The history of RoboCop games has been rocky at best. For every bonafide classic we’ve gotten, we’ve also seen a game that failed to live up to the ambitions of Paul Veroheven’s legendary 1987 film. But, hey, we’ve always got Robocop vs. Terminator.
But Nacon and the developers at Teyon knows how to make a movie-to-video game adaptation work, as they’ve proven with its previous Terminator: Resistance. So it’s at it again with RoboCop: Rogue City, a game that follows the tone – and violence – of the original movie to full effect.
It does get a little repetitive, but never boring, as you’ll lay waste to thugs while helping civilians with key choices, upholding the law, and having a field day doing it. Oh, and did we mention you’re doing so with the original RoboCop himself, Peter Weller? We’d buy that for a dollar!
Serving the Public Trust To Full Effect
In the game, you portray the well-wired hero as he patrols the streets, dealing with smaller situations before getting into bigger ones with weapons drawn. It all ties in with a smartly written storyline that pays tribute to the films that came before it, rather than alienating them.
The structure is excellent, as everything ties together nicely to help attribute to RoboCop’s character as a whole. He still serves his three primary objectives, but at the same time grows on you as he continues to fight for what’s right, in a city that doesn’t seem that invested in the idea.
Gunplay is outstanding, as you can target enemies easily using your old-school system and then, well, blasting their heads off if you feel so inclined. You can also pick up secondary weapons and “juice” up with additional power if you take more damage than expected (damn grenades!). The game also lets you collect evidence (like nuke, from RoboCop 2) for additional upgrade points, so you can improve RoboCop’s performance.
While the gameplay can be a bit repetitive when it comes to its shoot-em-up tactics, it’s incredible fun; and patrolling the streets enables you to do other enjoyable tasks, like dealing with loud punks or issuing a parking citation. Hey, you’re a cop, remember.
The end result is a game that makes you feel like RoboCop but has a lot of fun doing it. Granted, it may turn off those that don’t really “get” the hero or never saw the movies. But for everyone else that was hoping for a more redeeming experience from the disappointing 2003 game, well, I’d say this is it.
Protecting the Innocent With an Awesome Presentation
Nacon and Teyon apparently did their homework with this one, watching the movies very closely (yes, even part three) to assure they understand what RoboCop is about.
Visually, the game is superb. It’s not overflowing with details (this is AA development, after all) but it still looks sharp. The city looks as dark and dingy as you’d expect; and the animations are solid, if not over-the-top. And the objective system makes it easy to track where you’re going next, so you’ll never really get lost. (It never hurts to explore and find bonus tasks, though.) The only downside is that Robo’s speed is a bit on the slow side, but what do you want for a walking hunk of 300 pound metal?
There’s good audio as well, including great music themes, solid voice acting (the punks definitely sound deplorable) and classic effects from the film, including the firing effect of your firearm. But, surprise, there’s one key element that steals the show – Peter Weller.
The original RoboCop returns to the role for motion capture and voicework, and he’s still great in the role after all these years. Some may wonder about his monotone delivery, but that’s just the character for you. Overall, he’s a welcome factor that makes you feel right at home with the hero. I just wish Nancy Allen came along for the ride as his partner, but if I recall, she was busy. Ah well, the fill-in is terrific.
It’s definitely leaning more towards the classic design of games, so don’t expect a sprawling open-world with miles of territory to cover. But RoboCop: Rogue City does just fine with what’s given here, and fans will feel right at home. As for newbies, well, give it a shot, it might just surprise you. Like the SUX 9000 did. (What a car!)
Upholding the Law of Fun Movie Adaptations
I can’t really think of anything that holds back RoboCop: Rogue City from gaming greatness. I mean, it may not cater to those that haven’t seen the franchise; and its action could’ve used a little more punch (maybe from RoboCop himself?). But otherwise, everything fires on all cylinders here.
It’s a blast to play, even if you’re completing smaller missions; and the presentation is top notch given the development budget. Plus having Weller back feels so right, as he fits right back in with the role that made him famous.
RoboCop: Rogue City is a reminder that some teams still know how to make a great video game based on a film. It’s all about heart – and providing some bang for the buck. Even ED-209 is smart enough to know when that works. (We think?)
GAMERHUB RATING: 4 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to Nacon for the review code!
