Takedown: Red Sabre

30%
Game Brain Score Based on 3,788 reviews
  • gameplay
  • story
  • graphics
Takedown: Red Sabre Game Cover
Rarely exciting, mostly disappointing. An unfinished tactical shooter let down by technical issues and terrible AI.
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"Takedown: Red Sabre" is a tactical, squad-based shooter focused on realistic weapon behavior and strategic team planning. Players can engage in online multiplayer matches or the single-player campaign, assuming the role of an elite special forces operative. The game features tight controls, a variety of missions, and a heavy emphasis on tactical gameplay.

  • PC
  • Windows
  • Xbox
  • Xbox 360
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

30%
Audience ScoreBased on 3,788 reviews
gameplay84 positive mentions
story32 negative mentions
  • gameplay392 mentions

    The gameplay of "Takedown: Red Sabre" has received mixed reviews, with many players highlighting its potential for tactical engagement but criticizing its execution. Common complaints include clunky mechanics, poor AI, and a lack of polish, which detract from the overall experience. While some players find enjoyment in cooperative play and the game's strategic elements, others deem it frustrating and unrefined, often comparing it unfavorably to more polished titles in the genre.

    • “The gameplay of 'Takedown: Red Sabre' is where the game really shines.”
    • “With its engaging gameplay, well-designed environments, and emphasis on cooperation, the title offers a refreshing alternative to the genre.”
    • “Great gameplay and makes you think and plan ahead of time!”
    • “This game was a joke when I bought it, played to laugh at the horrible AI and gameplay.”
    • “The AI, movement, and shooting mechanics - among other things - are the biggest downfalls of this game.”
    • “I cannot under any circumstance or at any price recommend this unfinished product, all you are given is a very small handful of missions with broken AI/game mechanics which make the game ultimately unplayable.”
  • story332 mentions

    The story aspect of "Takedown: Red Sabre" is largely criticized for its lack of depth, with many players noting that there is no significant narrative or character development. Missions are described as predictable and simplistic, often feeling like a checklist rather than engaging scenarios, which detracts from the overall experience. While some players appreciate the tactical gameplay and customization options, the absence of a compelling story or immersive context leaves many feeling unsatisfied.

    • “The story and character development is phenomenal and the attention to detail is flawless.”
    • “I was immersed the moment I started the story, which by the way, is like none other.”
    • “The story has branching dialogue trees with strong moral choices, do you want to let Aiden go mental, or bide your time and unleash the power of your Thu'um.”
    • “As for the cons, I'd like to mention there is no story or characters.”
    • “Singleplayer has no plot or story, the AI is horrible, and everything about this game looks like it was made by someone experimenting with making games for the first time.”
    • “What I am basically getting at is that it is just a mediocre version of the Rainbow Six games that introduces nothing new (no story, no characters, no interesting objectives, etc.).”
  • graphics330 mentions

    The graphics of "Takedown: Red Sabre" are generally considered mediocre, with many reviewers noting that they are dated and lack polish compared to contemporary titles. While some appreciate the realistic aesthetic and level design, others criticize the visuals as subpar, with complaints about poor animations and a lack of graphical options. Overall, the game's graphics are seen as acceptable for its price point, but they do not stand out in a crowded market of tactical shooters.

    • “The graphics of 'Takedown: Red Sabre' are solid for its time, featuring well-modeled and textured environments.”
    • “The aesthetic is realistic, with settings ranging from urban areas to building interiors, all designed to create a tense and immersive atmosphere.”
    • “It is the finest in simulations, giving not only high-end graphics, but also incredible gameplay.”
    • “The graphics are horrid.”
    • “The graphics are poor, the sound is awful, and has no direction to it, the attempts at 'realism' either result in people being bulletproof, or dropping from one 9mm round to the foot.”
    • “The graphics and the gameplay are awful.”
  • stability146 mentions

    The game is widely criticized for its significant stability issues, with numerous reports of bugs, glitches, and unresponsive gameplay. While some players find enjoyment in the chaotic experience, especially when playing with friends, many others describe it as a frustrating and unfinished product that detracts from overall enjoyment. Frequent patches have improved stability somewhat, but many still consider it too buggy to recommend.

    • “Best game ever! No glitches or flaws; a must-buy for all gamers.”
    • “It's buggy, it barely runs, the game itself is lackluster.”
    • “Gameplay was buggy, people can't play online, and the whole playerbase was frustrated.”
    • “Buggy, not finished, and generally painful to play.”
  • humor114 mentions

    The humor in this game is largely derived from its numerous bugs and glitches, which many players find hilariously entertaining, especially when playing with friends. While the game is criticized for being poorly designed and frustrating, it often becomes a source of laughter due to its absurdity and the ridiculous behavior of AI characters. Overall, it appeals to those who appreciate "so bad it's good" experiences, making it a fun, albeit flawed, multiplayer option for those with a sense of humor.

    • “Incredible experience, very funny, laughed a lot.”
    • “Not because it's good, but it is so gloriously bad that I find myself dying laughing at most everything this game throws at you.”
    • “Honestly, if you're expecting a hilariously bad game then it's a blast to play with friends.”
  • atmosphere20 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is described as tense and immersive, with realistic aesthetics and sound design that enhance the experience, reminiscent of classic titles like Rainbow Six. However, some reviews criticize the lack of context and emotional depth, noting that certain missions feel devoid of the atmospheric tension found in earlier games. Overall, while the atmosphere can be gripping, it varies significantly across different aspects of the game.

