Modern Game Weekly - République

Welcome to Modern Game Weekly, this series will be focussed on more recent releases and is based around the 0 to Z of Playstation 1 Games series, with information on what the game is, the gameplay, story, critical reception and availability of the game. The story section will not be the entire games story, just a small section to give you an idea of the plot, spoilers will be kept to a minimum where possible.

The games chosen for this series are at random from my own ratings database, the database currently contains the majority of console releases from 2016 to January 2018 with the first group of 2015 releases just added as well as January 2018 releases, with each game rated and ranked. Each game has their own rating broken down into five different sections.

The first is the numbered ratings, this uses a scale of 0 to 100 with a total of 10 of these ratings. One of the things that a part of this rating are critic review scores, these scores come from all console platforms the game is released on.

So for example Okami HD, which was recently released on PS4 and Xbox One, as well as previously being released on the PS3, all three of these releases factor in on the games overall rating. As a result shoddy ports of a game will seriously hurt the games overall score.

The reviews section takes a total of 12 reviews for the game if that number are available, both the six best review scores as well as the six lowest scoring reviews for the game, this covers reviews for console releases only. Information here will not be full reviews but snippets that stand out from the reviews.

The Availability section works exactly the same with a look at how available the game is assuming they are not digital only releases, with retailers Gamedude, eStarland and Amazon.com, while Retrogames may feature as older games are added to my database, the site currently only covers games up to the Xbox 360 and PS3 era.

République is a first and third person Sci-Fi themed action adventure stealth game that originally released as an episodic series over the course of a three year period. Initially the game release on iOS before receiving an Android release in 2014 amd a PC and Mac release in 2015.

The game finally came to console in March of 2016 with a Playstation 4 release, the game release as a complete collection of the five episodes that make up the game, the PC also received a complete remastered release in 2016 as well. 

République was developed by three different studios with Camouflaj, Logan Games and Darkwind Media all playing a part in the games development, while GungHo Online Entertainment would publish the game

Notable people who worked on this game, Ryan Fedje who worked as a Senior Game Designer, previously worked on the SOCOM series working as a Designer on SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs  Fireteam Bravo, and follow up Fireteam Bravo 2, he also worked on SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs and SOCOM 4. In between the development of these two games he provided Additional Design work on the 2010 release MAG.

Stephen Hauer who worked as the games Art Director has previously worked on the Art for Microsoft Flight Simulator X, as well as Forza Motorsport 2. He worked as an Environment Artist on the fourth game in the Halo series prior to working on République.

Hong-Wei David Liu also known as David Liu worked as the Audio Lead on the game, prior to this he worked on the sound for Age of Empires III The Asian Dynasties, as well as working on the Halo series. Working as a Sound Designer for Halo Reach in 2010 and Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary.

In addition to the production and development staff the game also featured many talented voice actors such as Rena Strober, Jennifer Hale, David Hayter, Dwight Schultz, Khary Payton, Leila Birch, Richard Doyle, Josh Keaton, Matthew Mercer, William Salyers and many more.

République is a stealth action adventure game in which the player takes on the role of two characters, the first is Hope, a teenager who is trying to escape from a facility within the Dystopian state of Metamorphosis. And the player a hacker who is helping Hope escape from the Facility.

The facility where the game is set is swamped with cameras with the player guiding hope through the various levels of the facility, while the player is the main protagonist of the game they have no interaction with Hope other than being a hacker who is assisting her escape.

To assist Hope the hacker must access the facilities security system in order to access the various surveillance cameras that litter the facility. To do this the player must access OMNI view using the R1 shoulder button, the OMNI is a smartphone like device that runs the OMNI software, which allows the player to interface with devices around Hope.

Each version of the OMNI software expands upon what the device can access, it also improves the performance of the Omni, with reduced battery drain when completing an operation. The main software of the OMNI can be upgraded at daemon servers, with additional applications available from the Data Broker.

