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Redfall | Review Thread

What score do you think Redfall will get?

  • 0 -10%

    Votes: 8 1.3%
  • 10-20%

    Votes: 1 0.2%
  • 20-30%

    Votes: 2 0.3%
  • 30-40%

    Votes: 7 1.2%
  • 40-50%

    Votes: 27 4.5%
  • 50-60%

    Votes: 81 13.4%
  • 60-70%

    Votes: 239 39.6%
  • 70-80%

    Votes: 173 28.7%
  • 80-85%

    Votes: 44 7.3%
  • 85-90%

    Votes: 9 1.5%
  • 90-95%

    Votes: 1 0.2%
  • 95-100%

    Votes: 11 1.8%

  • Total voters
    603
  • Poll closed .

yazenov

Gold Member
This is all on MS. Its clear that this game needs more time in the oven due to all the bugs. Sure it won't fix the boring gameplay, but at least it needs more polish. It would have scored in the low 7s instead of low 6 if they gave them more time.

It seems rushed to satisfy the Gamepass drought.
 
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Yoboman

Member
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iD Software:

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Lol damn
 

ZehDon

Member
So either

(1) Microsoft couldn't improve what Arkane was doing technically and creatively, or
(2) They could but decided to force the game release in this state anyway.

Which one was it?
Oh right, this is just how you are all the time.

So anyway, what likely happened was Arkane - a single play focused developer - bit off a lot more than they could chew when they wanted to make an open-world multiplayer shooter. At that time, Zenimax was looking to make a lot of multiplayer or online titles. Elder Scrolls Online and Fallout 76 spring to mind. In any case, Arkane clearly couldn't get the pieces together, and after four years, several delays, and one new owner later, Redfall was clearly no closer to being decent. Microsoft cut their losses on a project they inherited when they bought Zenimax, gave the team a deadline to deliver the finished game, and this is what Arkane delivered. Personally, I would've shit-canned this game the day I bought the studio, but I'm betting Microsoft wanted to play nice and show they had faith in the developers and were prepared to back them and their vision. That faith has clearly gone unrewarded.
 

bender

What time is it?
Ladies and gentlemen, I think it is time to give the executives at ZeniMax a huge round of applause, not because of how awful Redfall is (although they certainly do bear some responsibility for this shitshow), but rather that they were able to swindle Phil Spencer and Satya Nadella out of seven and a half billion dollars to buy out ZeniMax and their associated studios. I bet ZeniMax also tried shopping themselves to Sony as well back in 2020 and gave Sony a fair chance to at least try and match Microsoft's offer, but Sony probably had a good eye with their executive team to look under the hood back then to see what a rotting corpse that ZeniMax was trying to sell off. In hindsight, the Fallout 76 shitshow of a launch back in 2018 should have been a warning sign that things weren't going so well with the ZeniMax-owned studios, and that it wasn't a one-off aberration, but part of a larger issue among their studios that Microsoft of all companies certainly wasn't going to resolve anytime soon, especially with Phil Spencer at the helm.

Starfield will be an interesting litmus test. I've kind of had the thought the Microsoft investment on Zenimax might have come with most of the studios on the downslope. At any rate, the IP alone has a tremendous amount of value.
 

Banjo64

cumsessed
For me it was like $150 for 3 years

That's like 2 AAA games

Maybe it'll be worth it, but I haven't played a single true AAA banger yet

Seems like it's been quite the gamble so far, and it really shouldn't for 3 years
I feel you. I initially spent £121 but have topped it up over time with various good deals (12 months EA Play for £10 when it used to convert to 4 months Ultimate).

It expires in April next year and I’m not touching the 3 year ‘offer’ again with a barge pole.

How has mine nearly expired and I’m still waiting on Avowed, PD, Fable and Everwild?
 

Tomi

Member
This is disaster...

I hope Starfield will be better because some heads will drop ;;..;;
 
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ZehDon

Member
Starfield Direct on June 11 is gonna be win-or-bust, no need to wait for MC...
I think Xbox's entire showcase on June 11 is going to be a make-it-or-break-it moment for them. They better have some heavy hitting announcements for games that aren't too far away, otherwise it's literally just Starfield for 2023 and Forza for 2024.
 

Ultra Donny

Member
That settles it for me. I'm getting a PS5. I thought xbox would be enough for my gaming needs, however I'm tired of the mediocrity with their first party output and most 3rd party games being superior on PS. Redfall is the straw that broke the camels back. I'll hang onto my Xbox as I want to believe they can release bangers, plus Gamepass really is the best deal in gaming, but so far it's disappointment after disappointment and I want the best gaming experience for my hard earned dollars. Feels like last Xbox One vs PS4 all over again.
I'm having the same thoughts actually.
It's so frustrating to see a company with that much resources and no direction wasting cool concepts. I think I will get myself a gaming pc instead. Unsubscribe to gamepass is a no brainier when it's shit like this they pump out to fill the service with content.
 

