Apogee recently released a remake of their classic FPS Rise of the Triad. Since hearing (and seeing it first hand at this year’s PAX East), I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. I’d spent many a weekend night during grammar school playing the original and jumped at the chance to review the latest incarnation. Being one of the first FPS’ that really caught my attention, this new ROTT had a lot to live up to.
Visuals
Obviously, since the original released in 1994, technology has come a long way. Intercept Entertainment took advantage of that and gave their game a nice facelift, fitting in quite nicely with current-gen games. However, the devs and designers stayed true to their vision as much as they could, keeping many of the models close to the look of their predecessors.
Gameplay
Being an FPS, ROTT plays as a fan of the genre would expect. What stands out in ROTT is the heavier artillery. Blasting an enemy at close range with a rocket launcher, heat seeker or whatever you fancy fills the screen with plenty of blood and guts (and is soooo satisfying). Even “God mode”, as a power up, makes a triumphant return, granting the player a supernatural ability to decimate the enemy soldiers. As I mentioned previously, a lot of the old models show up. Health is filled by eating the familiar Priest Porridge and Monk Meal. You still run around collecting the signature floating, spinning coins, and you still get around via spring pads and rocket pads.
Story
The story, just like ROTT: Dark War, starts you off as a HUNT (High-risk United Nations Taskforce) agent investigating a deadly cult operating on San Nicholas Island in an ancient monetary. Picking one of the five available agents (each with special skills and attributes), you breach the base, shortly after your boat is destroyed.
Summing Up
Overall ROTT was exactly what I was hoping for. While it is another FPS, it has enough to make new and / or casual fans take notice. I can’t wait to see what Apogee brings to the table next.
Verdict: 8.4 out of 10
FOTTs (Fans of the Triad) should definitely pick it up. Newbies interested in a unique shooter will definitely enjoy it as well.
