Arkane Studios and the Genre Dilemma
Arkane Studios is known for its inventive games, but with Redfall, the team seems to be facing a challenge. The game is a cooperative loot shooter for four players, where they fight against vampires and cultists. Although the plot is typical of Arkane, the game struggles to live up to expectations.
Redfall's Weaknesses
The two maps in the game are larger than anything else Arkane has done before. However, they struggle to fill this space with the same attention to detail as in previous games. The enemies in Redfall react sluggishly and don't seem as polished as expected. The stealth mechanics fall short of their potential, and even the interesting backstory struggles to shine through.
Development and Compromises
Redfall shows that Arkane Studios is making compromises with its own design philosophies to cater to a genre they may have been better off avoiding. The ladders in the game are an example of this – the team usually avoids ladders to give players more freedom, but in Redfall, they are a fixed part of the game world.
The Positive Aspects of Redfall
Despite its difficulties, Redfall also has some positive aspects. The four playable characters are fun and offer distinctive abilities and personalities. Additionally, there are creative ways to enter buildings and explore the environment. But is that enough to keep players engaged?
Should Redfall Have Been Released Yet?
Ultimately, it seems that Redfall was not yet ready for release. The numerous bugs detract from the fun of exploring the world with friends, and the loot-shooter approach seems ill-fitting for Arkane's strengths. If you still want to try Redfall for yourself, you can purchase a key on our Redfall page.
Conclusion
Redfall is an ambitious project from Arkane Studios that unfortunately has some weaknesses. It remains to be seen if the development team will be able to address these issues and bring the game up to a satisfactory level. However, it may be worth taking a closer look at the game for fans of cooperative loot-shooters and vampire stories. Check out our Steam keys and get your own Redfall key to try the game for yourself.
