Geometric Modification, GEO-MOD for short, is one of the marquee features for this first person shooter from Volition.  The GEO-MOD engine allows the player to "modify" the environment with the more powerful weapons in the game.  In other words, you can blow up a wall to get into a room if you do not want to use the door.  
    GEO-MOD seemed to come into play a lot more often in the beginning of the game than towards the end.  At least once, the player is forced to take advantage of the technology to get through the level.  GEO-MOD should be an alternative, not the only choice.
    The game setting is very reminiscent of Governor Schwarzenegger's Total Recall.  Like the movie, the game takes place on the planet Mars.  The player starts off as a worker in the mines.  However, suspicious ongoings combined with employee unhappiness result in a revolt by the miners against the boss - the Ultor Corporation.
    As the player progresses through the game's 20 levels, it feels as if he or she is going from one scene in a movie to the next.  This gives the game a great sense of logic and continuity.
    The only weapon available in the beginning of the revolution is a control baton.  As the games moves along, players will have access to 14 additional weapons.  These include sniper rifles and rail drivers.  The rail driver is especially sweet since it has a feature that lets the player see enemies' heat signatures through walls.  Not only can you see the enemies through the walls; but, you can also shoot them.  It is mighty groovy clearing out a room without having to go in it.
    Red Faction will let the player commandeer 5 different types of air, land, and sea vehicles.  The vehicles actually control and feel different from one another.  They offer a great change of pace from the terrific running and gunning.  It is very satisfying to run over a guard with a 10 ton burrowing tank.
    Obviously, variety is commonplace in Red Faction.  Another example of this can be found in the level bosses.  They are as different from each other as night and day.  In one level you will find yourself fighting a mutant earthworm, in another a giant robot, and in another the psionic Capek.  It must be noted that not every level has a boss.
    Volition did a superb job on the graphics.  Each level is solidly visually different.  The textures and lighting are very well done.  Outside levels look like they should and the indoor levels definitely make you feel like you are in a man-made structure.
    Sound complements the graphics perfectly.  The gunfire through a stereo system will make anyone dive for cover.  The cowering scientists are quite amusing (waste them anyways).  Enemy and ally voices are all well done.
    Red Faction was my first experience in multiplayer FPS deathmatching.  Even though I only went up against computer controlled bots, I found it quite fun and exciting.  I can definitely see how people can get hooked on it playing online against other human players.  The game offers a good number of different environments to battle in.
    I was able to land Red Faction for 20 bucks used.  I do not regret it in the least.  The game will give you many days of addictive adrenaline pumpinp fun.  Extremely well worth it.  Very much looking forward to Red Faction 2.

score = 8.7 / 10

- bman