RoboCop: Rogue City Emerges as Unreal Engine 5's Surprising Star — and a Joy to Play

Crafted on a modest budget, this standout game truly captures the essence of Paul Verhoeven's iconic action classic.

In the current gaming landscape, there's a conspicuous absence of what we used to call "AA" games. Nowadays, you're either navigating the vast world of AAA titles like Starfield or reveling in the success of indie gems like Unpacking. It seems like there's no middle ground anymore.

Yet, there was a time, particularly in the 2010s, when AA games thrived. Think of them as the "direct-to-video" equivalent in the gaming realm—games like NeverDead, where you controlled a decapitated head, or Rogue Warrior, a game that surprisingly featured Golden Globe and BAFTA-winning actor Mickey Rourke and held the record for virtual cuss words.

RoboCop: Rogue City, although looking leagues better than its AA predecessors, firmly falls into the AA category. If it were 1995, you'd be picking it up from your local Blockbuster. Thankfully, it's 2024, and I've been immersed in this unexpectedly excellent tie-in to one of the '80s most cherished action films, experiencing it on one of the best gaming PCs through the Epic Games Store.

Surprisingly, it's an intensely violent delight. Despite its relatively low budget, the game, with its Unreal Engine 5 prowess, places you in the formidable metal shoes of one of cinema's most iconic characters.

This is unmistakably Paul Verhoeven's RoboCop, with developer Teyon successfully bringing back Peter Weller to voice the role, instantly injecting Rogue City with an authenticity rarely found in licensed games. You sound like RoboCop, you look like RoboCop, and, boy, do you feel like RoboCop.

Controlling "OCP Crime Prevention Unit 001" makes you feel like a walking tank. While not as speedy as Sonic the Hedgehog, Rogue City delivers refreshingly smooth gameplay, with constant enemy encounters that keep you on your toes. The game's relentless pace, coupled with the satisfaction of tossing adversaries through windows, adds to the overall enjoyment.

The Auto 9, Murphy's iconic service weapon, contributes significantly to Rogue City's appeal. The rapid gunfire, coupled with the fact that the default gun never runs out of ammo, makes for an enjoyable experience.

However, it's not just mindless shooting. Teyon introduces sandbox-style side missions that involve solving crimes in sections of Old Detroit. In these moments, RoboCop takes on the role of an actual policeman, albeit an armored one. Oddly reminiscent of indie hit Papers, Please, these side tasks focus on bureaucratic decisions. Upholding the "Public's Trust" becomes paramount, and your in-game meter reflects your adherence to the rules.

RoboCop: Rogue City is not just visually impressive; it's one of the best-looking games to date. Running smoothly on PS5 and Xbox Series X, it truly shines on my RTX 4090-powered PC. Despite not having Rockstar Games' budget, developer Teyon employs advanced Unreal 5 graphical features, surpassing even Starfield in visual appeal.

While reviews may vary, I wholeheartedly recommend giving Rogue City a chance. It's a classic shooter with cutting-edge technology, often delivering a delightful gaming experience. The only downside? It has left me yearning for a high-quality single-player Predator game.