Third-person shooters have always been something of a chore on the PSP format, due to difficult controls and uninspiring design. Resistance: Retribution is set to break the mould with innovative controls and gameplay which would make its PS3 daddies proud.
Retribution takes place within the Resistance parallel universe, where an alien race known as the Chimera have invaded Earth during World War II sending the humans into a global unification against the extra terrestrial invaders. This time round players take control of British soldier James Grayson, who after being shamed for going AWOL after his brother’s death, is given another chance by fighting with the Marquis on a European campaign, which spans the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg. The story is well presented and driven by a cocky, yet likable main character. It’s not the most original of stories, but the attitude Grayson brings to the table makes it really enjoyable.
Resistance: Retribution is living proof that third-person shooters can be awesome on the PSP. The controls are simple enough to grasp within a few minutes of playtime. The nub moves Grayson around, square and circle rotate aiming left and right respectively, and triangle and X adjusts the Y aiming Axis. Auto-lock targeting also helps immensely and works fantastically providing players with the combat responsiveness required for such a game. Auto-aim can also be switched to manual aim with a touch of the D-pad, allowing players to take more precise shots on such enemies as hybrids, which require head shots to kill.
A cover system is also employed allowing Grayson to cling to walls or crouch behind objects for a quick pop-up and fire mechanic which makes gunfights fun and strategic.
You’ll battle Chimera familiar to its previous PS3 counterparts, although a new half-alien half-human hybrid known as the Cloven will have to be dealt with. Boss battles also make an appearance providing a good enough challenge to cap off some levels.
Certain segments require you to man turrets or control an enemy mech. These add some great variety to the gameplay and also allow for the layer to test out some more Chimera weapons.
In addition to having a solid 10+ hour single-player campaign, Retribution also offers multiplayer modes such as Containment (Chimeran capture the flag/reactor) and Assimilation (playing as the Cloven, you’re required to infect the other players). This significantly boosts the game’s replay value and provides a strong component to go along side the game’s already high production value. Retribution can also be linked up to a PS3 with a copy of Resistance 2 to allow players to use the Dual Shock 3 to play, as well as unlock special weapons in multiplayer.
Sharp and smooth graphics and visuals make Resistance more than a joy to play. Grayson and the Chimera look great, while fluid animations are flawless while you navigate around interestingly designed levels conveying a mid WWII Europe complete with bombs in the distance and detailed landscapes.
Great voice acting along with a creepy yet enthusiastic score help put Resistance: Retribution in a class and atmosphere of its own.
Resistance: Retribution is a really solid shooter. Not only on the PSP, but in general. It’s got really easy and intuitive controls, matched with stunning visuals and a great campaign multiplayer component. Definitely one not too resist.
[starreviewmulti id=1 tpl=20]
