The real-time devastation looked incredible, especially during rampages with the Mining Walker. Explosive tanks and gas pumps added nice fiery touches to the devastation. Stick mines and a home-made rocket launcher were indispensable in taking down enemy vehicles and knocking holes in structures. The third-person shooting felt like it needed some smoothing out, but Volition has plenty of time to iron out the kinks. Driving was also a bit wonky; it was much too easy to careen out of control and smash into buildings of enemies and allies alike, sparking unwanted conflicts.

Mindlessly crushing everything in sight, however beautifully rendered, is not going to be enough to make Red Faction: Guerilla a hit. It is still unclear how the rest of the “open world” will play out, and Cermak wasn’t giving many hints. He indicated that safehouses will play an important role in supporting you and the resistance, and a salvage system will help players upgrade weapons and vehicles. We’re hoping the rest of Red Faction: Guerilla comes together as well as the smashy-smashy bits. Keep an eye on this one!

Apr 4, 2008