PSP World

Resistance: Retribution Review

Set in the weeks after Resistance: Fall of Man, Resistance: Retribution follows the story of a former British Marine named James Grayson. After a personal tragedy involving the death of a family member at the hands of the Chimera, Grayson goes on a vendetta to destroy every alien conversion center he can find. Eventually Grayson learns that his efforts have been futile... in Western Europe the Chimera have evolved a new method of converting humans to aliens. The European resistance fighters enlist Grayson's help, and he joins Cartwright and Parker in Operation Overstrike. The war to retake the European continent is the central focus of this PSP title.

Calling the PSP version of Resistance a spinoff would not be fair to Sony Bend and the creators of this amazing game. It is, for al intents and purposes, a standalone title that stacks up favorably against its much bigger PS3 rivals in terms of action and gameplay. However, there are some ways in which it doesn't' quite satisfy our thirst for the kind of experience the more powerful PS3 can provide. The graphics are as good as we could ever hope for on a handheld system, but the designers have had to make compromises in other areas. Multiplayer online play is also present, but the small selection of maps and gameplay modes feels incomplete, and players will likely grow bored sooner than they would with other, more complex multiplayer shooters, even on the PSP. In the single-player campaign, enemy AI consists of a few basic routines for advancing, taking cover, and running from side-to-side, rather than the more complex formations we are used to seeing in more recent console games.

Aiming in Retribution is well done, but not as fluid as control on the PS3 with its dual analog sticks. Because the PSP uses its precious left analog for character movement, it doesn't leave much to aim with except for those inadequate face buttons. Of course, aiming with four face buttons is like trying to steer a WWII tank, so the team have included a helpful auto-aim feature. The problem with auto aim is that it takes much of the fun away from shooter games like this, which should test the player's reflexes rather than their ability to lock on to enemies. With the shooting taken away, Resistance: Retribution becomes more a game about taking cover, killing enemies in the right order and dodging bullets. What should we even call a game that relies so much on auto aim? Not a third-person shooter, surely. How about a gun and ammunition management simulator?

With its definiciencies out of the way, now let's focus on what Retribution manages to achieve, which is quite a lot.

First of all, the level design is outstanding. As Grayson, you will explore many different environments throughout the European campaign, from the ruined streets of Rotterdam to the sewers of Paris. There are wide-open areas teeming with enemies and claustrophobic cramped corridors to explore, and every new area feels fresh and unique.

If you suffer from a short attention span like we do, there is good news. You will never experience the creeping onset of boredom while playing Retribution. Every level is packed with outrageous amounts of enemies both large and small, designed to keep you on your toes. Luckily, you will have a plethora of different weapons, all of which perform in their own unique and satisfying way.

There are some interesting gameplay innovations present in Retribution. This is one of the first games to really take advantage of PS3 connectivity. Using a feature called "Retribution Connect," lets you connect your PSP to a PS3 running Resistance 2. Linking the two systems unlocks extra content in Retribution, such as new weapons and access to new areas, adding greater replayability to an already impressive package. Perhaps to counter our criticisms about the control scheme, the game also enables you to play with a DualShock controller using this connection feature.

Playing Retribution in 'Infected' mode opens up new areas and gameplay possibilities.

Replayability is quite strong, especially owing to the aforementioned connection feature. Even without it, there are lots of hidden intel files to collect and special achievements to earn for each of the game's single player missions. We estimate that a complete playthrough of the single-player campaign will last from 8 to 10 hours.

For fans of the two console games, we heartily recommend Resistance: Retribution, although true fans have undoubtedly picked up the game already. For those who have not played the PS3 original, there may be better options in the PSP catalog if you are looking for an action shooter. For example, we highly recommend Sony Bend's other PSP project, Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow for those who prefer a bit more stealth and thinking along with the shooty bits.