Summary
Rockstar Games Inc., better known as simply Rockstar, is a bit of an enigma in the video game industry. On paper, they’re like any other video game publisher who has found success. However, their trend-setting influence and their reputation among gamers put them in a league of their own. Sure, there are others that are slowly building their brand (CD Projekt Red comes to mind), but Rockstar’s been around longer.
Rockstar has alwayspushed the envelope in terms of creativity and level design. But they’ve also pioneered game mechanics that previously didn’t exist — or if they did, they made them more mainstream. Sadly, these days, Rockstar is now mostly famous as theGTAorRed Dead Redemptionstudio. There was a time when their gaming output was much more frequent and diverse. Players didn’t even have to wait long to enjoy themselves in those games, as they were hooked from the get-go.
Manhuntis oneof Rockstar’s initial pet project video games, which put them on the map thanks to its thoroughly fun, stealth-based gameplay. The reason forManhunt’sinfamy, however,is rooted in its controversial depictionsof brutality and kill animations. There are reports that a large chunk of the staff threatened to walk out because of the game. But ultimately, despite the setbacks, it still got made.
As for how the gameplay works, it’s a pretty unique setup where players control a death-row inmate who has to execute targets to earn his freedom. Players must rely on the dark spots and corners in a level to conceal their presence. Using the environment, the enemies can be distracted and killed. There are several kill animations inManhunt, depending on the player’s input and weapon, that add so much variety to the game.
Smuggler’s Run 2: Hostile Territoryis anadrenaline-pumping Rockstar video gamethat is fun from the outset. While it’s noMidnight Club,the game still grips players with its exciting, gimmicky gameplay.Smuggler’s Run 2: Hostile Territorygives a new twist to the vanilla racer formula with its off-course style of driving.There are different missions to keep things from feeling repetitive. Players will feel the intensity of tailing targets without raising suspicions or the pulse-pounding escape missions from the Border Patrol.
Smuggler’s Run 2: Hostile Territoryhas a simple upgrade system for the different vehicles that conveniently streamlines things. Just like the most fun Soulslike games, the game’s learning curve won’t cause frustration either, but will motivate players to improve. The timer will keep reminding players of the deadline. There’s nothing like the adrenaline rush followed by a sense of elation once a mission is cleared.
Rockstar proved withRed Dead Revolverthat they’re not just the GTA studio. After all,Red Dead Revolveris responsible for spawning the all-time classicRed DeadRedemptionand its magnificent sequel — it’s now their other mega-franchise.Red Dead Revolveris a relatively short but fun Rockstar game from beginning to end that’s playable in one sitting. The enjoyable story has a lot of heart, perfect pacing, and no filler. There’s a gravitas to the narrative structure with rock-solid gameplay to boot.
TheRed Deadseries’ signature ‘Dead Eye’ mechanic debuted inRed Dead Revolver,and it is spectacularly integrated. Players can engage with the NPCs during downtime, but in a limited scope — no getting lost exploring the edge of the world map here. There are moments where players will switch to different characters, adding a nice change of pace. Plus, there’s a local co-op mode which is an absolute blast with friends, similar toGTA Online.
L.A. Noireis a bit of an oddity among other excellent Rockstar games, and it doesn’t take forever to be fun. The gameplay and visual presentation blend together perfectly,as players step into the role of a junior detective, Philip Coles. The players can investigate cases and uncover the whole picture of events for every single one of them. Alternatively, players can fumble it all up and screw things for poor Philip. That’s right!L.A. Noiredoesn’t end if an investigation fails, though Philip does get chewed out for it.
The most unique part of the gameplay is the interview/interrogation mechanic. Players must use the clues found during the investigation and question suspects. Reading their facial expressions correctly will help narrow down the culprits. It’s not as easy as it sounds, but it is fun as heck. The noir style and sounds add a layer of extra enjoyment and immersion.
BothGTA Vice CityandGTA: San Andreasare revolutionary blasts from the past and fun open-worldgames by Rockstar, butGTA: San Andreasslightly edges out. The cultural impact ofGTA: San Andreasis hard to ignore, and Rockstar set the benchmark at the time for open-world maps. In addition to the usualGTAstaples like wanted meters for criminal activities and destructible vehicles, there are new things like customizing CJ’s appearance — he’s the main character. Players can also take on rival gang territories, go on dates with potential love interests, and improve CJ’s stats.
GTA: San Andreasdoesn’t shy away from adult dialogue and dark humor, which is a huge part of its identity — Big Smoke’s voice and dialogue are still prime meme material. Other character dynamics also feel authentic, if overly exaggerated. The gameplay and missions might feel dated by today’s standards, butGTA: San Andreasmore than holds its own.
Max Payne 2is a Rockstar game that is crisp, polished, and doesn’t overstay its welcome. Coming from the publisher ofGTA Online, it’s genuinely surprising. Fans considerMax Payne 2to be the series’s peak. That sentiment is hard to disagree with because of the story’s profound themes and utterly satisfying gameplay. “He was trying to buy more sand for his hourglass, I wasn’t selling.”is just one of the many quotes that show the writing’s eloquence, and the top-tier dialogue delivery only enhances the immersion.
As for the gameplay,Max Payne 2cranks up the tension to elevenwith an almost haunting ambiance, which basically adds nuances to the shootouts. The loop is simple: players have to shoot, find cover, and climb over obstacles. However, the combination of the presentation, level design, and clever surprises will grip players immediately.
Shocking, right?Grand Theft Auto 5isn’t the top Rockstar game, but it’s darn close, especially if players want one that’s immediately fun.GTA 5was groundbreaking for many reasons. Its release was a pain, but it was definitely worth it. WithGTA 5,Rockstar once again showcased their innovative spirit and, yet again, gave the world something genre-defining. Previously, everyGTAgame starred only one protagonist, but withGTA 5,players got three and could switch to their perspective almost seamlessly — it was completely unheard of.
Other than that, the game also had a level of polish that made previous entries in theGTAfranchise feel visually inferior. Thelevel of immersion and depth of explorationinGTA 5felt unreal. Then there’sGTA Online,GTA 5’smammoth multiplayer component that’s played religiously.
Bullyby Rockstar is a game that has an immediate and evergreen fun factor. It’s borderline criminal that fans will likely never see a sequel.Bullytakes all the trappings of theGTAgame, trims the mature themes down, and basically sets it in the backdrop of a high school setting. Jimmy Hopkins, the game’s protagonist, is a rough-around-the-edges teen with a good heart who often finds himself in trouble. Especiallywhen he stands up to his school’s bullies(hence the name of the game).
The pranks and high school shenanigans players can pull off are the highlight ofBully’sgame design. It is a semi-open world full of secrets and activities to explore. Jimmy can attend different classes that offer rewards and upgrades. The story is a masterclass with well-thought-out missions, and there are a lot of quirky characters with humorous personalities. In short,Bullywill make players fall in love with the game from the very first moment.