When using the OMNI software the D-Pad is used as a zoom function, this only applies to the up and down D-Pad buttons, when hacking a camera the face buttons are used, the more cameras that are available to hack the more of these face buttons will be available.

The L1 and L2  shoulder buttons as well as R2 are used to hack and object, while pressing the left analogue stick will find Hope by jumping to the nearest camera to her. Pressing on the right analogue allows the player to toggle door locks when available, this does require battery power to do, the right analogue stock also controls the camera POV.

When in control of hope, left and right on the D-Pad are used to scroll through her available weapons, with up and down to control the camera’s zoom. The circle button is used to make Hope crouch, while the square button is used to use whichever weapons you have equipped, when you want Hope to interact with an object the X button is used, to get Hope to run the R2 button is used by holding this in, the left analogue stick is used to control Hope’s movements, while the right analogue stick is used for the current used camera’s movement.

The player is able to change between with the floor display or the map view by pressing the L1 shoulder button, in the event you lose where hope is pressing the left analogue stick will automatically take you to the nearest camera that has Hope in view, while pressing the right analogue stick will centre the camera on Hope.

Talking of cameras, the player uses these to guide Hope around the facility, giving the player a birds eye view of Hope and any guards and obstacles that could impede Hope’s progress, later in the game a new type of camera will be found, this camera must have a tougher software program as it kicks you out after a short while. Unlike normal cameras if one of these new types sport you an alarm will be sounded.

The Data Broker is a mysterious individual that can be contacts in confinement rooms, these are safe zones in which the Prizrak, the facilities security force do not patrol normally. The Data Broker will buy objects and pieces of data that are of interest, which Hope finds or scans. The funds that are aquired from the sale of these objects or data can be used to upgrade her phones hacking ability.

There are several upgrades that can be acquired by hope from hacking voicemails, which results in more loot. Hacking emails, which also results in more loot, messing with guards radios in order to delay them, this does however require battery power to use, as does creating a distraction. Another useful addition to Hope’s phone is the ability to see guards positions through the walls, as is an upgrade that predicts the guards movements, this latter one also requires battery power to use.

The guards who are also known as the Prizrak, are a private security force that patrol in and around the facility. Hope needs to avoid these security forces, if she is spotted by any of them they will attempt to arrest her and take her to the nearest confinement cell. When this happens all current weapons that Hope has on her are removed.

When a guard spots you and attempts to arrest you Hope has option available to her. Pepper spray can be used to temporarily blind a guard and allow Hope to vacate the immediate area, and guards hit with pepper spray will soon recovery though.

Tasers are a more permanent option for dealing with guards, any guard that Hope disables using a Taser will be out of action for the remainder of the chapter, in addition to evading and disabling guards, Hope can also pickpocket them for weapons and other items, more commonly the player will only loot a video game floppy disc from the guard.

Vents are an important part of the game, these allow Hope to access secret areas of the facility that can contain loot, as well as providing vital shortcuts around the facility. In order to access a vent Hope requires a screwdriver, these are single use screwdrivers which can sometimes be acquired from pick pocketing guards, or found laying around the facility. Some vents maybe accessible from the beginning of the game, also unlocking a vent in one chapter does not keep it permanently unlocked in a later chapter of the game.

République is set in the totalitarian dystopian state of Metamorphosis, with George Orwell’s 1984 clearly an influence. The state is lead by the Overseer or Headmaster, a man named Treglazov who is a powerhouse technology and security mogul that has been pushing his insane ideology for most of his life.

The latest book, which is a manifesto he created, and what he used to concoct his utopia, and has given It to everyone that lives in or works for it. Within the Dystopian state is a facility, guarded by the Prizrak, who are the hired guards of this totalitarian state, and protect the facility from intruders and keep in line the adolescents called Pre-Cals or Pre-Calibration.