    • “The aesthetic is realistic, with settings ranging from urban areas to building interiors, all designed to create a tense and immersive atmosphere.”
    • “The sounds of weapons, footsteps, and the environment help to build a tense atmosphere, while the music adapts to the action, intensifying the combat experience.”
    • “The sheer atmosphere of the game quite literally took my breath away.”
    • “It's basically a tech demo of a few levels with zero context or atmosphere.”
    • “There's no hostages to speak of, your teammates are just cardboard cutouts to be mutilated by zen-like opponents, there's no atmosphere, no immersion factor, you never feel like a SWAT officer (or are these guys army guys? The game isn't even clear on that).”
    • “The sheer atmosphere of the game quite literally took my breath away, because it made me want to die.”
  • music20 mentions

    The music in "Takedown: Red Saber" is noted for its ability to enhance immersion and set a tense atmosphere, with a militaristic theme that adapts to the action. However, some players point out the absence of background music in certain moments, which can create tension but may also feel lacking. Overall, while the soundtrack and sound effects are praised for their quality, the inconsistency in music presence has led to mixed feelings among players.

    • “The soundtrack and sound effects in 'Takedown: Red Saber' are designed to increase immersion.”
    • “The sounds of weapons, footsteps, and the environment help to build a tense atmosphere, while the music adapts to the action, intensifying the combat experience.”
    • “The music is pretty good, definitely sets the mood with its militaristic theme.”
    • “It's a shame that characters move like they're made out of wood and lack any idle animation, resulting in a game of musical statues.”
    • “There is no music in the game, which can lead to a lot of tension and enemy gunfire making you jump.”
    • “However, hardcore doesn't mean AI should be as 'hardcore' (or nuts) as it's shown; background music shouldn't be that hardcore, don't you think?”
  • optimization20 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its smooth performance and graphical beauty, while others criticize it for being poorly optimized, glitchy, and requiring frequent restarts to adjust settings. Overall, the game appears to have significant performance issues that detract from the experience, despite some users finding it suitable for recording gameplay.

    • “This game is so well optimized and graphically beautiful you'll look at real life and think it's garbage.”
    • “I bought this game mainly to record gameplay for my YouTube channel (raw gamer) and for that it is perfect, it runs smoothly while being recorded and all the bugs and sudden/amusing deaths of you and your comrades make for entertaining videos.”
    • “- well optimized”
    • “Game is glitchy as hell, poorly optimized, and is pretty much dead.”
    • “Want to turn down some graphics (which you'll want to since this game is so badly optimized) then tough luck, because you'll have to end your game to do so.”
    • “I can't even look around while not moving, performance issues and unfinished etc.”
  • monetization16 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has been overwhelmingly criticized as a blatant cash grab, with many users noting that it feels like an unfinished product launched prematurely for profit. Reviewers express disappointment in the game's failure to meet expectations set by advertising, highlighting poor ad mechanics and overall quality.

    • “This game was launched before it was anywhere near completed, by the company's own admission, in a cash grab by the publisher.”
    • “The game does not at all meet any expectations created by the advertising and the trailers.”
    • “Shameless cash grab.”
  • replayability14 mentions

    The game's replayability is mixed, with some players appreciating the larger maps and tactical depth that enhance replay value, while others find it lacking compared to titles like Rainbow Six. Overall, while there are enjoyable elements for multiplayer play, the game does not consistently offer high replay value, especially when compared to older titles.

    • “A lot of the atmosphere and replay value of Rogue Spear came from the relatively larger maps and stretched out spaces.”
    • “It's an eight-year-old game with more replay value, realism, fear, tension, and tactical thought than anything this game has to offer.”
    • “Most missions are playable.”
    • “No replay value or anything else.”
    • “I enjoyed playing each level online with a friend, but there is not as much replay value as Rainbow Six games.”
    • “Most of the early negative comments regarding TRS were from 'railshooter' players who have never asked more of their games than a scripted cinematic experience with no replayability and largely, no challenge or critical thought required.”
  • emotional6 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by a poignant story mode that deeply resonates with players, evoking strong feelings of nostalgia and gratitude. Users report being moved to tears by the narrative's exploration of familial bonds and the stakes involved in personal choices, creating a powerful and immersive emotional experience.

    • “I was about 10 years old when my mother said to him, "If you ever want to see your grandchildren graduate, you have to stop immediately." Tears welled up in his eyes when he realized what exactly was at stake.”
    • “Also included is a heart-touching story mode that will grip you from the very start.”
    • “But make no mistake: it made me feel good for not having many dreams, and for that I am truly grateful.”
  • grinding4 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be a double-edged sword; while the lengthy search for the final terrorist can create tension, it often feels tedious and outdated compared to more modern designs that streamline this process. Overall, the experience is described as charming yet frustrating, particularly due to the game's cumbersome menus and level design.

    • “Some of the levels are huge and hunting down the final terrorist can take ages; this can be described as either a) adding to the tension as the onscreen clock ticks away the seconds, 'will you find him in time to complete the mission?' or b) highly tedious and an issue that other games have overcome by making the last terrorist come looking for you.”
  • character development2 mentions

    Character development is highly praised for its phenomenal quality and meticulous attention to detail, contributing significantly to the overall storytelling experience.

    • “The story and character development are phenomenal, and the attention to detail is flawless.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

35% average critic score

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Play time

5hMedian play time
5hAverage play time
3-7hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 16 analyzed playthroughs

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