Redfall has received a lot of attention lately after it revealed more gameplay and story details in the recent Xbox Showcase. Arkane Studios is well known for developing hit titles such as Dishonored, 2017’s Prey, and most recently Deathloop, all of which were well received by fans and critics. Each of these games has sci-fi elements and Redfall looks to be following suit, but with a few notable differences.
Fans of Arkane have come to expect a set of standards from the developer’s titles, such as fast-paced combat and the combination of supernatural powers and real-world weapons. Redfall is most definitely going to expand upon these tropes, as well as add different gameplay features that will make the title unique in its own right. Ultimately, Redfall should look and feel like a classic Arkane title but will certainly stand out from its predecessors.
How Redfall’s Characters Compare to Arkane's Protagonists
The most obvious difference in Redfall, when compared to other Arkane titles, is its focus on four main protagonists and the inclusion of multiplayer. Previous titles from the developer have only featured one protagonist, except for players being able to choose between Corvo and Emily in Dishonored 2. Even though Corvo and Emily did possess different abilities, they played generally the same with neither character choice greatly affecting the overall gameplay.
With that said, character choice in Redfall will greatly change the way in which players go about the game. Each of the four playable characters possess different abilities to use in combat. One of Redfall’s characters has telekinetic abilities that allow her to block incoming damage, while another character is a combat engineer who has a robot companion who can perform a variety of tasks. Both examples are likely just a small taste of the full range of abilities that will be available to each character.
Each character’s skill set provides them with different utility in combat, which is why Arkane has introduced cooperative play to Redfall. Players will be able to choose their preferred character and work together with friends to conquer the hordes of vampires by combining powers and abilities. No other Arkane game has had so much variety with abilities and character choice, nor has any game featured co-op. Arkane has promised players that the newest title will play and feel like any of the other single-player, story-driven games, and the cooperative play will only act as an optional addition as opposed to a necessary part of the game.
Redfall’s Setting and Tone
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Most of Arkane’s games have taken place in fictional settings with a sort of realistic background. The Dishonored series and Deathloop, for example, take place in futuristic, dystopian cities and Prey takes place in an alternate timeline onboard a space station that is infested with alien life. All of the settings are realistic but also have a fantasy or science fiction twist. Redfall does seem to be following the same theme by featuring vampires, but it is also more grounded as it is set in the fictional town of Redfall, Massachusets.
By having Redfall take place in a small, American town it creates a familiar setting for the player. Instead of exploring futuristic and unusual locales, players are investigating an average town that has been overrun by monsters. Though there is clearly something supernatural happening in the town of Redfall, the entire setting seems more approachable and grounded compared to other Arkane settings. Perhaps the biggest change in setting for Redfall is not the town itself, but how players will be able to go about exploring it. As opposed to previous Arkane games, which were generally linear but allowed for some exploration, Redfall is going to be completely open world.
The playable characters also seem to be more relatable and personable than previous protagonists in Arkane titles. Based on the narration in the gameplay trailer, each protagonist seems to have their own personality and the characters quip with one another, which fits the less serious tone of the game. Even though the characters are hunting vampires and cultists, Redfall looks to be trying to create a more laid-back atmosphere, which differs from previous titles that have been extremely tense or violent.
Arkane has definitely found its calling in creating fast-paced, supernatural action games, and Redfall is setting itself up to be yet another addition to the growing list of acclaimed titles. Though there is a general theme and formula that all of Arkane’s games follow, Redfall is adding a lot of variety that should give players a nice change of pace with unique character options and a more grounded setting.
Redfall will launch in 2023 for PC and Xbox Series X/S.