Before pulling out the guns and crying scandal, let's be clear: Redout is absolutely not an infamous dung, but when you have to struggle with a framerate from start to finish (the test was carried out on Xbox One), as much to tell you that it is difficult to be intoxicated by the feeling of speed. We still manage to have fun with a few super fluid passages, proof that the optimization on the Microsoft console clearly leaves something to be desired. In theory, this should all be rectified on Xbox One X since the developers at 34BigThings promise native 4K at 60fps (and “fake” 4K on PS4 Pro), but in the meantime, it's messy. Beside that, even if the artistic direction has the mouth and the low poly style gives charm to Redout, it is complicated to get carried away by the realization. In fact, one has the impression that the Italian studio went to draw a bit everywhere, which confuses the cards and does not allow Redout to have its own visual identity. This lack of control and inspiration can be found in the multiple visual effects that affect readability. As a result, even long, fast curves become tricky, and since the ship's hull isn't indestructible – and we still don't have any mini-maps – we tend to overuse the brake.
BIGGER, STRONGER, FASTER
“Fortunately”, the AI is not the toughest, and it is only in the ultimate tests that you have to force your talent to be respected by the opponents. What also makes the task easier are the collisions that do not punish the less skilled pilots. Indeed, there is a way to rely on the safety rails to reduce the impact of the shock and go around immediately. It was thought that this defect spotted in the PC version would be corrected in the meantime, but the developers have obviously decided that Redout will remain permissive. It's a shame, because when you look at the design of the circuits, there was enough to offer technical layouts. Anyway, in terms of handling, those who swear by WipEout will not be out of place since the right stick (by default) allows you to adjust the trajectory and better understand hairpin bends. A pale copy-paste, then? Not really, because you will also have to manage the "level" of the machine, always using the right stick. Basically, we will have to raise or lower the nose of the ship taking into account the relief of the track so as not to touch the ground and lose speed. This is undoubtedly where the good idea of Redout is, that is to say this permanent juggling between the two sticks which is far from being an easy exercise, especially when it is not a question of broken arms opposite. Once we have grasped the full depth of this ingenious system, we take pleasure in identifying areas where we can scrounge up time.
If the title of 34BigThings is pleasant to take in hand and requires a certain skill to juggle correctly between the two sticks, its permissive character and the sluggish AI, on the other hand, remove a good dose of challenge.
Because unlike WipEout, we don't swing missiles to get rid of opponents. Here, everything is based on piloting and good management of boosts, whether those scattered on the circuits or turbos recovered thanks to the energy of the ship. In terms of content, you can't miss the "Career" mode, which allows you to take part in different types of events such as Time Attack (achieve the best possible time), Race (finish a race in the lead), or Last Man Standing (be the last driver to remain on the track). Depending on the medal collected (gold, silver or bronze), XP points and $ are awarded, the opportunity to access more powerful machines. On this subject, we will also note the possibility of unlocking passive skills (which improve the performance of the ship) and active skills (which make it possible to slow down the competitors), knowing that it is possible to boost them afterwards. Still with regard to the content of Redout, there is the “Quick race” mode to familiarize yourself with the different disciplines present in the game, without forgetting the online mode as well as the split-screen multiplayer. Finally, a quick word on Redout's soundtrack which doesn't make you dream at all with repetitive songs that lack punch. Quite the opposite of a Fast RMX, for example.
