Redfall, the latest game from Arkane Studios, is a confusing blend of immersive sim and open-world co-op shooter that ultimately fails to excel at either. Despite strong writing, fine-tuned gunplay, and an interesting setting, the game is plagued by multiplayer design oversights, rough presentation, and poor AI, making it a surprising disappointment from an acclaimed developer.
Initially, the game captivates with striking visual moments and powerful storytelling. However, these promising elements are overshadowed by design compromises that weaken the single-player experience. The open-world feels empty and repetitive, while side missions are uninspired. In multiplayer, cutscenes become glorified slideshows, dialogue loses its impact, and the narrative is compromised.
Redfall’s technical issues further hinder the experience. The Xbox Series X version runs at a choppy 30 frames per second, and both the console and PC versions suffer from crashes, disconnects, and various graphical glitches. With no further updates planned, it’s unlikely that these issues will be fully resolved.
Overall, Redfall is a missed opportunity that fails to deliver on its potential. While it offers a competent shooting experience, the design and technical flaws make it a subpar adventure that feels misguided at its core.