Rigid Force Redux

Rigid Force Redux is a short but extremely sweet 2.5D shmup that fans of the genre will find appetizing, while everyone else will likely praise its accessibility when stacked against Japanese bullet hell blasters. While we admit that the game is very derivative and sadly does not use the interesting core mechanics to their full potential, it still remains a truly enjoyable experience that plays, looks and sounds like a dream – it's just a shame that this dream is so fleeting. However, considering the long wait ahead for the release of R-Type Final 2, Rigid Force Redux does a decent enough job of filling the void.

All in all then, Rigid Force Redux is a great shoot ’em up, well worth your time — particularly if you’re an R-Type fan and especially if you’re an R-Type fan who wishes that series would go a little bit easier on you sometimes. Plus with the physical version out there in the wild, you can own a copy to go on your shelf now, too. And if you’re a shoot ’em up collector, this is one worth owning.

Rigid Force Redux delivers an R-Type emulating experience to be proud of. Fast, fluid and with smooth action, this is the type of shmup that makes you want to smother it in exciting and complimentary adjectives. If only there was more content, then perhaps it would be Rigid Force Redux that future side-scrollers try to beat.

As the core gameplay loop still has a lot of positive, and I loved the main mechanic of absorbing energy to save for bigger shots. If this game ends up on sale and you’re a scorechaser fan, then this is an easy recommendation, but at the normal price, this is a tough sell for all but the most die-hard shump fans that don’t mind the premium price for little of interest.

With no big main story, you are sent out on missions to destroy your enemies. You have to fight through these levels without dying, if you do die, well you are starting all the way over. One cool thing is you can actually pick the difficulty and stage from which you last died. You can test your luck and start from the beginning or start from where you just died.

Rigid Force Redux is a charming little side-scrolling shoot-em-up that separates itself from the pack with a wide array of abilities and attacks. The smooth performance and abundance of achievements are a wonderful package that you should definitely play if you love the genre.

Chances are you when you hear about shoot-‘em-ups, you think of the bullet hell variety. Constant hails of gunfire filling the screen, leaving hardly any room to breathe. Rigid Force Redux isn’t nearly as intense, instead allowing you to easily decimate everything in your path and focus on trying to maximize your score. It’s a comparatively more relaxed style of shooter. Challenging, but not as daunting as some of its peers.

Rigid Force Redux is a great addition to the shmup genre and a great way for newcomers to be introduced to the otherwise hardcore game style. Thanks to its save system, health system and fun power-ups, this game will appeal to all types of gamers. Despite a few difficulty inconsistencies, this is an overall great experience and a surprise gem that should not be missed.

Redux offers plenty to like for shooter fans, particularly if they gravitate toward series like R-Type.

For the budget price range, Rigid Force Redux is a solid game and fun to play—no loss in grabbing this and blowing stuff up. But not much has been done in this title that stands out amongst an extensive library of shmups on the Switch. It needs more content.