Resistance: Retribution Review for PlayStation Portable (PSP)

System: PSP	Review Rating Legend
Dev: SONY Bend	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: SONY	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: March 17, 2009	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-8	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Mature	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

Naturally, the developers recognized that some players wouldn't feel challenged by the mechanic and added enemy types that more or less force you to deactivate the auto lock-on function in favor of manual control. Thankfully, this can be done on the fly by simply pressing up on the D-pad. This takes a bit to get used to, but after the first few waves of Boomers, players will get the hang of it. Also, many weapon types require you to manually aim at enemies, and targeting specific body parts, i.e. the head, still does more damage, eliminating oncoming foes much more quickly.

Resistance: Retribution screenshot

Manual controls aren't perfect, however. Using the face buttons to aim your weapon is decidedly less efficient than what shooter fans are used to. As such, Sony Bend even went so far as to add a Retribution Plus feature that allows you to control the game with a DualShock 3 or Sixaxis controller - even rumble functionality comes through via the DualShock 3. The only catch is that you have to have both a PS3 and a copy of Resistance 2 along with the controller. If you have all the requisite components, this control scheme is surprisingly effective. Of course, there is one more little hitch. Playing with a PS3 controller is only worth it if you hook up your PSP to the TV - placing the PSP on the ground or even on a table and playing with a PS3 controller is a waste of time and effort.

Similarly, players can also access Infected Mode by pairing their PSP with their PS3 and Resistance 2. Infected Mode changes up the story (and some of the dialogue) a bit by making James Grayson an infected human like Nathan Hale. Not only is the narrative slightly tweaked, but players will also have access to additional intel folios strewn about the game and can shoot the HE .44 Magnum - you know… the handgun from Resistance 2 that allows you to blow up Chimera from the inside with its secondary fire functionality. Also, no longer will players have to worry about picking up pesky health packs (which seem to be somewhat incongruent with the scope of the story), as Grayson will now be able regenerate his health meter and breathe underwater - attributes which are decidedly useful toward the end of the game.

Unfortunately, Infected Mode only lasts as long as your PSP is turned on. As such, it is fairly cumbersome and inconvenient for playing on the go. Also, you can't take advantage of the Retribution Plus control scheme while in Infected Mode. Nevertheless, it adds a lot of subtle nuances and encourages replayability. I would suggest players to beat the game as human Grayson, then go back through the story a second time as infected Grayson, collecting the missing intel and picking up on the differences as you go.

In addition to the great single-player campaign, the multiplayer component in Resistance: Retribution stands head and shoulders above the competition. Players can join or host a game via ad hoc or infrastructure modes. Players can choose between ranked and player matches, five different game modes including Free-for-All, Team Deathmatch, CTF, Containment, and Assimilation, and five different, excellent maps in which to run around. Nuances such as team assist perks that encourage teamwork, rank progression, medal accumulation, text entry and voice chat support (if you have a PSP-3000), and clan tags make this more than just your standard portable multiplayer action. In fact, there is already a vibrant community supporting the game's competitive multiplayer. This makes getting a game with eager players an easy task whether joining or hosting a match. The only downside to multiplayer is that the auto lock-on targeting system is still in effect, which leads to an experience that is less about skill and more about camaraderie.

I encourage anyone with a PSP to pick up Resistance: Retribution. This is beyond a doubt one of the very best games for the system, and it is fun to play for fans of the series, shooter experts, and gaming novices alike. The varied controls schemes make the title accessible for everyone, and the unparalleled presentation and engaging story should make believers out of anyone. Bravo Sony! The solid gameplay and advanced features packed into this title have unlocked some of the unrealized potential of the PSP and have rekindled my interest in the platform. I've got a feeling a horde of other gamers will agree!

By Jonathan Marx
CCC Editor / News Director

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

5.0

Graphics
This is perhaps the best visual presentation on the PSP to date.

4.3

Control
The vast amount of control scheme options are inclusive of many different gaming skills and help to circumvent the handheld's shortcomings. Some may find the stop-and-pop gameplay to be a bit mundane.

4.1

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Too bad a portion of the voice acting is so bad, because Grayson's character is awesome, and the orchestral themes make the nervy mood of the Resistance world come right through.

4.8

Play Value
The excellent single-player campaign is loaded with goodies and can easily be played through a second time due to the inclusion of Infected Mode. The multiplayer offering sets the bar for competitive shooter gameplay on the PSP.

4.6

Overall Rating - Must Buy
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Game: A third person action-adventure game created specifically for PSP that bridges Resistance: Fall of Man and Resistance 2.

Storyline: Dramatic storyline set against the battle to retake the European continent, follows a single soldier's grim determination to avenge his fallen brother.

Engine: Utilizes Bend Studio's third generation PSP engine that allows for more enemies on screen, more detailed characters with higher resolution bitmaps and specular highlights, and a memory buffer system that allows for larger and more detailed worlds.

Revolutionary Targeting System: Advanced third-person targeting system designed specifically for the PSP.

Portability: Liberal checkpoint system makes the title ideal for small bursts of gameplay perfect for the on-the-go gamer.

Weaponry: Weapons include favorites from Resistance: Fall of Man like the Auger, Carbine, and LAARK, as well as new weapons based on hybrid Alien/Human technology - including the BM001 Razor and the Longbow 1S-1K "One shot, one kill" sniper rifle.

Enemies: Over ten different types of enemies, including Chimera from Resistance 2 and Resistance: Fall of Man - including the Titan, Slipskull, Hybrids, and Leapers - and all new enemies like Boomers and Cloven.

Multiplayer: Intense eight player multiplayer gameplay with five game modes including Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, Containment and Assimilation available via ad-hoc and infrastructure.