By: John C. Mayberry
When it comes to online free-to-play games you are bound to come across multitudes of team-based shooters. Given the actual number out there finding the gems amongst the stinkers can be a task. Lucky for you guys I have a massive collection of downloaded and physical games, and quite possibly an unhealthy obsession with them to boot which is how I am able to do this so effectively, but I digress. Getting back on track, the PlayStation 4 version of Rogue Company is the subject for this review, which thankfully is one of the gems of the stink piles still unfortunately out there.
No set storyline to this, but when playing team-based shooters that’s never really been a huge focus anyway, with developers putting more emphasis on the gameplay and features to produce something that’s easily accessible for a wide audience of gamers. With the four different gameplay modes you can compete in both 4 vs 4 or 2 vs 2 matches across several arenas based in international locations. Take control of a Rogue of your choosing, each with unique capabilities of their own, and between rounds upgrade their weapons and perks to make your Rogue as effectively lethal as possible for the rest of the match. Controls are easy to grasp, and the Character designs are as unique as they are colorful and I personally like to think reflects the type of personality that Rogue has, and although the game lacks any real story, their outfits look as though they would speak volumes of the person wearing them.
Rogue Company is one of the good ones, for sure. Fun, very accessible to a wide audience in many aspects, this free-to-play is worth downloading. With the additional feature of in-game purchases to enhance the experience, this is a title that’s worth the many hours you’re going to end up playing it. If you’re at work and reading this you’re obviously slacking off, so since you’re not doing anything else anyway why not duck out early, head home, download this game and just play it until your hands cramp up?
PROS:
Graphics – The graphics in Rogue Company are PlayStation 4 worthy for sure. Very sharp looking, very clear in not only character models but environments as well, helping to draw more players in and maintain their interest.
Crossplay – Available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Microsoft Windows as well. With the ability to play against or with other online players that are playing Rogue Gallery on different consoles or on PC, this provides for a big increase in the number of players online at any given time. The wait time for finding a match also doesn’t take long either because of this.
Minimal Load Time – Some online free-to-play games, especially those who have a massive online community, load times could be hopelessly long. I was pleasantly surprised to see Rogue Company has none of those problems. They want to get you playing right away!
Upgrading – Players can upgrade their Rogue’s stats on their weapons and perks to make them a heavier force to mess with during a match. In playing through matches you earn rewards also, some which can double your rewards for thirty minutes to an hour, others you can use to unlock another of the 19 available Rogues to choose from. In-game purchases are also available to give players that extra edge.
CONS:
Limited game modes – There are only four game modes available, with Wingman mode being the only 2 vs 2 match. With the Extraction and Strikeout modes being similar save for a specific match stipulation in Strikeout, which seems to limit the options available a little more.
Sprinting – Of course, in any instance where guns come out, you’re going to run like hell for cover, which in this game could be problematic for some players’ thumbs. Since the left control stick also acts as the L3 button, pressing and holding down the L3 button while controlling your Rogue’s movement can make for sore and achy thumbs on occasion. So remember boys and girls, video games are fun, but breaks are healthy.
OVERALL RATING – 9 out of 10
Although lacking in the variety of online matches and with some slight physical difficulty on your thumbs, Rogue Company still has many things that make this a fun online experience. The number of Rogues to choose from, their abilities, and the smoothness and relative ease in learning the controls are only a few of what makes this a great addition to your library.