DenchDeckard

Moderated wildly
meh aya cash GIF by You're The Worst


Sounds like it's completely confused at what it's trying to be.....and then it's juts a glitchy mess on top! Another classic 2023 game in performance, but no excuse for mediocrity.

Gg arkane...
 
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People had the excuse that Xbox has at least more raw performance does not matter as PC has taken that point even more regardless of crappy port, which are patched latter.

IMO, in future i am seeing that developers are focused on PS+PC port and their priority would last towards xbox as we are seeing this trend by Capcom and Square Enix.
 

Heisenberg007

Gold Journalism
Starfield Direct on June 11 is gonna be win-or-bust, no need to wait for MC. After Redfall mismanagement, they'll really need to leave a good impression with the game, and soon. Anyway, June is gonna be 🔥 and I'm even more hyped now.
I'd just leave a word of warning here. Carefully cut trailers, shown on high-end PCs, are never an accurate representation.

Redfall also showed similar gameplay footage. Heck, they even let game reviewers and journalists play carefully curated previews, and they all came out feeling positive.

Some of us (cue: Riky Riky ) were even calling Redfall a GOTY based on those early impressions.

L2L07TR.png


Point is even if the Starfield Direct on June 11 looks like win, there is always a possibility of it busting up on release day -- especially because Starfield is going to be much more massive than Redfall with many intricate systems and worlds that will only open up after a few hours of play.

I'd recommend keeping expectations in check. That'll also help Starfield developers not feel as much pressure.
 
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You will regret your words once Starfield gets 90 plus
Ok, well we'll see about that then. I'll say that the gameplay footage during combat sequences that was shown last year of Starfield didn't look too encouraging, but granted that's only my opinion and others might disagree on that. For me, it looks like some of these ZeniMax studios aren't following one of the key principles of the 'Cerny method' for game development that was drafted by Mark Cerny, which can be found in the below (Source):

"From his extensive experience on the "dos and don'ts" in the game industry he has developed the "Cerny method", a strategy for game development. His method prefers a free-form, pre-production stage that explores a game's viability prior to full development. For example, he advocates that if the first level produced does not excite customers, then the game idea should be set aside before too much effort is put into it."

Looks like Arkane Austin and/or ZeniMax sure didn't give a damn about following the Cerny method for Redfall. If Starfield ends up being a technical disaster at launch, especially for the Series consoles since there's no modding available there (or at least limited compared to PC), then I think that's going to be the last straw for many longtime console owners of Xbox to start looking elsewhere for alternatives, and there'll be an uproar on 'mainstream' social media (Reddit, YouTube comments, Twitter, etc.) among customers throwing up their hands in disgust at Microsoft and declaring themselves done with Xbox for good.
 

DenchDeckard

Moderated wildly
I think Ms and Bethesda clearly thought there's no saving this unless they delay it like 12 to 18 months and start changing everything....the ROI just doesn't make sense so I guess they thought abort get it out the door....

..the problem is, its the last thing the brand needs right now.
 
No, he’s absolutely correct.

Excusing poor quality because you get it “cheap” as part of a subscription service is precisely what many of us warned would happen under the Game Pass (also known as Netflix) model. The subscription service itself becomes an excuse for low quality content, which in turn leads to more low quality content because keeping people subscribed and engaged is the more important metric than game quality or sales.

Look at all the green lit projects by Amazon and Netflix that got thrown in the trash after a season or less. Because they’re constantly chasing content to fill their service. The same thing will happen (or, rather is happening) with Game Pass.

A word I’ve seen used a lot to describe these kind of service issues, and one I’ve become quite fond of is: Enshittification.
Exactly this. Also, Gamepass is feeling more and more like Indiepass, but for triple the price as Apples Indiepass. MS is dropping the ball big time and it’s amazing to me that anyone can still defend them.

MS needs to step up big time. Release real good AAA games, and very soon. Their sales are non existent as you could see in the latest press report, there’s just nothing notable to play on the console.

Also, they need to reorganize the organization. Fire all people involved in Xbox what it is today from 10 years ago and sweep the company from talentless hacks. Hire real talent and clean the ship. They need real leadership, not a guy that bends with the wind and cares more about playing Vampire Survivors than to run a multi billion dollar industry.
 
I think Xbox's entire showcase on June 11 is going to be a make-it-or-break-it moment for them. They better have some heavy hitting announcements for games that aren't too far away, otherwise it's literally just Starfield for 2023 and Forza for 2024.

