Hard Reset Redux is an FPS set in a dystopian sci-fi world. The player takes the role of Major James Fletcher, a corporative enforcer called on to fight the menace of a machine invasion on Bezoar City. The story has a few twists, and even though they are vairly obvious to any sci-fi fan, the tropes work well here. The scenario reminded me a lot of the first Blade Runner movie, as well as the original book (Do Androids dream of Electric Sheep? - by Phillip K. Dick); the plot itself seems to borrow several concepts from Second Variety (one of Dick's short stories), as well as some from Farenheit 451 (Ray Bradbury's famous story on the death of contemplation). For a sci-fi reader, these elements are enough to create a very immersive experience, although some choices might break the experience a bit. In between missions, the story is told by comic-book-shaped scenes. the aesthetics are interesting, but the dialogue is rushed for some reason, making the story convoluted at times, even though it isn't that complex to begin with. Small matters aside, it's a very interesting plot, coupled elegantly with the missions. It's a shame that the story ends on a cliffhanger. Even so, it made me wish for a sequel, a feeling that rarely strikes me in such situations.
The game itself seems to be shaped around the idea of old FPS. I haven't played the original Hard Reset (it is said to have been far more tactical than the Redux version). In here, though, the old strafe mechanics are heavily present, even more so on account of dodges (easy to pull and very useful). At times the game shows discrepancies with what I imagine was its original version, since the dodge allows the player to easily avoid most attacks while shooting enemies without much problem. Also, weapon variety grants a nice arsenal, with a weapon mode for every situation. As the player progresses through the game, he'll be able to mdify through upgrades his two main weapons (also, at some point Fletcher finds a sword, which he can use for direct melee attacks in a surpirsingly satisfying ballet of destruction). Fletcher can use a SMG and a laser gun, being able to unlock RPGs, grenade launchers, shock mods, beam mods, electric mortar mods and, of course, a shotgun. It is hard to find a favorite weapon mod, since each situation begs for some mods to be used. (Even so, I'd rather run around with the shotgun, like in old Doom and Blood games!) Some of these modifications will cause distinct effects upon the enemies, stunning, delaying or exploding areas they pass through (such is the case with the mine launcher).
The maps are linear for the most part, but they branch out in creative ways, holding a few secrets (mostly, nanites you collect to upgrade weapons in purchase stations). There's a bit of backtracking, but for the most part maps flow quite well. Models and scenario are used to tell the story and showcase enemies you'll find later on. The scenario is used in interesting ways, helping to develop the story and giving the impression of a lively setting. Maps are constantly made of partitions that won't open up until you kill all enemies in the area. This is adequately merged into the game, for example, since everything around simply stops working as AI driven machines are detected (for public safety and in order to help fend off the menace).
Some parts are a bit immersion-braking, though. For example, the character can't crouch. Several parts of the map are made so small machines can pass through, creating unreachable areas and spawn points. All in all, it still maintain balance, and this is a very minor thing.
Overall, the game is great, delivering an old sci-fi story through an old FPS style. Damn shame it's too short - a straight playthrough took me 4 hours. Still, it's just so good that I'm going back to find all secrets in a new game plus playthrough.
Highly recommended!
