RoboCop: Rogue City makes a dream come true that is older than myself

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It’s high time for a first-person RoboCop shooter, thinks Vali. And the developer raises high hopes for fans

“Your move, creep!” – few quotes in film history have burned themselves into my memory more than Peter Weller’s metallic voice from perhaps the best action film of all time: RoboCop. But no wonder, since the steely lawman challenges me to a duel every time someone texts me on my mobile phone.

Now, more than 30 years after the cinema release of Paul Verhoeven’s classic, RoboCop is finally to get the game he deserves. And it will be a genuine first-person shooter from the developer Teyon, who disappointed fans with their Rambo game, but thrilled me all the more with Terminator: Resistance.

And especially the latter, together with the information known so far, gives us hope that the studio has learned its lesson and will deliver the shooter with RoboCop: Rogue City that long-time fans like me have always wished for.

That’s why Far Cry and Co. have to make room for now. The top position on my gaming wish list now clearly belongs to the steely policeman – even if there are still a few small downer drops glittering on the tin.

RoboCop: Rogue City sounds great, but is it a long way off

Is there perhaps more of a tear on the tin? Because as much as I’m happy about the announcement, I’m also pained by how long the release will be: Teyon’s first-person shooter is scheduled for release in 2023 for PC, Xbox Series and PS5 – at some point, there is currently no exact date. Gameplay is also still a long time coming. So for the time being, I’m consoling myself with a heavy heart with the teaser trailer on continuous loop and soaking up the first images pixel by pixel:

And speculate diligently, because we already know one or two story details: Rogue City tells a new story, but at the same time builds on the original film trilogy – the 2014 reboot, stripped of blood and satire, plays no part. If it were up to me, they might as well have ignored the two original sequels and considered the fantastic comic Dead or Alive instead. Anyway, I’ll take what I can get.

The info is sparse, but for me, the fact that I actually get to play RoboCop is enough to make me jump for joy:

“Become the iconic hero in RoboCop: Rogue City as a half-man, half-machine, full cop trying to bring justice to the dangerous, crime-ridden streets of Old Detroit.”

Teyon as a secret fan favourite

No, Teyon didn’t cover itself in glory with either Rambo: The Video Game or Terminator: Resistance – at least in terms of much of the press coverage. The tight budget gnaws at all ends and not only makes the graphics sometimes look like a makeshift AA project.

First-person shooter fans rightly point their eyes at the lousy gunplay, the dull AI or the poor resource balancing. Nevertheless, film lovers in particular should not underestimate Terminator: Resistance.

Because Resistance convinced with an ingenious goosebump atmosphere, playful freedom and believable characters who wouldn’t have to be ashamed of their dialogue on the big screen. And then there’s the clearly palpable love for the original, which makes me so optimistic about RoboCop: The look and sound of the game and the film seemed to come from the same mould and exciting cross-references and allusions could be found at every turn.

It is obvious that connoisseurs of James Cameron’s 1984 action classic were at work here. So it’s no wonder that Terminator: Resistance has been able to win over a loyal fan community since its release, thanks in part to the fact that the Steam reviews are now “very positive “ – despite all the shortcomings.

Why Teyon is the perfect developer for RoboCop

A good licensed game needs exactly this attention to detail – why else spoil a film especially if you don’t realise its potential? This is exactly where the team gained a lot of experience with Terminator: Resistance and unerringly hit the nerve of the fans. A feat they hope to repeat with RoboCop.

If you look at the first teaser trailer, the chances are not bad at all: in it, not only the mechanical footsteps, but also the motor of Alex Murphy’s leg holster sound like in the film. Pure goose bumps!

RoboCop has already paid a visit to the fighter squad of Mortal Kombat 11. Guess which character went on to become one of my favourites?
RoboCop has already paid a visit to the fighter squad of Mortal Kombat 11. Guess which character went on to become one of my favourites?

Maybe the fan loyalty has even boosted sales figures a bit, so publisher Nancon is springing for more budget this time around. In the case of the predecessor, much failed not because of inability, but because of means.

But getting to the heart of RoboCop is no walk in the park – after all, at least four other cinema films and various TV productions have already failed. RoboCop not only wants to captivate an adult audience to the screen, but also to make them think with a satirical message.

So with Rogue City, Teyon doesn’t just get to throw bloody gunfire at me, while hailing quotes and a few allusions left and right. Even with Terminator, the game’s adaptation went beyond blunt action quotes and showed flair in the crucial question: How much fan service is just right? And if RoboCop manages the same balancing act, I would definitely drop more than a dollar.

What do you think of the announcement of RoboCop: Rogue City? Do you share Valentin’s anticipation and have you been similarly excited by Terminator: Resistance? Let us know in the comments.