Nintendo Switch fans can see where the cover-based shooter began with Rogue Trooper Redux, which is out now on the Nintendo eShop.
Based on the 2000 AD comic of the same name, Rogue Trooper popularised the cover shooter and paved the way for the likes of Gears of War.
And now more than ten years since the original game blasted its way onto the PS2, Xbox and PC, UK studio Rebellion has decided to introduce the blue-skinned super soldier to a whole new audience with Rogue Trooper Redux.
Also available on PS4, Xbox One and PC, Rogue Trooper Redux features updated graphics, a dedicated campaign and a couple of co-operative multiplayer modes for up to four players.
Does the Nintendo Switch have its first essential shooter? Check out the review gallery below to find out.
One of the most impressive things about Rogue Trooper Redux is how good it all looks.
The game runs smoothly, characters look sharp and the suitably bleak backdrops provide an oppressive atmosphere that screams war.
Level design can be a little repetitive and some of the environment textures are on the blocky side, but it’s a massive improvement over the original, and looks especially good on the Nintendo Switch handheld screen.
But what really sets Rogue Trooper Redux apart is the unique way your fallen squadmates are used in battle.
Your squadmate’s souls are stored in biochips that are used to power Rogue Trooper’s weapons and abilities. It essentially gives your weapons and armour their own personalities and independent skills, such the ability to make ammo or provide cover fire.
The constant unlocking of new weapons and the different ways you can use your squad feels innovative even today, and adds a decent level of variety to the well-paced campaign.
Of course, that’s not to say the game has aged flawlessly, and not everything is quite so sophisticated.
The stealth system is sluggish, the enemy AI leaves a lot to be desired and the campaign is on the short side.
The brief campaign is bolstered by a couple of co-operative multiplayer modes, where the aim is to survive waves of enemies in Stronghold or reach safe zones while blasting baddies in Progressive mode.
Both game modes are enjoyable in short bursts, but lack the depth to keep you coming back time and time again. Rogue Trooper may have been ahead of the curve when it comes to cover-based shooting, but it’s lacking in the modern multiplayer stakes.
Still, Rogue Trooper Redux should scratch the itch left by the lack of rival shooters on the console, and fans of the original will get a kick out of seeing how good everything looks.
What’s more impressive is that it still feels innovative, despite being more than ten years old.