Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Resistance: Retribution delivers a tight, cover-based third-person shooter experience tailored for the PSP’s portable form factor. You take control of James Grayson, a seasoned British Marine, navigating a series of linear but well-designed levels filled with Chimera forces. The cover system automatically locks Grayson to nearby obstacles, allowing you to pop out quickly, aim with precision assistance, and unleash a variety of weapons on your foes.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The weapon roster in Retribution remains true to the Resistance universe, featuring classic armaments such as the Bullseye pistol and the Auger rifle, alongside new experimental firearms. Each weapon handles differently, and the smart aim helps balance precision and chaos in firefights. Level design encourages strategic positioning—sneaking through shadowed corridors, flanking enemy patrols, and staging ambushes against conversion centers and Chimera hordes.

A significant draw is the connectivity feature with Resistance 2 on PS3. Owners of both games can link their PSP via USB (or AV output) and unlock the Infected mode. In this alternate-history scenario, Grayson becomes a Chimera Specter, gains health regeneration, unlocks plasma grenades, breathes underwater, and accesses secret passages. Although progress in Infected mode cannot be saved, it offers a fresh perspective and bolsters replay value for dedicated fans.

Multiplayer extends the action beyond the campaign through both Ad Hoc and Infrastructure modes. You can battle friends locally or challenge rivals online in deathmatch, team deathmatch, containment, capture the flag, and assimilation. Detailed stat tracking on MyResistance.net adds an extra competitive edge, rewarding consistent play and encouraging community engagement.

Graphics

For a PSP title released mid-generation, Resistance: Retribution pushes the handheld’s hardware impressively. Character models are surprisingly detailed, showcasing expressive Chimera designs and realistic soldier textures. Environments range from bombed-out European streets to claustrophobic subterranean labs, all rendered with atmospheric lighting and dynamic shadows that heighten tension.

The animation quality also stands out. Grayson’s movements flow smoothly between sprinting, sliding into cover, and vaulting over obstacles. Enemy animations—especially the grotesque Chimera conversion sequences—are sharp and unsettling, reinforcing the game’s grim tone. When you trigger scripted moments, such as collapsing platforms or Chimera ambushes, the PSP holds a steady framerate with minimal slowdown.

Connecting to a TV via the PSP 2000/3000’s AV output further enhances the visual fidelity, allowing players to appreciate finer details on the big screen. Infected mode introduces glowing Chimeran eyes, bioluminescent veins, and muted color filters that emphasize Grayson’s transformation. These visual flourishes make each mode feel distinct and showcase the game’s versatile engine.

Story

Resistance: Retribution picks up just weeks after Resistance: Fall of Man, thrusting James Grayson into a personal crusade. When he learns his brother Harry has been infected by the Chimera virus, Grayson’s mission shifts from survival to vengeance. This driving motive infuses the narrative with urgency and emotional weight, as you carve a path through European strongholds to destroy every conversion center in your path.

The Maquis, a resistance cell fighting the Chimera occupation, enlists Grayson for covert operations behind enemy lines. Briefings are delivered via radio chatter and animated cutscenes, offering context without bogging down the action. Key moments—such as infiltrating heavily guarded facilities or extracting vital intel—are punctuated by tense dialogue that highlights Grayson’s steely resolve and personal stakes.

The optional Infected mode expands the storyline by weaving in Resistance 2’s Specter Lieutenant David LaSalle. As Grayson embraces a mutated Chimera virus, you gain insight into the alien psyche and unlock hidden narrative threads. Though this campaign cannot be saved mid-progress, it enriches the lore and invites players to reconsider the cost of survival and sacrifice in the ongoing war for Europe.

Overall Experience

Resistance: Retribution stands as one of the PSP’s most ambitious shooters, delivering console-quality production values in a handheld package. Its solid cover-based mechanics, varied weaponry, and well-paced levels make for an engrossing single-player campaign that rarely overstays its welcome. The story—rooted in personal loss and defiance—keeps you invested from start to finish.

Connectivity with Resistance 2 and the Infected mode add meaningful replay value, appealing to series veterans eager for crossover content. Multiplayer offerings are robust for a portable title, and the option to track stats online ensures longevity beyond the campaign. Even casual players will find the ad hoc battles a fun way to relive console-style shooter action on the go.

Of course, the linear structure and lack of open exploration may feel limiting to those craving sandbox freedom. Saving Infected progress isn’t supported, which can frustrate completionists. Still, these quibbles are minor compared to the game’s tight controls, immersive atmosphere, and inventive scenarios. For PSP owners seeking a challenging, story-driven shooter with strong Resistance ties, Retribution is a must-play experience.

Retro Replay Score

8.1/10