The PlayStation 4 is already working on bringing top-notch free-to-play titles to players through PlanetSide 2 and DC Universe Online. But there’s one other title, one developed by Zombie Studios, that FPS fans should be keeping an eye on. That game is Blacklight Retribution. You may (vaguely) remember the not-so-impressive PS3 downloadable title Blacklight: Tango Down. Retirbution is its sequel. Don’t let this deter you. Blacklight Retribution oozes quality and refinement. I armed myself with the PS4’s new DualShock controller and strode into battle.
To keep things simple, only Team Deathmatch was on show here, and it was against bots. Although it is worth noting that the full array of modes available on the PC version will be headed to the PS4 version as well. One of Retribution’s biggest draws, and most competitive FPS’ nowadays, is its customization. Guns can have their barrels, stocks, scopes, receivers, camos and so on altered any way you see fit. A few alterations to the barrel and muzzle and suddenly that assault rifle is a powerful sniper rifle. Your custom-crafted firearm will be assigned a name depending on the combination of parts pieced together. Once you’ve tweaked your gun, you can start tweaking your character. Various helmets, head pieces and armor types await your selection. With those out of the way, you can head into the fight and start dealing damage.
Blacklight Retribution is an impressive first-person shooter and it feels great on the new DualShock’s revamped triggers. Shooting was tight and responsive, the kind of result one would expect from big budget shooters. I was able to effortlessly take out the bots accurately and found no issue with the aiming or down-the-sights view. Reacquainting myself with the HRV was a good deal of fun and it reminded me how this threat indicator/environment analysis overlay benefited new players and strategists alike. It’s a quality game, one I think many would gladly pay for. The never-ending customization options coupled with the definitive FPS action the genre’s followers have come to demand leave Blacklight Retribution a promising PS4 title, and it won’t cost you a cent.
