Here's my review, based on my personal 10-category, 10-point scoring system. I'll add up the points at the end for a final score. Let's dive in!
STORY: 7/10
OBJECTIVES: 9/10
The objectives are neat and tidy. The game throws you into the action quickly, but once you find your footing, the mission structure works perfectly. While I initially wished for a bit more upfront guidance, it's a minor quibble. The missions themselves are consistently creative and never overstay their welcome. Crucially, they avoid feeling repetitive, keeping the gameplay fresh.
IN-GAME ART / DESIGN: 10/10
Visually, this game is incredibly solid. It looks fantastic, and nothing breaks the immersion. So little of the game looks "off" that it's a genuine technical accomplishment. Characters are rendered beautifully, environments are top-tier, and animations are smooth and refined. A pleasant surprise was how much I enjoyed returning to specific areas of the city. Far from becoming stale, these hub-like locations evolve with changes in the time of day, weather, and the people inhabiting them. Typically, such hubs can turn me off (looking at you, Indiana Jones), but not here. It's always a pleasure to go back.
MUSIC AND SOUND: 10/10
GAMEPLAY: 9/10
Simply put, it's fun! It works, and there's plenty to do. The single point deduction comes from late-game gunfights against "mercs" that occasionally lean a bit too close to a Call of Duty style. Otherwise, the game absolutely excels in delivering on the power fantasy. You can upgrade Robo's iconic Auto 9 or pick up various weapons from fallen enemies to mix up your combat approach. Throwing objects and punching enemies through walls are also incredibly satisfying options. Conversations are well-implemented too, offering branching dialogue options that feel meaningful without being overwhelming.
EMOTIONAL IMPACT: 7/10
RoboCop is a larger-than-life figure from my childhood; I was around 13 when the original film was released, probably too young for its violence, but everyone was watching. While I wasn't expecting a profound emotional journey from this game, it successfully hits all the nostalgic notes. It’s a good trip down memory lane, but it doesn’t quite strike a deeper emotional chord.
LONGEVITY: 10/10
Yep. You'll want to fire this game back up right after finishing it. My playthrough clocked in at roughly 20-25 hours, which translates to a little over two weeks of dedicated play for me. There's a strong desire to revisit the world and experience it again.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: 10/10
The success of RoboCop: Rogue City, coupled with the capably good recent Indiana Jones game, suggests a promising future for games based on classic IPs. Developers don't necessarily need to limit themselves to the 1980s-1990s window. Imagine the fun of delving even further back into history! With the right permissions and a deep respect for the source material, modern technology can absolutely bring these worlds to life. Think of it as a The Warriors-style game from Rockstar, but even better. This game proves it can work.
X-FACTOR: 10/10
PROMOTIONAL ART AND DESIGN: 9/10
I picked up a physical copy of the game, and the artwork on the packaging looks great, effectively capturing the game's aesthetic and drawing you in.
TOTAL SCORE:
Let's add up those points!
7 + 9 + 10 + 10 + 9 + 7 + 10 + 10 + 10 + 9 = 91/100
Final Thoughts:
RoboCop: Rogue City delivers a surprisingly robust and incredibly fun experience that respects its source material while carving out its own identity. It’s a must-play for fans of the franchise and a strong recommendation for anyone looking for a satisfying, action-packed shooter with a great sense of atmosphere.