As 2023 begins, Redfall is getting closer and closer to its release on Xbox Series X/S and PC. For now, two of its creators spoke in depth about the exclusive that's already being called "Arkane's Far Cry." Redfall has been one of the most anticipated releases since its announcement at the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase in 2021. The title, set for release at some point in 2023, was shown off in style with what appeared to be a Left 4 Dead type of game but with vampires and ghosts instead of zombies. However, it seems like the comparison couldn't be more wrong, with Redfall's creative director saying the game is more akin to titles like Far Cry.
When the trailer for Redfall was shown, everyone saw it as a Left 4 Dead or Call of Duty's Zombies mode, but it's actually an open-world game that aims to clear areas. The title has a dark and spooky aesthetic, something that Arkane, the developer, has been keen to emphasize with images such as the terrifying teaser released recently. Developed by Arkane Studios Austin and published by Bethesda Softworks, it has been one of the games that along with Starfield was delayed until the first half of 2023. Now, thanks to new comments from Arkane's Harvey Smith and Ricardo Bare, players have taken a closer look at one of this year's most anticipated Xbox exclusives.
Why Redfall Is Not Like Left 4 Dead
Arkane has earned a well-deserved vote of confidence after crowning itself with the Dishonored saga, Prey, or the recent Deathloop. It's natural to think that Xbox-exclusive Redfall would follow in the footsteps of Left 4 Dead or Back 4 Blood: it's a multiplayer experience for up to four survivors. Players will have to fight their way through the undead - vampires in this case - and there's an emphasis on shooter nuances and co-op. However, it seems like the comparisons begin and end there, as Bare assured that Redfall is not the game users think it will be.
Right off the bat, like the Far Cry games, Redfall is set in the eponymous city, located on an island in Massachusetts designed to quickly familiarize the player with the environment and take advantage of the open-world possibilities. If the comparison may put some people off, players should keep in mind that Redfall's world is still more condensed than the large open worlds of Ubisoft's games. There are no vehicles in Redfall, and the game is more relaxed and encourages exploration.
Redfall's Far Cry-Like Open World Over Left 4 Dead's Hordes
Although there is a strong supernatural component, being a large-scale vampire purge, the truth is that it is not at all common for Arkane videogames to explore relatively common environments. In fact, Smith stressed that it will be the moments of free exploration beyond the game's missions the ones that will truly highlight the differences between Redfall and the studio's previous works. Overall, the title encourages the player to try new things and get lost in its open world, also piquing their curiosity.
Arkane Studios' goal with Redfall was never to create a cooperative shooter in which to face hordes of enemies, but rather to experiment with the features it is known for in an open world, letting the player shape their own adventure. Be that as it may, Redfall is likely to be a big hit, considering not only that it is already among the most anticipated titles of the year along with Starfield, but also that it will be available for free on Game Pass on launch.
Redfall is in development for PC and Xbox Series X/S.