Redfall: 5 Things That Need Fixing

Redfall, Arkane Studios' highly-anticipated co-op shooter that was supposed to sweep us off our feet and return us to the glory days of the Left 4 Dead series, was a colossal disappointment. And its quick trajectory of becoming one of the lowest-rated games on Steam is evidence of that. Unfortunately, it's just another case of a AAA game that showed an extreme lack of detail and launched far before it was ready. As a result, we have a poorly optimized game with a ton of bugs and components that are in need of fixing.

That's why today, we're going to outline the five biggest problems that need fixing in Redfall, though that may not be enough to cover all of its faults. Nonetheless, these are the most prominent issues that practically render the game unenjoyable. If you really want to know our full thoughts, you can check out our review of Redfall. Or, just keep reading to find out the biggest parts that need to be fixed.

5. Enemy AI

There is a lot to say about the enemy vampire AI in Redfall. They are ridiculously broken, glitching through the walls and ground, oblivious that you're standing next to them half the time, but the major problem that needs fixing is the lack of enemies. You'll run through levels encountering only groups of 1-5 enemies that you'll dispose of with ease. You're practically racing with your teammates to come across the next enemy so you can at least partake in some sort of action.

With that said, there are glimpses where Redfall swarms you with enemies, but these moments are far too rare. Not to mention the difficulty of foes, which is, well, there is none. They pose no threat if you're playing with a squad. They are more often than not, a joke. But the fix is simple: flood the levels with enemies, make them more constant, and the game will be much more engaging and interactive as a result.

4. Detail to Open-World

Arkane Studios can't argue they don't know what constitutes an immersive open-world or map design. After all, they are the developers behind the Dishonored series, which remains one of the most immersive and engaging story games of all time, thanks in large part to its map design. Redfall, on the other hand, falls far short of that standard. The Levels, maps, and overall atmosphere of the environments feel streamlined with nothing to really capture your immersion.

For example, half of the houses are boarded off and can't be explored, with the majority feeling like carbon copies of one another. Furthermore, half of them aren't even rendered properly, with parts that are incomplete. Take the infamous “Redfall Chimney” for example. In general, this just shows a lack of attention to detail and that Arkane Studios cut corners wherever possible. Not only is this in dire need of fixing, but it also reveals that Redfall, despite its AAA price tag, is far from a “finished product.”

3. Looting System

Redfall doesn't exude the sensation of a survival shooter that should thrive on a lack of resources and the basic premise of grinding for the next best weapon to aid you in your struggle. The enemies, who are extremely easy to kill, drop more loot than you need, which always keeps you stockpiled and comfortable. As a result, you never feel any sort of angst about your current inventory or supply. Where is the challenge or fun in that?

What's more, you always have more than enough money for the in-game buy stations. The game is a non-stop fire sale that really doesn't feel like it has any sort of loot reward system to it. As a result, there's no incentive to save, grind, or care about loot and gear. In general, the loot system feels meaningless. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad if there were more enemies in the game. Nonetheless, the looting system is in need of fixing, or for that matter, just a re-work in general.

2. Is a Compelling Story Too Much to Ask For?

To be honest, expecting any component of the game to be of acceptable quality feels like too much to ask for at this point. But the story couldn't be any drier. Not so much with how it's written, but more so composed and presented. There are no intriguing or compelling cutscenes to keep you immersed in the narrative. Simply return to your “base” and get a slideshow of what's going on or happening “next.” This is not engaging whatsoever, and just further highlights the studio's lack of attention to detail. Just like the looting system, the story's presentation and visuals don't just need fixing, but an entire re-work.

1. The Price Tag

We've covered a good portion of the fundamentals that are in need of fixing in Redfall, although we could go on and on. But at the end of the day, the most important issue that needs to be addressed is the pricing. Redfall is a “AAA” release that costs a remarkable $69.99. There is no way that Arkane Studios can admit that the price tag is justifiable for the product.

That's why, Arkane Studios needs to do something similar to EA with Battlefield 2042 and offer up full refunds. Don't get us wrong, there is a certain joy you can get from toying around with a game that's full of bugs. However, Redfall is so far from a finished state that it's almost insurmountable, and frankly, a joke to other games in its class.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there other issues in Redfall that you think are in dire need of fixing? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!