TheIndieJar: Running with Rifles Preview
The name says it all. This isn’t a game with a high minded artsy story or blockbuster AAA game that tries to look like a movie – Modulaatio’s Running with Rifles is just charging round a huge map with 200+ other people shooting the crap out of the other team… and that is damn fun.
To me it looks like the toy soldiers have come to life; it’s Green team vs. Grey team – a large scale battle for the map’s key points which you must fight for and hold all of to win the game. So far there are three maps that have really nicely designed areas for big group tactics; all parts of the game are made with tactical play in mind. Even though a single well placed bullet can take you out there is no life limit and you are quickly deposited at the nearest friendly point. Snipers for marksmen, machineguns for suppression, and rifles to get in close can be utilised in your war-games to reach your goals. The lay of the land can be used to your advantage even though this is a top down shooter – get on top of the hill or a roof for better coverage.
The game is mostly about it’s epic multiplayer – I’ve seen about 100 people on a server at the same time. There can be lots more though, and depending on the server some bots can fill out your team if you’re a bit short. The single player is pretty good too as you fight nothing but bots; they can be outsmarted quickly but better AI is on the way. Even though the maps are pretty huge, getting around them is a lot easier now that there are jeeps in the game. With the game’s physics being buggy (it’s a beta after all) going really fast and running people over is entertaining; watching them spiral off into the sky team-rocket style. Grenades and mortar strikes can produce similar effects!
Running with Rifles looks and sounds pretty cool. It’s got a kind of cell-shaded look to it with some pretty matt trees, water and buildings. There is no music so far but the explosions are great. It supports a variety of play styles too; Rambo won’t last long but could take a fair few with him. Future plans include more vehicles, more maps, more factions and weather effects. It’s shaping up to look really cool – I’ve found it fun in short bursts and several hour stints.
Developers Website: modulaatio.com/runningwithrifles
Follow on Twitter: @modulaatio
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You guys might want to make a new preview as a lot have changed since your last preview (new map, vehicles, etc…)
Hey NiftyKiwi,
We could certainly do another preview. This one was back in July, so no doubt the game has changed and improved since then. Will look into it :)
Jenn