I think that Hellblade 2 and Avowed (less sure about Fable...) will both be out next year, so it it is not like the Xbox will be starving for content. Regardless of what is said about MS pipeline and management processes, they bought so many teams, some of which with a great pedigree, that they will have the games, sooner or later...Simple math! I think that it will be too late for them to dethrone Sony this generation (well, Sony could always stumble and face plant, especially when it comes to their GAAS push...), but they will regain some positive mindshare, and past mistakes will be forgotten.
Having said that, and because they have tarnished the Halo brand, MS absolutely needs for Starfield to land. Now I know that Bethesda has made some beloved games, but I am a bit preoccupied because while said games were well-received, critically praised and commercially successful, they got there despite their two shortcomings: The jankiness of the tech, and the mediocrity of the minute-to-minute gameplay. They were -are- so rich, so complex and so ambitious, that criticism of the aforementioned points was subdued, for the most part. I wonder if this configuration will be shared by Starfield, and I do wonder if expectations have risen because of so many brilliant releases since the last major Bethesda RPG (The Two Zeldas, Elden Ring...), and if the current and justified campaign against bugs, glitches and inconsistencies will affect the reviews?! 🤔
 
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Heisenberg007

Gold Journalism
I think Ms and Bethesda clearly thought there's no saving this unless they delay it like 12 to 18 months and start changing everything....the ROI just doesn't make sense so I guess they thought abort get it out the door....

..the problem is, its the last thing the brand needs right now.
I disagree. Why would a company intentionally take a negative PR hit? Especially in these circumstances?

Besides, it is launching on GP day one. It wasn't gonna lit the sales charts on fire anyway, so the ROI isn't really a part of the equation. They aren't gonna recover it from game sales anyway.

I believe XGS really thought they had a wonderful game on their hands. Let's look at the facts:
  • They didn't delay the game.
  • They charged $70 for this game. This is the first game Microsoft is charging $70 for!
  • Phil Spencer revealed this game in their 2022 Showcase as the "before I go, I have one more thing to show you" special announcement. For reference, Sony closed their show with God of War Ragnarok.
  • Satya Nadella name-dropped Redfall in their financial earning calls last week (!)
They really thought they had a gem at their hands that's worth name-dropping in earning calls, announcing as a special game to close their Showcase, and asking $70 price tag.
 
I think Ms and Bethesda clearly thought there's no saving this unless they delay it like 12 to 18 months and start changing everything....the ROI just doesn't make sense so I guess they thought abort get it out the door....

..the problem is, its the last thing the brand needs right now.
I don't think so. If that was the case than MS would have lower it price to maybe $50 to at least show that it's worth the purchase ,however, pricing it at $70 even after watching the game it shows that their is something wrong with the management.
 

DenchDeckard

Moderated wildly
This sucks so much. I really like booth dishonored games. Maybe I pick up Prey from my backlog instead of playing Redfall.
Yeah me too.
I disagree. Why would a company intentionally take a negative PR hit? Especially in these circumstances?

Besides, it is launching on GP day one. It wasn't gonna lit the sales charts on fire anyway, so the ROI isn't really a part of the equation. They aren't gonna recover it from game sales anyway.

I believe XGS really thought they had a wonderful game on their hands. Let's look at the facts:
  • They didn't delay the game.
  • They charged $70 for this game. This is the first game Microsoft is charging $70 for!
  • Phil Spencer revealed this game in their 2022 Showcase as the "before I go, I have one more thing to show you" special announcement. For reference, Sony closed their show with God of War Ragnarok.
  • Satya Nadella name-dropped Redfall in their financial earning calls last week (!)
They really thought they had a gem at their hands that's worth name-dropping in earning calls, announcing as a special game to close their Showcase, and asking $70 price tag.
You think they thought the game was excellent?

With the bugs etc?

No Way Lol GIF by E!


You're too much.
 
I think that Hellblade 2 and Avowed (less sure about Fable...) will both be out next year. So it is not like tge Xbpx will be starving for content. Regardless of what is said about MS pipeline and management processes, they bought so many teams, some of which with a great pedigree, they will have the games. I think that it will be too late for them to dethrone Sony this generation (well, Sony could always stumble, especially ehen it comes to their GAAS push...), but they will regain some positive mindshare, and past mistakes will be forgotten.
Having said that, Zand now that they have tarnished the Halo brand, they absolutely need for Starfield to land. Now I know that Bethesda has made some beloved games, but I am a bit preoccupied because while said games were well-received, critically praised and commercially successful, they got there despite their two shortcomings: The jankiness of the tech, and the mediocrity of the minute-to-minute gameplay. They were -are- so rich, so complex and so ambitious, that criticism of the aforementioned points was subdued, for the most part. I wonder if this configuration will be shared by Starfield, and I do wonder if expectations have risen because of so many brilliant releases since the last major Bethesda RPG (The Two Zeldas, Elden Ring...), and if the current and justified campaign against bugs, glitches and inconsistencies will affect the reviews?! 🤔
Ah common now, Xbox is already starving for good to great content for 3 years now lol.
 
