Why Ready or Not is So Hard to Put Down

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Reflecting on the evolution of tactical shooter games, one can’t help but ponder, “What changed?” While it’s not accurate to claim the genre is extinct, there are indeed games that deliver authentic gunplay and prioritize strategy over reckless charging. Evaluating surroundings and potential dangers often comes before other considerations. Yet, it’s intriguing to notice how big publishers seem to steer clear of such tactical titles.

Initially, the games Ghost Recon Wildlands and Breakpoint took some time to become enjoyable, but they deviate from the elements that made Ghost Recon and Advance Warfighter so iconic. Similarly, Rainbow Six, with its rich history, has been confined to the competitive shooter genre through Siege. To many, a “tactical shooter” seems interchangeable with Call of Duty. The weapons are modeled after real-world guns, there’s gun mounting, flashbangs, and double-time – it seems like everything one could ask for.

Although other studios are opting for more realistic portrayals of warzones, there’s been a noticeable scarcity of anything similar to SWAT. Few games have managed to approach the thrill of breaching and clearing rooms, not knowing what might be waiting ahead. In essence, nothing has quite measured up to SWAT 4. However, that changed with the arrival of Ready or Not.

First unveiled in December 2023 for personal computers following approximately two years in early access, this game is now playable on Xbox Series X/S and PS5. Coinciding with its release are substantial DLC content and an update – Los Suenos Stories – that introduces additional missions, weapons, and a host of other features. The scarcity of something comparable on console platforms might be the reason, but regardless, Ready or Not has proven to be an incredibly engaging and enjoyable experience.

As the leader of D Platoon, you’re part of the LSPD’s tactical unit assigned to handle high-risk scenarios. Initially, a gas station robbery seems like a routine job, but as the story unfolds, it delves into the city’s dark side. My review of the PS5 version highlights that the storyline can provide chilling details when pieced together during missions. The fact that this gritty reality is based on real-world events makes it even more unsettling, yet it enhances the immersion and brutality of the gameplay experience.

The gameplay in Ready or Not requires caution and careful decision-making due to its unpredictable nature. A suspect who has surrendered might suddenly pull out a hidden weapon and fire at you or your team members. Civilians may unwittingly find themselves in the line of fire, potentially losing their lives. Even the way you choose to open a door can have far-reaching effects on the mission’s success and the wellbeing of your squad. The death of even one member can lead to increased morale issues, causing stress levels to rise and potentially causing some team members to drop out. However, managing their stress and ensuring everyone survives can unlock beneficial skills that are shared among the squad. It’s all about making choices with consequences in mind.

As a gamer, I soon find myself immersed in a familiar gameplay loop: “Restoring peace from disorder.” This involves neutralizing or apprehending suspects, while also saving every civilian in distress. Along the way, there are additional tasks and even some soft objectives to complete, but at its core, my main focus is handling hostile elements and ensuring everyone else’s safety. Simple as that!

In various scenarios, accomplishing this goal can prove challenging due to the diverse set of circumstances and strategies. Coercing obedience doesn’t necessarily mean a suspect will surrender their weapon, especially if they have taken hostages. Subduing an innocent bystander might attract other potential threats lurking nearby. Adding a silencer to your firearm may make it more conspicuous, making you easier to spot by adversaries. And being close to a window when suspects are looking outside could lead to tragic consequences for hostages.

In most cases, unpredictability necessitates immediate adaptability, given that the position of adversaries varies in each mission replay. However, Void Interactive should be commended for providing diverse settings and imminent dangers lurking around every corner. For instance, one mission required clearing a structure before traversing to another via a precarious wooden bridge. The dark attic and the staircase leading to the hall were equally fraught with danger. As I stood watch while my team descended, scanning for potential threats and covering multiple angles from above, the tension was palpable.

In your line of work, you might be skilled at handling situations involving armed robbers and unstable individuals armed with knives, often finding yourself in a brutal brawl due to the cartel’s interference. As each mission progresses, you’ll face increasingly well-equipped and dangerous suspects who are just as determined to stay alive as they are to end your life.

Navigating the game can become tough, even when you’ve learned techniques such as freeleaning or employing the Mirrorgun to see around corners and locked doors. Yet, these elements contribute to the authenticity and engrossment of the experience. However, despite the core gameplay having a similar feel across missions, it’s not about eliminating as many suspects as possible, but rather prioritizing civilian safety. Your mission grade can plummet from an A+ to a D if even one civilian is harmed or a crucial suspect is killed. This pushes you towards exploring alternative strategies. For instance, opting for non-lethal body shots with the beanbag shotgun instead of lethal ones. Choosing to flashbang occupied rooms over simply rushing in. Approaching doors cautiously rather than forcefully breaking through and alerting everyone else.

As you gradually discover, employing such strategies tends to result in greater achievements compared to just improvising. However, if your aim is to assemble a team of four and freestyle the gameplay, by all means, do so! Many of my most entertaining cooperative experiences have stemmed from witnessing a teammate accidentally detonate themselves due to a trap on a door or a solitary enemy effortlessly eliminating three without breaking a sweat, leaving the remaining two to successfully complete the mission.

In the game Ready or Not, you’re asked to abide by its realistic rules and strategies, but following them and succeeding solo with just a silenced pistol can be incredibly satisfying. The sense of control, as you tactfully defuse situations before they escalate, swiftly moving from one room to another, and completing missions with minimal shots fired, offers a unique kind of fulfillment.

Engaging in repeated attempts at mastering the game’s challenges on the hardest difficulty levels, such as Iron Man Mode, might not appeal to everyone, and that’s perfectly okay. The allure lies in the fact that these accomplishments demand a deep understanding of the basics – skills that appear simple to learn but hide complexities. Although mistakes can occur, they usually don’t feel like unpredictable factors beyond your control. Moreover, when they do happen, they can be frustrating yet thrilling since you have an array of tools at your disposal to overcome them and potentially come out on top.

Surprisingly, I hadn’t anticipated that “Ready or Not” would win me over or keep me on the edge of my seat, but here I am, hooked! The overwhelmingly positive feedback from players on both Xbox and PlayStation Stores suggests that I’m not alone in this. While it might not spark a new era of SWAT-inspired games, I’m eager to jump in and restore order whenever needed.

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2025-07-19 11:41