Re:Play Episode #4 - Rogue Trooper Redux

Re:Play Episode #4 - Rogue Trooper Redux: Reviving a Classic Sci-Fi Shooter…

During the last console generation there were quite a few HD remasters, remakes, and rereleases. While some of these were held in high regard (Resident Evil 2), others fell to the wayside (Resident Evil 3), and even more were just plain unexpected. Rogue Trooper is one of these unexpected ones, and back in 2017 Rebellion sent us back to NU-Earth. 

In this episode of Re:Play, we explore the resurrection of this beloved game and delve into the reasons behind its enduring popularity.

Rogue Trooper Redux brings back the thrilling adventures of the titular Rogue, a genetically enhanced super soldier fighting in the distant future on the war-ravaged planet of NU-Earth. Set against the backdrop of a sprawling intergalactic conflict between the Norts and Southers, the game combines intense action with a compelling narrative, that draws you into a richly detailed sci-fi universe that’s straight out of the long running comic book.

Still to this day one of the standout features of Rogue Trooper Redux is it’s visuals. The game's graphics have been completely overhauled, with high-def textures, improved lighting effects, and enhanced character models. This visual upgrade breathes new life into the game, and while this version was optimised for the Xbox One, it looks great on the flagship Xbox Series X console - especially with the added FPS boost. Furthermore, gameplay mechanics have been refined to provide a more seamless experience. The controls have also been optimised, allowing for smoother movement and a more precise aiming. Additionally, several quality-of-life improvements have been made, ensuring that those frame rate issues and clunky performance woes of the past have been ironed out. 

While Rogue Trooper Redux is packed with modern advancements, it still remains true to the essence of the original. The storyline, which combines elements of military action, espionage, and moral dilemmas, still serves as the backbone of the experience, and fans of the comic book series will get a kick out of seeing elements of Finley-Day’s creation getting fleshed out on the small screen. As we traverse NU-Earth we’ll also encounter many memorable characters as Rogue faces his own tough choices that impact the outcome of the narrative. Moreover, the game retains its signature gameplay elements, such as the Biochip system. Rogue's comrades, Gunnar, Bagman, and Helm, are integrated into his equipment, providing unique abilities and assistance throughout the game. This mechanic adds depth to the gameplay, allowing players to strategize and adapt to different combat situations. It also wouldn’t be a Rogue Trooper title if it didn’t feature the four comrades, and each plays off each other well during the many cutscenes and scripted moments. 

Rogue Trooper Redux not only appeals to fans of the original game but also introduces a new generation of players to its captivating world. The remastered edition serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of the franchise, reminding us all of the unique blend of action, storytelling, and world-building that made the comic such a classic. Further more, with Rebellion opening up the 2000 AD experience with titles such as Regened - and the upcoming Mega-City Max - this video game does a great job in giving an accessible introduction to Gerry Finley-Day’s sci-fi epic. 

All in all, Rogue Trooper Redux stands as a shining example of how a classic adventure can be given a  new lease of life. Through enhanced visuals, refined gameplay, and a commitment to preserving the essence of the original source material, Rebellion has successfully revived the immersive sci-fi shooter for a new era. Whether you're a long-time fan or a complete newcomer to the series, Rogue Trooper Redux offers an engaging and thrilling experience that will leave you craving for more adventures on the war-torn planet of NU-Earth. It also stands to show that Rebellion has had a degree of success in making video games out of their own IP. And with plenty of other “big names” in their repertoire - hopefully we see another outing for 2000 AD soon! 

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Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow us on Twitter/Facebook @GeekCultureRev, and TikTok/YouTube @Geekculturereviews.