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Thyuda

Member
I honestly don't know anymore why anyone's still surprised. This was already written on the wall months ago.

And no, Starfield doesn't look any better currently, since we've basically seen nothing of this game yet.
 

Zuzu

Member
Ladies and gentlemen, I think it is time to give the executives at ZeniMax a huge round of applause, not because of how awful Redfall is (although they certainly do bear some responsibility for this shitshow), but rather that they were able to swindle Phil Spencer and Satya Nadella out of seven and a half billion dollars to buy out ZeniMax and their associated studios. I bet ZeniMax also tried shopping themselves to Sony as well back in 2020 and gave Sony a fair chance to at least try and match Microsoft's offer, but Sony probably had a good eye with their executive team to look under the hood back then to see what a rotting corpse that ZeniMax was trying to sell off. In hindsight, the Fallout 76 shitshow of a launch back in 2018 should have been a warning sign that things weren't going so well with the ZeniMax-owned studios, and that it wasn't a one-off aberration, but part of a larger issue among their studios that Microsoft of all companies certainly wasn't going to resolve anytime soon, especially with Phil Spencer at the helm.
Yep, the output from Zenimax since 2018 has been more bad than good. Here's a list of the main larger-scale games since 2018:

2018: Fallout 76,
2019: Wolfenstein Youngblood, Rage 2
2020: Doom Eternal
2021: Deathloop
2022: Ghostwire: Tokyo
2023: Hifi Rush, Redfall

Only 3 of the 8 (Doom Eternal, Deathloop, Hifi Rush) have reviewed really well and personally I think Deathloop was rated way too high. Fallout 76, Youngblood & Redfall are real duds and Ghostwire & Rage 2 are just average ho-hum games really.
 
Present your arguments. I listed 4 facts. Do you have any counter-arguments against those facts?
Your list seems pretty correct and it shows what a shit show MS management is. They also thought they could release Halo in its abhorrent condition before and only release multiplayer lol. And Satya Nadella mentioning Redfall in the earnings call as being something great shows how tone deaf MS top management is for anything. Guess they’re all too busy playing Vampire Survivors up there.
 
Well sum up by a Steam user after playing this game.
" This is what happens when you choose your employees based on their salutation and political orientation instead of their hard skills, qualifications and experience.

The effects of this hiring policy in the studios is bearing fruit and it will only get worse.".
 
Starfield will be an interesting litmus test. I've kind of had the thought the Microsoft investment on Zenimax might have come with most of the studios on the downslope. At any rate, the IP alone has a tremendous amount of value.
Yeah, the ZeniMax IPs do certainly hold some value for sure, but nowhere near $7.5 billion. Like, if they were to try and outsource a future Elder Scrolls game to an outside partner to complete it, who the hell would be able to do so within a reasonable amount of time? Maybe Activision with their behemoth 3 studios of Infinity Ward + Treyarch + Sledgehammer, but obviously Activision would never agree to such an arrangement so that'd be an immediate non-starter. Otherwise, it'd take way too much time with a high level of risk that the project fails considering how ambitious and resource intensive a modern day AAA Elder Scrolls game is going to be to develop for.
 

DenchDeckard

Moderated wildly
Present your arguments. I listed 4 facts. Do you have any counter-arguments against those facts?

It was shown a year ago, barely in alpha stage and probably not even playable from start to finish.

They have pumped it out the door to get it over with and commit to their promise that titles would be released in the first half of the year.

It's not worth delaying the time to get this sorted, it would take months and months. Probably years - they do not have the budget or sales forecast / gp sign up data to warrant this. It is not suicide squad with DC behind it and already 500 million in the hole.

Also, on your point. I guess you think Sony thought forspoken was an amazing game and kept pumping marketing money behind it. Thought it was awesome?

Microsoft adopted this game, they didn't green light it, it was baggage that came with the purchase and was signed off by Bethesda. It could just as much be their thought process to cut and run but also give the studio the support they need from a marketing perspective to show their support for what is a small talented studio. They just didn't hit the mark on this one, making games isn't easy.

I blame ms more of not delaying it to support the bugs and still releasing a 6 to 7 out of ten game.
 
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