RoboCop: Rogue City, the latest video game iteration of the classic cyborg cop franchise, has arrived.  

Developed by Teyon and published by Nacon, the game takes players back to the gritty streets of Old Detroit, this time under the control of RoboCop himself – the man, or rather, the part-man, part-machine, walking weapon.  

This review dives into the depths of RoboCop: Rogue City, exploring its gameplay, story, visuals, and the overall experience it offers.

A Familiar Face, a New Threat:

The game throws you right into the metal boots of Alex Murphy, a cop brutally murdered and resurrected as the powerful cyborg, RoboCop.  

While the core narrative is original, it stays true to the franchise’s themes of corruption, corporate greed, and the blurred lines between man and machine.  

RoboCop finds himself battling a new threat within the corrupt OmniCorp megacorporation, tasked with cleaning up the streets and upholding the law.

A Throwback to 80s Action:

One of RoboCop: Rogue City’s biggest strengths lies in its atmosphere.  It’s a love letter to the 1987 film, capturing the dark, grimy aesthetic of a decaying Detroit overrun by crime.  

The developers have meticulously recreated iconic locations from the movie,  like the OCP headquarters and the steel mill.  

The soundtrack is a synthwave masterpiece, perfectly complementing the 80s action vibe.  Even the iconic “dead cop” sound effect makes a satisfying return.

Gameplay: Brutality with a Badge:

RoboCop: Rogue City embraces a first-person shooter approach.  Combat feels weighty and brutal, with RoboCop’s powerful weaponry packing a satisfying punch.  

The game encourages a methodical approach, utilizing RoboCop’s armor to soak up damage while strategically disarming or eliminating enemies.  

There’s a nice variety of weapons at your disposal, from the classic Auto-9 pistol to the devastating Cobra Assault Cannon.

More Than Just Shooting:

While shooting is a core element, RoboCop: Rogue City offers some surprising depth.  Players can choose between non-lethal takedowns and more brutal executions, adding a layer of moral choice.   

There are also light RPG elements, allowing players to upgrade RoboCop’s abilities and stats.  Additionally, RoboCop can scan crime scenes for evidence and interact with civilians, adding a touch of detective work to the experience.

A City Full of Crime, But Not Much Else:

The open-world environment of Old Detroit is impressive in scale, but it can feel a bit empty at times.  While there are side quests and collectibles to find, they often involve generic tasks like rescuing hostages or eliminating gang leaders.  The open world doesn’t feel as dynamic or filled with life as it could be.

A Touch of Clunk:

RoboCop: Rogue City isn’t without its flaws.  The visuals, while capturing the atmosphere well, can appear dated in some areas.  

The game’s frame rate can occasionally stutter, especially during intense firefights.   

The controls feel a bit clunky at times, and RoboCop’s movement lacks the agility of a modern shooter protagonist.

The Verdict: A Fun, Nostalgic B-Movie Experience:

RoboCop:

 Rogue City isn’t a revolutionary game.  It’s a B-movie experience through and through – a love letter to the original film that prioritizes action and nostalgia over innovation. 

The combat is satisfyingly brutal, the atmosphere is fantastic, and the story, while not groundbreaking, stays true to the franchise’s core themes.

However, some technical issues, repetitive side quests, and slightly clunky controls hold the game back from greatness.  If you’re looking for a deep and polished open-world experience, you might be disappointed.  But for fans of the RoboCop franchise and those who enjoy a good classic action romp, RoboCop: Rogue City delivers a fun, nostalgic, and explosive adventure.

FAQs

Q: Is RoboCop: Rogue City a sequel to the original films?

No, RoboCop: Rogue City features an original story set within the established RoboCop universe.

Q: What’s the setting for RoboCop: Rogue City?

The game takes place in a dystopian Detroit, mirroring the dark and gritty atmosphere of the original films.

Q: Does the story explore the themes of the original RoboCop films?

Yes, expect themes of corporate greed, police brutality, and the struggle between man and machine.

Q: What genre is RoboCop: Rogue City?

It’s a first-person shooter with RPG elements, allowing you to upgrade RoboCop’s abilities and weapons.

Q: How does the combat feel?

Expect a mix of brutal close-quarters combat and ranged firefights, emphasizing RoboCop’s raw power.

Q: Can RoboCop jump or take cover?

No, staying true to the films, RoboCop has a more methodical movement style, relying on his armor to take punishment.

Q: Are there any non-combat sections?

Yes, the game includes light RPG elements with dialogue choices and side quests that flesh out the world and characters.

Q: How do the visuals look?

The game captures the grimy cyberpunk aesthetic of RoboCop, but some aspects like textures might not be cutting-edge.

Q: How’s the performance on consoles?

Reviews suggest the game runs smoothly on most consoles, though some report occasional technical issues.

Q: Does the game capture the tone of the original RoboCop?

Yes, the developers aimed for a faithful experience, featuring dark humor, brutal violence, and a satirical edge.

Q: Does Peter Weller return to voice RoboCop?

Yes! Peter Weller reprises his iconic role, adding authenticity to the character.

Q: Are there any other references to the original films?

Absolutely! Expect familiar locations, weapons, and characters to bring back memories for fans.

Q: Is RoboCop: Rogue City a good game for fans of the franchise?

For RoboCop enthusiasts, it’s a love letter to the source material, offering a chance to step into RoboCop’s metal boots.

Q: How’s the story compared to the original films?

While not as groundbreaking, the story is decent and complements the established RoboCop universe.

Q: Is RoboCop: Rogue City a long game?

The main campaign can be completed in around 10-15 hours, with additional time for side quests and collectibles.

Q: How difficult is the game?

The difficulty can be adjusted, catering to both casual and hardcore shooter fans.

Q: Does the game offer any replayability?

Multiple difficulty levels, side quests, and upgrade options provide some replay value.

Q: What are some similar games to RoboCop: Rogue City?

Fans might enjoy titles like Wolfenstein: The New Order or Cyberpunk 2077 for their blend of action and atmosphere.

Q: Should I wait for a sale before buying RoboCop: Rogue City?

If you’re a huge RoboCop fan or love classic-style shooters, it might be worth it at full price. However, others might want to wait for a sale.

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