These adolescents are the subjects of mysterious experiments that are carried out at the facility, these teenagers were born and raised at the facility. One of these teenagers Hope is accused of defacing the manifesto and is considered by many to be in need of recalibration, Hope is able to contact the player using a phone and asks for help In escaping the facility.

Starting with the Zero2Zed rating for the game, République started off solid good first half, with ratings coming in at aa high of 90, with a 88 rating as well, with the remaining ratings all coming in at a solid 80. The second half of the games ratings took a bit of a significant dip with a couple of disappointing 50s and three 60 ratings.

Critic reviews play a major part in this scoring system and République generally has done well so far when it comes to critic reviews, the game able to get a 90 rating from one review, with a remaining solid first half. The game was somewhat let down by the second half reviews, with them dipping down into the average scoring range.

Grading wise the games second half grades range were a bit of a disappointment with a couple do D grades for the 50 ratings, with the remaining three coming in at C- grades. While the second half grades were a disappointment the first half grades were very solid, peaking with an A- and narrowly missing out on another with a B+, the remaining three were solid B grades. Looking at the overall rating for the game, it has a rating total of 698 points, this averages out at a 69.8 rating, converting to a graded rating this comes in at an above average C+

On to the first of the critic reviews which comes from Digitally Downloaded who scored the game at an impressive 90, the review calling the game utterly beautiful and coming to the Playstation 4 as a complete package, rather than the chapter structure adopted for the iPad release, which the reviewer said was greatly welcome. The reviewer continued by saying the game is a chunky, and lengthy experience that will last you some time.

Next up is Wccftech who rated the game at a very good 88 rating, the reviewer praised the game writing calling it a very well written story, the review continued by saying the gameplay experience is engaging with high production values.

The review continued by saying that République is a game that no adventure fan should pass on, the review did have some issues mainly with episode four of the series which they found to have a noticeable drop in quality which prevent the game from being a masterpiece, the reviewer however highly recommended the game.

GameCrate next are next up with the first of four 80 rated reviews for the game, this review commented on the games transition from mobile to console saying that it transitions in grand fashion, with the game telling a bold story that is rife with wonderful gameplay, design and quality voice acting.

The Digital Fix who also scored the game at an 80, they had the following to say on the game, some minor gameplay issues aside République does a notable job of taking an innovative idea and crafting an ethically-charged, politically driven story that most triple-A titles fail to grasp in their storytelling.

GameCritics were next up again with an 80 rated review, their reviewer finding the game lives up to the promise of its long-ago kickstarter. The reviewer finding the game  delivers an engaging, well-built adventure from its humble beginnings as a crowdfunded indie effort on a shoestring budget.

The review did however have some issues with the game, the pacing was one issue they found with the gameplay feeling tuned for the slower pace demanded by touch controls of a tablet or phone. The reviewer also found the stealth in the game to be quite simplistic with enemies also on the dim side of the spectrum.

The final review in the top half is from Brash Games who scored the game again at an 80. With the game enjoying their overall experience with République, the review saying while it may look pretty straightforward, they found it does offer something unique, taking what makes stealth games great and adding a new twist on perspective.

Heading to the other end of the review scale we find four reviews rating the game at an above average 60, while we find two reviews tying for the lowest score, with an average as you can get 50. Starting with the best of these first, and we start with GameSpew who are the first 60 rated review.

Their review says that République has some great ideas, but find it a shame they aren’t fully developed enough to offer a tight experience that the game could have been. The reviewer finding the story to be filled with intrigue and promise, that unfortunately never delivers enough to give the full picture of what is going on.

The review also had some technical issues with the game, the reviewer saying As you're always viewing the game through the eyes of Metamorphosis' many security cameras, your viewing angle is constantly changing, this proving disorientating at times. Loading times between camera changes were also a major issue for the reviewer, they found 5 to 10 second delays, often resulting in getting caught by enemies as a result.

TheSixthAxis next up with a 60 rated review, the reviewer saying that fans of dystopian fictions or good stories in general would absolutely adore Hope’s journey, the reviewer however finding the execution leaves a lot to be desired however.

