The original Red Faction games released on the previous console generation and were among the first titles to really showcase environmental destruction as a gameplay element. Courtesy of the Geo-Mod system, Red Faction and its sequel allowed you to punch holes through walls with your firepower, revealing hidden areas as well as new ways to get the drop on your opponents. Now, developer Volition and THQ are readying up the next long-awaited title in the Red Faction universe, Red Faction Guerilla.

Although it’s a very different presentation than series fans are used to (it’s a third-person open-world shooter as opposed to a more linear FPS like the originals), Red Faction Guerilla does a fine job of nailing the ever-important destruction elements that the series has been known for. There are a few stumbles along the way, but destruction fans will definitely get a kick out of what Red Faction Guerilla has to offer.

Red Faction Guerilla puts you in the shoes of Alec Mason, a recent arrival to Mars. Many years have passed since the revolutionary events that occurred in the first game, but things are still fairly strained between the EDF powers that control Mars and the colonists that toil on its surface. The EDF are extremely oppressive and responsible for the murders of many innocent colonists, leading the Red Faction resistance forces to rise up and fight them off the planet. In the opening moments of the game, Alec’s brother, a member of the resistance, is killed by the EDF, an event which finds Alec placed at the center of the revolution.

The gameplay in Red Faction Guerilla puts players into an open-world sandbox presentation of Mars, similar to games like Grand Theft Auto IV or Mercenaries. You’ll be able to navigate the surface of the planet by walking or utilizing a variety of cars, trucks, and construction vehicles to get around as well as you explore the six different areas throughout the game. You’ll perform a variety of quick strike missions, taking out strategic positions and people within the EDF, and eventually lowering their hold of the area to zero, giving the Red Faction control of it. Rinse, lather, repeat until all six areas are free of the tyrannical EDF.

Sandbox gameplay elements are nothing new, but where Red Faction Guerilla really shines is when you get into the nitty-gritty and blow stuff up. The game uses the latest version of Volition’s own Geo-Mod engine (2.0), effectively combining accurate physics and wanton destruction to make for some awesome carnage. Destroying buildings, outposts, towers either with grenades, vehicles, or rockets (or even just your trusty sledgehammer) is an absolute blast, and luckily factors into many of the game’s missions.

The combat in Red Faction Guerilla is solidly done. You’ll have access to a variety of weapons stemming from both mining functions as well as true weapons, like machine guns and sniper rifles from the EDF’s arsenal. The real emphasis, however, is placed on explosive weapons that are capable of wiping out enemies and structures at the same time, and your melee weapon, the sledgehammer, which is one of the most satisfying melee weapons in years. Aside from being able to lay out enemies in one solid blow, the sledgehammer is effective at knocking down structures when your explosives supply has been exhausted.

Red Faction Guerilla also features some pretty compelling multiplayer features. While the game features familiar standby modes like Free for All and Capture the Flag, the game sets itself apart in two ways: the environmental damage system and the ability to use power-up backpacks. These backpacks allow you to do such things as let loose a shock wave, fly for a limited bit of time, or charge through structures and foes. There is a pass-the-controller mode called “Wrecking Crew” where you and your friends can compete for the highest amount of collateral damage in an area with a set type of weapon that is also quite fun.

However, Red Faction Guerilla does have a few shortcomings that keep it from being truly great. The missions are pretty inconsistent, and some of them can be extremely frustrating to complete. Additionally, the AI can be quite problematic, and enemies often act very erratically on foot and in vehicles. The cover system is also an issue, as you'll often be popped out of cover without wanting to be, leading to some undue frustration. Another thing that is somewhat weird is that your character never tires when sprinting (maybe it’s something to do with the atmosphere, who knows).

However, one of the most problematic quirks, comes from the support AI feature. As colonists join your cause, they’ll often attempt to “help” you by fighting alongside you unsolicited. However, they quickly become more of a hindrance than an actual help, making lousy moves and getting killed off quickly, and blocking you into buildings by standing in the doorway, which is a huge pain.

Graphically, Red Faction Guerilla looks good, with well done character models and vehicles. The explosions look phenomenal, with structures collapsing realistically and debris littering the landscape. The only problem is the world, which looks very plain and redundant. Soundwise, the work here is pretty decent, but doesn’t really stand out in any way. The voice work is pretty cheesy.

Red Faction Guerilla is a solid entry to the series that modernizes it well and puts it into an open-world. Unfortunately, there are a variety of other quirks, like the cover system and AI that bring the gameplay down. Still, if you’re a fan of destruction, Red Faction Guerilla has plenty of it.

Gameplay: 7.8
The game is at its best when you’re going around blowing up buildings and structures. The gunplay is also fairly solid. However, the various AI quirks, troublesome cover system, and erratic mission structure are problematic.

Graphics: 8.0
The character models are solidly done, and the vehicles look pretty good, and the explosions look fantastic, but the environment is pretty plain and areas seem to run together and get bland.

Sound: 7.0
The voice work is pretty cheesy, and the music and sound effects are serviceable.

Difficulty: Medium

Concept: 8.0
Red Faction Guerilla does a fine job of bringing something new to the series and pushing it in a different direction. The story isn’t terribly compelling, however.

Multiplayer: 8.5
The game’s multiplayer elements are a lot of fun and add some great elements to the mix, like the Geo Mod 2.0 system and power-up backpacks, and the Wrecking Crew mode is pretty addicting as well.

Overall: 8.0
Red Faction Guerilla has some missteps, including the AI and cover system, but the game is definitely on point when it comes to destruction.