Developer: Pet Project Games
Publisher: 3D realms
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Tested on: PC
RIPOUT – Review
RIPOUT, an online co-op horror FPS developed by Pet Project Games, was released on May 28th. The game takes players through various procedurally generated space stations. While the combination of horror and FPS elements isn’t new, nor is the space theme, RIPOUT distinguishes itself with its procedurally generated levels. In the FPS genre, where core gameplay mechanics are often similar, unique features like this can set a game apart. Let’s see how well RIPOUT executes this concept.
Story
Taking place in 2084, after humanity banded together to try and fight aliens, you find yourself as one of Earth’s last biologically enhanced soldiers. You are enhanced with cybernetic augmentations and a ‘Cell’ that allows you to regenerate tissue. You wake up with no known orders, so you, your gun-pet, and the sentient AI that controls the ship you wake up in set off to find the last bastion of humanity. This place is the so-called ‘Sanctuary’ where humanity started to evacuate to when the war with the aliens began going south. This part of the story is presented as the introductory cinematic for the tutorial, and the rest of the story plays out during the levels with your AI companion announcing the new information to you through your current tasks. The story’s main function is to tie the levels together rather than providing a compelling narrative experience.
Graphics
The graphics of the game are amazing, and it is a shame most of the levels are relatively dark which makes it harder to see the 3D modeled surroundings. They did not skimp out on the decorations and details despite the levels getting re-shuffled every time you start them anew. You can walk around in surroundings that are crafted with as much attention to detail as some AAA games. They also added very clear indicators on when the cooldown on abilities is refreshed. This excellence is also continued for the enemies where we have quality over quantity. There are only a few types of enemy designs but they all look amazing and like actual flesh-based mutants. Their tech parts mesh well with the environments while their flesh adds a body horror factor to combat.
Sound
Abandoned spaceships and stations don’t usually have a lot of music blasting through speakers, so the sound you hear while playing is also very minimal. This silence is occasionally interrupted by static, footsteps, the voice of your AI companion, and combat. The main menu music makes the hopelessness tangible and leans into the horror aspect of the game.
Gameplay
Being an FPS, the core mechanic of RIPOUT is to provide enjoyable gunplay, and this is something RIPOUT does well, just like many other games in the genre. This is why FPS games usually have some gimmicks to make the experience more memorable. Like others, RIPOUT gives you a melee weapon and a handgun to use while playing the game. Being a co-op game that allows you to enjoy the game with friends, RIPOUT has four ways it breaks up the normal gameplay loop of FPS games. Of course, these gimmicks can only serve to improve upon a good foundation of gunplay. With the adjustable settings, the only thing that can be complained about is the tiny crosshair. Everything else works great and can be adapted to your own taste.
The first way is the levels themselves. Being procedurally generated means that failing a level changes details such as points of interest. Because of this, you cannot just throw lives away and memorize where every item and enemy is located. The downside is that if you get stuck on a level, you might remain stuck for a long time, just as you can’t clear a level with your eyes closed after a few attempts.
Secondly, the game tries to spice things up with the aforementioned gun pet. The gun pet has two modes: gun and pet. In its gun form, it functions as an assault rifle, shooting bullets in short bursts over a longer distance than your base handgun. In its pet form, it can either attack an enemy to deal some damage and distract it or retrieve a critter for you to equip. Critters are cybernetic augmentations on legs that can be temporarily attached to the player and function like side-arms. They can be used to shoot missiles, heal yourself, or shield yourself from damage. They are limited in the number of shots/healing/shielding they can do but can be easily recharged with the help of your gun pet. This makes the gun pet your most important tool for survival and it can be adapted to any playstyle thanks to its unlockable weapons. In essence, gun pets are your source of secondary weapons and can do various interactions for you. There is essentially nothing in the game that your gunpet doesn’t actively help you with. It’s a fun gimmick that does help with the overall flow of the game.
Lastly, there is customization. Throughout the levels, you can earn enhancements for your character to complement your playstyle. RIPOUT allows for multiple characters, each with its own progress record for the game. By using the customization options and cybernetic augmentations, you can craft your character to perfectly fit your playstyle or complement the style of one of your buddies.
Conclusion
Whether you’re playing alone or with others, RIPOUT offers some enjoyable, straightforward fun by shooting monsters. The critters, especially the gun pet, are charming additions to the gameplay. While they aren’t revolutionary, they have an adorable presentation, and the gun pet is easily one of the best parts of the game. This game is great to play with friends who like FPS games but want some nice, low-octane game nights.
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