Slant Magazine found that the developers made significant alteration s to the original concept of the game as the five episodes progress, with the reviewer finding these changes were rarely for the better. The reviewer finding the early episodes provided a solid foundation, however by the fourth episode the review found that the developer Camouflaj seemed board with the project.

The review found that the game, now which you have more control over the main protagonist opposed to the mobile and PC versions, the worse the game functions, the reviewer finding that the gameplay literally falls apart, they were also critical of the delay when changing camera angle as well as bug like Hope getting stuck on objects in the environment.

Hardcore Gamer who also scored the game at a 60 said there is enough to like here, namely the themes and world building to warrant a playthrough of the game at some point down the line. They continued however by saying, those who have been waiting for a full console release might want to look elsewhere for the time being.

ZTGD were the joint lowest scoring review for the Playstation version of République, with a 50 rated review. The reviewer commenting that the game has a great dystopian style world and a set up that had the reviewer hoping they could overlook the simpler graphics, dated animations, and odd stuttering moments. The reviewer however concluded with, but the one thing that could have pushed this over the edge is fun factor, and that simply wasn’t there.

The final review comes from GamesRadar+, with the reviewer wanting République to be better, with the team of industry veterans behind the game, with the review commenting on the game getting much right, especially the dystopia and unique control scheme and combat free stealth, as well as high production values. However the reviewer found even with these high production values, the stealth was clumsy and the story and pacing off the game uneven.

This is the part of Modern Game Weekly where is visit four online retailers and see what the availability of the title is, and what price you would be looking at if you wanted to pick this title up, the sites that I will be using for this are Amazon.com, eStarland.com, retrogames.co.uk for older generation titles and Gamedude.com I know the last one is very location specific, but from a podcast I listen to, I’ve heard they have a huge stock of games, Ebay has now been dropped unless the game is unavailable at other retailers.

So lets get down to business with Gamedude, who have both used and new copies available, but starting with a trade in, Gamedude will pay up to $8 if you are looking to trade in your copy of République. If on the other had you are looking to buy a used copy of the game, you will be looking at an outlay of $17. It would probably be more worthwhile to buy a new copy which is priced at $19.95 and only $2.95 more than a used copy.

This being a PS4 release Retrogames.co.uk will not have this in stock, with their listings only going as recent as the PS3 and Xbox 360 era. So we will quickly move on to eStarland.com, who have the game listed but at the time of writing is currently out of stock. When in stock the game has a usual used price of between $10.47 and $14.95. Also on offer at eStarland is a trade in for the game, with eStarland willing to pay up to $7.50 for a complete copy of the game, this price reduces to $4.88 for a disc only copy.

Moving on to Amazon.com where we find a pretty good supply of the game available, the cheapest currently on offer is a like new copy of the game for $15.22, another like new used copy is also available for $15.27, this copy however is shipped by Amazon so the free shipping only applies to Prime users and those spending over $25.

The next cheapest copy on offer is a new copy of the game, with new copies significantly outnumbering used copies of the game. This new copy is priced at $16.54 and comes with free shipping. A couple of good condition used copies are next up priced at $16.62 and $18.41, with a final like new copy priced at $19.78.

Another new copy is priced near this at $23.80, with a price just up to $28.30 for the next three new copies. From here new copy prices continue to steadily rise up to the current price peak of $75.67 for a new copy of the standard version of the game.

The final copy on offer is listed in the wrong section, this copy is the game collectors edition, which is priced at $143.98 for a used like new copy, this would come in at the third highest priced collectors edition available on Amazon. 

Moving over to the Collectors Edition listing on Amazon we find the cheapest is priced at $97.98, for a brand new copy of the Collectors Edition, with another couple price between $1 and $2 more. The final two new copies of the collectors edition are priced significantly higher with priced coming in at over $150.

Written by

P J Gibbon