Red Faction Tried to Start Revolution but Fell Short. This Shooter Is Remembered for Wall Destruction

As a seasoned gamer and connoisseur of all things spacey, I found myself transported back to the year 2001 when I stumbled upon Red Faction. Hubert Sosnowski, our beloved author at GRYOnline.pl, takes us on a nostalgic journey to Mars where we fight for freedom against oppressive forces.

2001 marked a significant period where games were visually appealing yet still had potential for enhancement as developers for PC and consoles were seeking unique elements to engage players. The graphical evolution of Doom 3 and the physical revolution of Half-Life 2 were yet to come, and Unreal was just starting to assert its power in engine dominance. There was still room for innovative ideas that could build upon the established gameplay formula of Quake 2 and the first Half-Life, a shooter with an extensive campaign and a substantial narrative. Volition filled this gap… by creating destructible environments. Indeed, that was a key feature of Red Faction, the critically acclaimed shooter.

Revolutions small and big

As a die-hard fan, let me share with you the game that served as a precursor to the Saints Row series, the one that showcased the studio’s rebellious spirit – Red Faction. This epic adventure transports us to Mars, where I, as Parker, find myself working for a corporation mining precious resources from the Red Planet due to Earth’s dwindling supplies. However, upon arrival, I quickly realize that life here is far from rosy. The corporation’s henchmen treat the workers like livestock, and the bleakness of our existence is further compounded by a rampant plague among the people.

As the clock strikes, a faction called Red Faction ignites a rebellion. With Parker finding himself in the crosshairs of this uprising, he decides to align with the rebels. Given what he witnessed, it’s understandable why he did so. It soon becomes apparent that, despite being an ordinary individual, Parker has a more significant part to enact.

From a storyline perspective, it’s quite a successful short/medium range SF. The intrigue deepens with time, and we uncover the true motivations of many players on the Martian chessboard. I have the impression that due to its revolutionary tones and criticism of corporations, Red Faction would be even better received today. Modern audiences appreciate a sharp criticism of the system, and Volition’s shooter game isn’t lacking in that. The main protagonist talks about it in such a cold, soulless way that it gives you chills – even though the characters are quite emotionally involved in the action. Parker… just is there, although he has his five minutes in the cutscenes. He interrupts the absorption of the action little more than Freeman.

Boom boom boom

Due to its resemblance in terms of gameplay, ambiance, and aesthetic to the original Half-Life, we navigate through intricate levels with a dominating cosmic theme (not exactly understated), eliminating anything that isn’t part of our team, and uncovering hidden treasures. However, this game isn’t simply mimicking Valve’s successful creation; it infuses unique features and pushes boundaries in new directions. While not every feature excels, the variety in gameplay is undeniable.

I’ve already mentioned the most important thing – the GeoMod engine. Interestingly, this technology, like the main character, is a legacy of the prequel Descent that Volition was developing. GeoMod was responsible for the possibility to destroy a huge part of the surface, objects, and walls with the help of larger caliber weapons and drills. At first, this was genuinely jaw-dropping. It’s better than smearing enemies on walls with acupuncture precision like in Soldier of Fortune. That was fun, and this “drilling” of walls helped to find alternative paths to reach the given point. If I remember correctly, it was even possible to uncover a few secrets in this way. Furthermore, in a few sequences, we could, for instance, make a rocky bridge collapse under the enemy’s armored vehicle.

It’s unfortunate that the developers exhausted their creative resources when it came to applying the engine effectively, resulting in Red Faction transitioning into a spy-centric plot chase featuring key characters, with the once-prominent mining aspect fading significantly. The destruction element became more of an artistic expression, symbolizing the arrival of the revolution against Mars’ corporations. Occasionally, these mechanics proved useful in combat due to the availability of impressive shields, but they mysteriously disappeared without warning.

In addition to its foot-soldier combat, Red Faction didn’t shy away from incorporating vehicular action. For instance, players could commandeer massive drilling machines or navigate lighter vehicles. Generally, it was enjoyable, though at times the vehicle levels felt overly prolonged.

Revolution ruined, but the game is good

While GeoMod may have some limitations and underutilization of its GeoMod features, its primary focus as a shooter was exceptionally well-executed. The weapons provided a realistic recoil effect, offering numerous opportunities for strategic problem-solving in combat. The rifle, which resembles a blend of a sniper rifle and an M-16, proved to be particularly useful, except during periods when we were engrossed in Wreck-It Ralph. Given its origin in the PS2 era, the game’s graphics remain relatively appealing. The dialogue and script, while not perfect, certainly aren’t among the worst.

How to play Red Faction today?

If you’re a fan of first-person shooter games and aren’t particularly drawn to contemporary map or character designs, Red Faction might still be an excellent choice with some unique features. I have fond memories of this game, and currently, it’s available on GOG (until December 4, you can purchase the game for $2.13 – its usual price is $10.65).

According to the feedback, it appears that applying a patch is necessary to avoid issues, though it might lead to a slightly messier installation process. However, it could be well worth the extra time spent, as it will offer an experience reminiscent of Total Recall, at prices no other space travel has ever matched. It’s unfortunate that subsequent releases (including the sequel and redesigned Guerrilla, Battlegrounds, and Armageddon) didn’t live up to the brilliance of the original. Volition, I suggest you should further cultivate this initial concept rather than rushing to release new versions.