Ready or Not: The SWAT Experience Reinvented
Charting the high-tension field of modern-day SWAT operations with a commendable focus on realism and tactics.
Early Access Review
last updated Nov 23, 2023
Despite teetering on the edge of early access jitters, 'Ready or Not' is an adrenaline-pumping ride that demands your tactical best.
Baptism by Flashbang
Ready or Not throws you into the fray with no hand-holding, demanding teamwork and a knack for tactics that could make a chess grandmaster sweat bullets, literally. You can't just Leeroy Jenkins your way through the levels here; planning and precision are your best allies. The Ai's a bit jittery at times, but let's chalk that up to early access jitters. With an assortment of gameplay modes and heart-pumping gunfights, prepare for an adrenaline rush that could probably fuel a small city. Speaking of small cities, get ready for door traps - because nothing says 'welcome' like a booby-trapped entryway.
Audio Assault
You'll be serenaded with a symphony of shouts, gunshots, and the delightful symphony of chaos that one might expect in a high-stakes situation. The sound design underscores the intensity of the scenarios with a fidelity that's just shy of having to check yourself for bullet holes. It's not all grunts and gunfire; the music complements the action without overstaying its welcome, like a well-behaved houseguest.
Visions of Violence
Graphically, 'Ready or Not' ain't no slouch. Packed with visuals that'll give your retinas a workout, you might just feel like part of this beautifully brutal world. It's not without its flaws, though - some might say the performance dips more than a salsa dancer with framerate drops in certain moments, but overall, it's an aesthetic treat. The attention to visual detail is just like that one overachiever we all know - almost annoyingly good.
Multiplicity of Mods
Small but mighty, the mod community stands as the unsung hero, breathing life into the game as only those blessed with bottomless creativity can. A certain je ne sais quoi is added to a game when modders get their hands on it, and boy does it show. It's like giving the game a nitrous boost in the longevity department, so strap in and enjoy the extra mile the community takes you on.
Solo or Squad
Solo play in 'Ready or Not' is akin to being the new kid in a dodgeball game. You'll either come out a hero or realize the Ai teammates are about as useful as a cheese grater in a gunfight. Partner up with some friends though, and you're on a one-way trip to Tacticool Town, population: your unstoppable SWAT team. And for the love of the game, pack a mic; you'll need it more than coffee on a Monday morning.
More Than a Tactical Affair
Feeling the cracks of reality through its level design, 'Ready or Not' serves up an experience that feels more like a documentary at times than just another shooter. With maps and scenarios that aren't shy about the darker side of society, it pushes boundaries, daring to depict the grittiness of life's underbelly. It's not just an adrenaline rush—it's a thought-provoker.
STEAM RATING
Developer & Publisher
VOID Interactive
Release Date
December 13, 2023
The Verdict
With a rating that's sky-high, 'Ready or Not' promises a SWAT experience that's as intense as it gets. Despite teetering on the edge of early access jitters with buggy AI and the occasional graphical hiccup, this game still manages to be immensely satisfying and engaging, especially with friends. While it demands a measure of tactical nous that could intimidate some, the thrill of overcoming its challenges is second to none. If you fancy yourself a leader of a virtual SWAT team, ready to command and conquer, then gear up; this one's for you.
