“Hard Reset Redux is an action-packed and hardcore single-player shooter which embraces the best qualities that the genre has it offer. It includes over-the-top destruction, loads of enemies, great weapon variety, a challenging campaign and a beautifully realized cyberpunk setting. Having been originally developed to shake-up the shooter scene on PC, Hard Reset now returns to do it again on a new generation of hardware.”
– The Hard Reset Redux Steam page (http://store.steampowered.com/app/407810/)
– Hectic old school FPS action –
It seems that fans of old school first person shooters have been in for a treat lately – first DOOM came along and reminded us just how hardcore old school shooters are and now we have Hard Reset Redux, a new and improved version of developer Flying Wild Hog’s 2011 release.
Hard Reset Redux has all the hallmarks of an old school shooter with simple objectives to complete, hordes of enemies to gun down and plenty of secrets to discover. The game doesn’t rely on any modern gameplay gimmicks – it’s just a simple shooter that pits you up against a menacing robot threat.
I actually can’t recall the last first person shooter that had me face off exclusively against robots – whilst I’ve taken down plenty of soldiers, demons and aliens in recent years, mechanical enemies were definitely an enjoyable change. They come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes too, with nippy little robots that seemingly glide towards you at pace mixing it up with hulking robots that make up for their slow speed with a more punishing attack. You’ll have to carefully consider each robot’s weaknesses whilst trying to take them down though and survival in the game requires you to both think tactically and have a quick trigger finger. It’s easy to get inundated with enemies in Hard Reset Redux and there’s certainly no hand holding in-game.
Unlike other first person shooters that arm you to the teeth with a countless range of weapons, Hard Reset Redux instead just gives you two. You never feel ill-equipped though as you’ll be constantly improving them with all sorts of upgrades – you’ll be blasting grenades and proximity mines in no time. You’ll upgrade the main character’s suit too, giving you extra bonuses such as more health and an improved HUD that displays your enemy’s locations to name a few.
This improved version of Hard Reset also features an all new weapon – the cyber-katana. You’re no longer restricted to shooting robots from a distance, but can get up close and personal to slice them apart too. Sure, it’s not as effective as the sword in Flying Wild Hog’s other title Shadow Warrior, but it’s a cool addition that gives you a different option to gunning down your foes.
– The slick futuristic cyber-punk style and great visuals –
Whilst the visuals that featured in the original release weren’t ugly by any means, the developers have still managed to improve them an absolute ton in Hard Reset Redux. The Blade Runner-esque futuristic city that the game is set in looks super slick – whether you’re exploring some dark alleys, abandoned tunnels or even the interior of a building that’s been invaded by robots, everything manages to look great in-game.
A ton of the game’s environment is destructible too. During your shoot outs you’ll find electrifying power generators smashing apart, cars blowing to pieces and walls tumbling down as you wipe out the robotic threat. Be careful though – if you get caught in range of one of these explosions it’ll be an early game over for you though the same applies to your enemies too.
– The great improvements and new additions –
Whilst the game has seen improvements with its visuals and the addition of the cyber-katana, the developers have also brought a few new levels into the game, an extra enemy type and new enemy placements.
The original release was often criticised for it’s short length and while the additional five levels don’t really extend your time with it too much, it at least gives you some extra bang for you buck. There’s also a brand new enemy – the rather self-explanatory Cyborg Zombie. I think most people have played enough shooters these days to know what that’s all about, but hey, I’m still happy to blast away at zombies if you are…
There’s also the addition of a quick dash that allows you to move around a lot quicker, something that’s especially useful given the hectic nature of the game. Hard Reset Redux can be incredibly challenging at times so you’ll have to be constantly moving if you’re going to survive.
– The story is irrelevant –
Whilst the narrative isn’t typically a big deal in a first person shooter, the fact that Flying Wild Hog have made the effort to include comic book style cutscenes makes you wonder why they didn’t work on making the story at all interesting. After following all the cutscenes from start to finish I never really knew what exactly was going on in the game, though admittedly by the end I didn’t really care. Whilst I would’ve enjoyed seeing a bit more depth from the narrative, it all boils down to the fact that some nasty robots need to get shot – simple.
Hard Reset Redux is a reminder of what classic old school shooters used to offer – simple hectic gameplay that’s both challenging and super enjoyable. Add in the extra lick of paint that’s been given to the game since it’s original release as well as all the additional content and you’ll find that Hard Reset Redux is a shooter that really deserves your time. It even features Cyborg Zombies! CYBORG ZOMBIES.
Developer: Flying Wild Hog (www.flyingwildhog.com)
Publisher: Gambitious Digital Entertainment (www.gambitious.com)
Release Date: 03/06/2016
Format(s): Xbox One (Reviewed), Playstation 4, PC
