The lack of a 60fps performance mode is just the start of the problems.
Redfallis an open world first-person shooter that combines mechanics-driven, immersive sim-style design with optional cooperative multiplayer.
Alas, things have perhaps not gone quite as planned.
Redfall is a little different.
While solo play is possible, the game is clearly built with multiplayer in mind.
Redfall’s results are mixed.
The first and most egregious issue with Redfall involves textures.
It’s astonishing to see how badly flawed this key system is.
It’s basically the worst texture pop-in I’ve seen since id Software’s Rage.
The thing is - it’s not just an issue with loading.
Some texture assets are simply low resolution no matter what.
It detracts enormously from the presentation and needs to be patched.
There are many other issues.
Shadow quality is unacceptable throughout.
When speaking with NPCs in the game, characters exhibit minimal animation flourishes as they rattle off their lines.
Another issue - the artificial intelligence exhibits unexpectedly poor behaviour and often breaks during normal play.
Even when they’re working correctly, the behaviour feels inelegant.
They can function acceptably well in normal combat but it’s still not where it needs to be.
There are good things and bad things to say about image quality and performance on Xbox Series consoles.
When the textures are properly loaded and everything is in motion, the game can look quite attractive even.
Both versions have the same draw distance for shadow casting lights, however, with equally poor pop-in.
Firstly, traversal stutter happens when moving between different sections of a map.
Xbox Series S fares slightly better, perhaps as a result of its lower resolution.
Unfortunately, the controls also fall short.
This is still suboptimal but at least it becomes tolerable.
Assessing the gameplay and game design is tricky.
Early on, I was intrigued by the game.
Redfall’s landmass is small enough that this could have worked well.
Unfortunately, most of this world is devoid of anything resembling gameplay.
Despite missing its potential, I have to admit that I still had some fun.
Pair up with a friend of three and expect a night of silly entertainment.
Even with the item gating, the mission areas were still fun to explore.
It’s certainly worth a try but ultimately, despite some fun, I came away from Redfall disappointed.
Alas, Redfall is the worst game Arkane has made to date.
Going forward I’d like to see them get back to the basics.
Drop the multiplayer features, throw away the loot and focus on what Arkane does best.
