The expectations for RoboCop video games were extremely low, almost hidden in the gritty underworld of future Detroit. However, developer Teyon surpassed this standard with the 2023 release of RoboCop: Rogue City. This game showed a keen grasp of the violence and satire that are the heart of the franchise, offering a distinctly robust single-player shooter experience. The standalone expansion, titled RoboCop: Rogue City – Unfinished Business, builds upon this successful foundation, confirming that Teyon’s interpretation of the cyborg cop is worthy of another tour of duty.
The core success of the game Rogue City is built on self-rewarding gameplay that aligns with RoboCop’s gritty atmosphere, deviating from the usual rapid-fire pace of contemporary and classic shooter games. In contrast to many modern titles, gunplay in Unfinished Business slows down, featuring a protagonist who moves deliberately with heavy footsteps, encouraging players to strategically eliminate enemies without resorting to wall-bouncing or performing quick 360 headshots.
Although it might initially seem tedious, it isn’t, as the game offers an immersive experience that allows you to embody the feel of RoboCop (without the emotional turmoil and violent demise) in a unique way. It’s all about eliminating targets methodically while maintaining a consistent pace, offering a highly specific power trip fueled by the ability to toss criminals around like dolls and detach their limbs with just a couple of bullets, leaving splatters of blood on nearby surfaces. The levels are brimming with lethal throwable objects and ample environmental destruction that mirrors the chaotic shootouts from the movies. These scenes frequently resemble interactive versions of the cocaine factory sequence from the original film, even featuring the same music track.
Everything in the original story remains accurate and has been effectively carried over into Unfinished Business. This new version maintains its distinctiveness while perfectly aligning with a RoboCop game’s theme. Unfinished Business introduces minor adjustments, but nothing too drastic. The entertaining execution moves, such as crushing an enemy’s head against a TV or throwing them into a garbage chute, provide amusing ways to eliminate foes and stay true to the source material. New adversary types, like flying drones and mercenaries equipped with riot shields, demand different tactics without being so distinct that they disrupt the balance. The addition of the Cryo Cannon serves as a powerful area-of-effect weapon and also boasts an engaging backstory, fitting neatly into the narrative.
Experiencing life as Alex Murphy before he became RoboCop offers an interesting twist, yet it’s more of a conventional shooter game where I’m not invincible like a tank. These parts are narratively sufficient, but thankfully short enough to not drag on. The ED-209 segment, however, is a complete contrast and pure fun due to the intense firepower it unleashes (as long as I avoid the stairs). Each minor adjustment is what you’d expect from a standalone expansion, focusing on building upon and enhancing the existing gameplay.
Instead of merely being a corridor shooter, Rogue City stood out due to its immersive interaction with Detroit’s characters. This aspect is carried over into Unfinished Business, adding more depth and character to the game. RoboCop can intervene in minor disputes among citizens, and although the acting and dialogue might seem a bit peculiar – perhaps enhanced by poor lip syncing, stiff animations, and awkward camera angles – it retains an endearing quality reminiscent of a B-movie’s quirky dialogues. The humor lies in situations like RoboCop criticizing a child’s drawing or reprimanding a nerd for stealing a comic book, even though these incidents don’t always serve a greater purpose. These action-free segments help flesh out RoboCop’s character and expand the game world, serving as a balance to the intense, high-octane moments.
This game, titled Unfinished Business, bridges the gaps within its larger storyline, much like its predecessor Rogue City. Remarkably, it continues the tradition of being robust. The signature satirical humor that characterizes RoboCop is evident throughout, ranging from humorous radio ads about sugary-coated steroids for children to systemic injustice rooted in OCP’s unbridled greed. The central colossal housing complex, known as the OmniTower, symbolizes corruption and deceit, a burden its inhabitants must bear so that OCP can make a few extra bucks. The game exposes players to the heaps of uncared-for waste from this facility, as well as other signs of neglect. Furthermore, it gradually reveals the malevolence behind this project, its true objective, and how it serves the powerful at the expense of the powerless. Essentially, the OmniTower is not merely a random setting but a literal embodiment of the game’s narrative.
The game consistently explores power disparities, which gives it distinct, captivating themes that fit seamlessly into the RoboCop universe. Even the opposing force, a brutal group willing to commit atrocities for profit, is critically examined here. The game Unfinished Business includes a specific level focusing on their exploitation. This isn’t intended to make players feel sympathy for them; rather, it serves to introduce more layers and intricacies into its main themes. The narrative may lean on the overused trope of the antagonist accusing the protagonist of not being aggressive enough against criminals, but it presents this effectively with sufficient surprising revelations that strengthen its themes while also enriching the broader RoboCop backstory.
The game titled “Unfinished Business” is a valuable addition to the RoboCop universe. Its engaging storyline and powerful combat sequences set it apart within the first-person shooter genre, while effectively conveying RoboCop’s core principles into an interactive experience. While games like “Rogue City” had certain issues such as poor lip syncing and awkward camera angles during dialogue, these flaws are minor compared to the overall quality of this game. Just like bullets, these problems barely scratch the surface of RoboCop’s armor and do not hinder his duty to serve and protect.
Score: 4/5
The game “RoboCop: Rogue City – Unresolved Matters” is set to launch on July 17th, available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC platforms. For this review, we were given a pre-release copy by the publisher.
The upcoming game, titled “RoboCop: Rogue City – Unfinished Business,” will be released on July 17th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. We received this review copy from the publisher in advance.
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2025-07-17 19:40