tedious, particularly in later stages. Overall, the game is characterized by its retro feel, whimsical features, and a strong soundtrack, making it an endearing yet flawed experience.
- “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. Your character reacts as fast as you think.”
- “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.”
graphics
52 mentions
23 % positive mentions
71 % neutral mentions
6 % 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 may not have been significantly updated from the original DOS version, they benefit from improved resolution and performance, allowing for clearer gameplay. Overall, the graphics evoke nostalgia, but many players emphasize that the gameplay experience outweighs any visual shortcomings.
- “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.”
- “Not a remake for those expecting new graphics.”
- “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.”
story
24 mentions
8 % positive mentions
79 % neutral mentions
13 % negative mentions
The story is a straightforward, 90s-style narrative involving a cult attempting world domination, which players thwart through action-packed gameplay filled with surreal elements and bizarre 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. Overall, the storytelling is more about the experience than depth, with a focus on fun and variety across numerous levels.
- “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.”
humor
18 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The game's humor is frequently praised for its nostalgic and ludicrous elements, often drawing comparisons to classic horror comedies like "Evil Dead." Reviewers highlight its over-the-top violence and tongue-in-cheek style as standout features that enhance the overall experience, making it a memorable entry in the shooter genre. However, some players noted that the humor alone couldn't compensate for the frustration of backtracking through levels.
- “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.”
grinding
8 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 like the MP40 can lead to monotonous gameplay. Additionally, the level editor's frequent crashes contribute to a frustrating experience, as users must repeatedly relaunch the game to save their progress. Overall, excessive platforming and traps in levels detract from enjoyment, making players feel inclined to skip sections.
- “Combat with the proper guns in this FPS game is tedious.”
- “Many levels are simply too filled with obnoxious elements, 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.”
optimization
6 mentions
67 % positive mentions
17 % neutral mentions
17 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is highly praised, with users noting smooth performance across various aspects such as the map and multiplayer features. Many feel that the quality of performance, combined with the extensive content available for the price, makes it a worthwhile experience.
- “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.”
atmosphere
4 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 lightning storms that enhance the gameplay experience. Players appreciate the unique cult vibes that contribute to the overall immersive feel, making the levels feel alive and varied rather than monotonous.
- “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.”
monetization
4 mentions
25 % positive mentions
25 % neutral mentions
50 % negative mentions
Reviewers appreciate the game's approach to monetization, highlighting that it avoids excessive microtransactions and instead focuses on delivering a complete experience. This reflects a nostalgic sentiment for games made with care, suggesting that a well-crafted game can thrive without relying on additional purchases for features.
- “When games are made with love and care, you really don't need microtransactions for every feature.”
- “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!).”
stability
4 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
The game currently experiences some bugs, such as issues with projectile hits and moving walls not functioning as intended, but these do not significantly detract from the overall experience. Multiplayer mode also has its share of bugs, yet players still find it enjoyable. Overall, while stability could be improved, it is not considered game-breaking.
- “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, it's nothing game-breaking or frustratingly bad.”
- “Multiplayer is a bit buggy, but is still fun.”
- “Multiplayer is a bit buggy, but is still fun.”
replayability
2 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.