Crime Boss: Rockay City review (PS5/Xbox Series X)

Few announcement trailers this year had us as excited as the one for Crime Boss: Rockay City – with its celebrity cast and the clear homage to the classic action movie formula, it looked like a lot of fun – though unfortunately the PC release was met with a lukewarm reception. Time for a second attempt, now that it’s out for consoles.

In the world of organized crime games, Crime Boss: Rockay City, developed by Ingame Studios and published by 505 Games, brings an ambitious blend of first-person shooter action and turf wars to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X. With an intriguing premise and a star-studded cast, this game had the potential to captivate players. However, as we delve into the game, it becomes apparent that Crime Boss: Rockay City still falls short of its aspirations.

Let’s start with the positives. Crime Boss: Rockay City draws inspiration from the action movies of the 80s and 90s, creating larger-than-life action set pieces and a campy B-movie dialogue that aims to evoke nostalgia – and at times it certainly does. The game boasts an impressive lineup of Hollywood talent, including Michael Madsen, Kim Basinger, Danny Glover, Michael Rooker and Chuck Norris. While the performances may not always be convincing or believable, they add a certain charm to the game, especially for movie fans.

The game offers three different game modes to explore: the single-player campaign, PVE co-op multiplayer, and multiplayer missions called Urban Legends. In the single-player campaign, you assume the role of Travis Baker, a character portrayed by Michael Madsen, as he aims to become the new King of Rockay City by executing daring missions and taking over rival gangs’ territories. The campaign follows a roguelike structure, with perma-death adding a sense of danger to each mission.

Unfortunately, the lack of variety and goals in the missions hinders the overall experience. The pacing is interrupted by frequent over-the-top cutscenes that do not contribute much to the narrative. The multiplayer modes, Crime Time and Urban Legends, suffer from the same lack of variety, leaving players craving more engaging content.

Visually, Crime Boss: Rockay City is a mixed bag. At times, the character models and environments shine with next-generation beauty, but inconsistency in graphical fidelity, pop-in, and frame rate drops detract from the overall experience and were things we had hoped were fixed a few months after the PC launch. The game’s attempt to showcase the impressive visuals seen in the trailer is marred by technical issues.

In terms of gameplay mechanics, the first-person shooter elements are satisfactory, but not as refined as other franchises like Call of Duty. The limited selection of weapons adds some variety, but the game lacks the depth of customization found in other titles. The concept of heisting with friends is promising, but the execution falls short, as players often resort to similar plans and strategies instead of exploring different approaches.

One major flaw that plagues the multiplayer modes is the poorly-designed UI, leading to mission cancellations, player boots, and wasted in-game currency. The menus are infuriating and freeze, affecting the overall accessibility of the game. As a result we didn’t spend too much time with the game’s multiplayer modes, which we initially considered a pleasant surprise in what we assumed a single player-centered title before we lost interest.

Despite its shortcomings, Crime Boss: Rockay City can still offer enjoyment. The high-action-packed missions and the thrill of attempting to outsmart the police during heists can create entertaining moments. However, it’s important to note that the game requires a lighthearted approach and should not be expected to deliver a AAA experience. There’s a B movie feel to the campaign, and the gameplay reflects this as well.

In conclusion, Crime Boss: Rockay City still falls short of its potential. The game’s lack of variety, technical issues, and underdeveloped mechanics hinder the overall enjoyment. While there are glimpses of promise, the execution fails to deliver a consistently engaging experience. It is evident that Ingame Studios has room to grow and learn from this venture. Fans of the crime genre may find some enjoyment in this game and fans of film/videogame crossovers will enjoy the campaign, but it may not be enough to warrant long-term dedication.

Score: 6.3/10