Hard Reset is a beautiful cyberpunk FPS title by Flying Wild Hog.A couple things to be said for this game. For one thing, it looks amazing, the graphics are absolutely top notch for a large budget AAA game let alone a indie title. The footage below is on low video settings with a toned down resolution so I could record without a too large fps drop. One of the most visually impressive titles I have seen in a while.
The game reminds me of Quake 2 and 3 I played growing up as a kid. There is no cover system, no magic health regen, iron sights or even reloading for that matter. For ammo and health the game solely relies on pickups, something that hasn't been done in a while and is a very nice change of pace. Its all run and gun, while maniacal robots chase you down with buzz saws or crush you underfoot. The combat is fast, frantic and very satisfying. There are specific objects in the environment, neon signs, terminals and other such things. All of these can be destroyed to release a burst of electricity, frying anything foolish enough to get in the way.
The story is entirely forgettable unfortunately, and plays in comic book style during (note the during) the loading screens and once loading is done you can skip them. Though bland, a story is not necessary to enjoy this metal wrecking, explosion causing and wicked looking game.
Hard Reset has a very unique weapons system. You have only two weapons, projectile based and energy based. You can however buy upgrades that add additional functionality to your current weapon. The weapons transform to their alternate forms. The energy weapon for example, appears to change its "focus" as you switch between its modes. The default is essentially the chaingun, but with plasma. One of my favorite weapons in the game is the electric mortar, it fires a single projectile that arcs and on hit, releases a burst of electricity for a few seconds, akin to the environmental destruction effects. Simply fire inbetween yourself and oncoming cannon fodder and watch the fireworks.
The enemies are varied, interesting and above all, dangerous. The robots in the game just run at you. No faffing about AI, they are going to gun you down and saw you to bits unless you actively move to stay out of their way. When you suddenly notice that the tiny drones you have fought the level before are now rounded and roll at you like explosive bowling balls it adds a level of excitement rarely experienced. Circle strafing is key, that, is a round about summary of the combat in Hard Reset.
The survival mode plays as you would expect. Increasingly difficult waves of minions with a single upgrade between each. Here the upgrade menu can feel a little clunky, the tiny confirmation buttons are a little too hard to hit when time is of the essence, but it is not a big issue. The mode is a plus no matter how you slice it, its fun and adds longevity to the game. A few more maps past the default two would be nice.
Something to point out though, is multiplayer. The game completely lacks it in any form. While some might frown upon this, where nowadays every game comes with multiplayer in the pack and the value for money seems clear, I completely agree that the game does without multiplayer well. The focus on singleplayer campaign is definitely a good decision. Adding multiplayer just for the sake of it is never a good idea and would not turn out well, as we have seen with so many games in the past.
The game summarised? Classic, old school gameplay with a modern twist thats beautiful to behold.
You can find and buy Hard Reset on Steam, Gamers Gate and Desura.
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