RoboCop: Unfinished Business Review - Simple Entertainment

RoboCop: Unfinished Business Review – Simple Entertainment

In the ever-expanding universe of video game adaptations, RoboCop: Rogue City – Unfinished Business emerges as a notable standalone expansion to the original RoboCop: Rogue City, which captivated gamers in 2023. While it builds upon the foundations of its predecessor, Unfinished Business diverges in significant ways that may polarize fans of the original game. At its core, the expansion retains the adrenaline-pumping thrill of action sequences, allowing players to step into the titanium boots of RoboCop and dispense justice with a powerful arsenal. However, as players will find, this new offering trades in some of the original’s charm for a more straightforward narrative and action-focused gameplay.

Plot and Setting

Unfinished Business plunges players back into the grim world of Detroit, but it does so in a rather somber fashion. The narrative kicks off with a devastating attack on the police station—once a hub of interaction and mission-giving for players in the prior installment. This shocking incident not only leads to the demise of several beloved NPCs but also serves to highlight the consequences of the chaos that RoboCop is working to quell. Characters from the original game make brief appearances, including Officer Lewis, who provides guidance to RoboCop as he embarks on a mission to tackle the mercenaries behind the attack, primarily stationed in the ominous OmniTower.

However, the setting of Unfinished Business feels constricted when compared to the immersive and sprawling environment of Rogue City. Rather than exploring a vibrant urban landscape, players will find themselves in a series of monotonous corridors and static environments. This stark contrast diminishes the sense of connection to the world that players had previously developed and leads to a more linear experience that might feel less engaging.

Gameplay Mechanics

In terms of gameplay, Unfinished Business places a heavier emphasis on action, contrasting the RPG elements that characterized its predecessor. While Rogue City mixed exploration, character interactions, and combat in a balanced manner, the expansion leans into the shooting mechanics, presenting players with numerous combat scenarios. With a focus on first-person shooting, players are tasked with battling hordes of mercenaries and robots that stand in the way of reaching the top of OmniTower.

Notably, this installment introduces several new weapons and environmental kill opportunities, allowing players to employ tactics such as tossing enemies down garbage chutes—a sadistic yet entertaining touch. These improvements ensure that combat remains engaging, but they also prompt a question among players: does a focus solely on action undermine the depth found in the original’s open-world exploration?

While the RPG elements from Rogue City make a return in some capacity, incorporating features like character progression and skill enhancements, the overall impact feels diluted when the settings shift from urban exploration to repetitive battle sequences. The limited opportunities for character interaction and side quests feel like missed opportunities, leaving the expansion lacking in the variety that players cherished in the original.

Critique and Player Reception

As the reviews continue to pour in following the release of Unfinished Business, player feedback has been mixed. Some fans appreciate the straightforward action and the exhilaration of combat, while others mourn the loss of the rich world-building that set Rogue City apart. According to reviews on popular gaming sites, many players feel that the beautiful combination of storytelling and action in the first game has been replaced with a more formulaic approach in the expansion. Dominic Tarason from Rock Paper Shotgun pointed out that “the linear progression and lack of memorable environments contribute to a less enchanting experience overall.”

The developers at Teyon, who previously delivered a promising experience with Rogue City, are now under scrutiny as players hope they are actively working on a sequel that can recapture the magic of the original. The community is eager for a game that combines the robust RPG mechanics and character-rich narrative that fans have come to love, alongside the exhilarating action that both titles deliver.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, there is potential for growth and improvement in the RoboCop game series. With the right adjustments, future installments could reintegrate the aspects that fans found appealing in the first game while enhancing the combat system that Unfinished Business has pioneered. The gaming community remains optimistic, as Teyon has demonstrated its ability to create exciting narratives and gameplay experiences. Continued dialogue among players will be essential to shaping the future of this franchise and ensuring that the next installment can balance thrilling action with the depth of character and exploration that defines successful open-world games.

As players traverse the landscape of Unfinished Business, they will find themselves wrestling with questions about the direction of the RoboCop franchise, hoping for a revival that marries the fast-paced action of the current offering with the expansive worlds that made the original game a must-play.