Resistance: Retribution (PSP) Review

Sony Bend could've easily designed Resistance: Retribution in the same mold as Insomniac's successful PlayStation 3 shoot-em-ups, using a first-person perspective and putting you back in the shoes of troubled soldier Nathan Hale. Instead, it opted for something a little different, and while not everyone will like the new direction, it's nevertheless an effective one.

In this sub-chapter of the series, you play as Grayson, a British soldier jailed for turning on his squad while battling the Chimera (he has his reasons). Soon after his incarceration, he's called upon to help wipe out the aliens. He's up for the job, since he doesn't hold back on living dangerously and shooting every single Chimeran soldier he runs across.

The major difference between Retribution and other Resistance games is the perspective. Instead of playing from a first-person view, you experience everything in third person, keeping an eye on Grayson as you battle gun-toting freaks and large walkers. It takes a little getting used to, but kudos to Sony Bend for making this new approach work.

Aside from the camera change, the game looks similar to its PS3 counterparts, with beautifully animated creatures, war-torn cities and the ability to flawlessly switch between auto and manual aim. The audio's equally appealing, with solid voice acting and weapon effects.

As for gameplay, it really clicks. The auto-aim makes things easy at first, but as pressure mounts and you face tougher soldiers, you'll thank Sony for its inclusion. There's a great cover system, letting you easily hide behind objects without the need to unnecessarily hold an extra button or find a particular "hot spot" to stay safe.

If you have a PS3 and a copy of Resistance 2, you receive two extra benefits. The first is the unlockable Infected mode, where you can self-heal using additional firepower (like a revolver with exploding rounds) and your eyes glow bright yellow (just like Hale's). The second is the ability to play the game with a Dual Shock 3 pad, which makes it easier on the hands than the PSP's one analog stick approach.

Resistance: Retribution has a huge single-player component, with several missions and challenges to overcome. However, if multiplayer's your thing, there's plenty to see and do. You can hook up with others through AdHoc or Infrastructure in such basic matches as Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag and two unique modes. Assimilation has you playing members of the Cloven, the new enemy in the game, as they chase after Resistance members. Then there's Containment, a brilliant mode where you must capture reactors held by the opposing team. Get some friends together and you'll have a great time here. The only negative is the lack of co-op.

Resistance: Retribution is worth a look, thanks to its enjoyable single player campaign, sharp visuals and addictive multiplayer. PSP owners should definitely pick it up.