Arkane Austin’s Redfall, a vampire shooter game, has recently received its final update amidst the news of the developers being let go by parent company Microsoft. This final update, known as Redfall game update 4, brings about several new features and improvements to the game, including an offline mode, single-player pausing, and additional in-game progression features.
The update introduces a new offline mode that has been highly requested by players, allowing them to enjoy the game without the need for an internet connection. Additionally, single-player pausing has been implemented for a more convenient gaming experience. In terms of in-game progression, a new Community Standing bar now allows players to spend Support currency on rewards from the Safehouse Skill tree. Moreover, Elder Nests, which are vampire nests featuring specially modified vampire bosses, have been added to the game.
Players can expect to encounter new enemy encounters in Redfall Commons, improved AI behavior, and a new Unrivaled Weapon. The Elder Nests, denoted by a distinctive purple glow, will spawn around Redfall similarly to Heart Nests. Upon defeating the boss vampire within an Elder Nest, players will receive a temporary Heart Shard buff that scales with the campaign difficulty.
The revamped Community Standing system includes six ranks with a total of 39 permanent buffs. These buffs range from cosmetic upgrades on the map and compass to gameplay-enhancing features like the Escape Plan buff, which activates a salvaged Bellwether cloak when a player’s health is critical. The developers have designed these upgrades to provide a combination of quality of life improvements and gameplay benefits for players.
Microsoft recently announced the closure of Arkane Austin and Hi-Fi Rush developers Tango Gameworks, effective May 7th. The decision was described as a consolidation of Bethesda studio teams to allow for further investment in games and new intellectual properties. Despite the closure, Arkane Austin’s legacy includes the well-received game Prey. However, Redfall, though promising, fell short due to technical issues, lack of engaging activities, and limited post-launch support in its initial year.
Despite its flaws, Redfall managed to capture the attention of players with its captivating setting and visual direction. Ed Thorn, in a review, praised the game’s atmosphere and design, highlighting moments of wonder and impressive architectural details. While acknowledging its shortcomings, Thorn found enjoyment in exploring the vampire-infested town of Redfall. Despite the setbacks faced by the game, the addition of offline support by the developers amidst the layoffs ensures that Redfall will continue to be accessible even after the servers are no longer operational.
As Redfall receives its final update and Arkane Austin faces closure, the gaming community acknowledges the efforts put forth by the developers. While the game may not reach its full potential, the team’s dedication to providing a positive gaming experience shines through in the updates and improvements made. Best wishes go out to the developers and staff at Arkane Austin as they embark on new endeavors following the studio’s closure.