Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

PlanetSide: Aftershock builds upon the colossal, faction-based warfare of the original PlanetSide and the refined mechanics of PlanetSide: Core Combat. The core loop remains a thrilling mix of infantry skirmishes, vehicle assaults, and large-scale base captures that can involve hundreds of players simultaneously. Each battle feels dynamic and unpredictable, rewarding coordinated squad play and strategic use of resources.

(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 👍)

One of the standout additions in Aftershock is the introduction of Battle Frame Robotics. These towering, mech-like units bring a new dimension to the battlefield, allowing veteran players to stomp across captured territories with devastating firepower. While these frames require significant experience and in-game investment to unlock, they inject fresh tactical depth by offering heavy‐assault, support, and sniper variants that can turn the tide of sprawling battles.

For long-time fans who already owned the original PlanetSide, access to Battle Frame Robotics is granted automatically, making Aftershock feel like a generous reward for loyalty. Newcomers will find the progression system approachable, with the first combat mechs available after a moderate grind that doubles as a tutorial into advanced warfare. The seamless integration of infantry, vehicles, and mechs keeps gameplay loops engaging, whether you’re storming capture points or defending against enemy offensives.

Graphics

PlanetSide: Aftershock leverages modern rendering techniques to enhance the scale and clarity of its sprawling maps. Environments range from dusty badlands to verdant forests and frozen tundras, each teeming with detail at both close and long range. Lighting and particle effects—explosions, tracer fire, and smoke plumes—are more pronounced, heightening immersion during high-intensity firefights.

The Battle Frames themselves are a graphical showcase, with towering silhouettes, articulated limbs, and intricate armor plating that catch sunlight and muzzle flashes in visually arresting ways. Textures on these massive units are crisp, conveying a sense of weight and mechanical complexity that makes piloting one feel truly epic. Even on medium hardware, performance remains stable thanks to well-optimized LOD (level of detail) systems.

UI overlays have also received a facelift. The tactical map and targeting reticles are cleaner and more informative, helping you track squadmates, capture points, and incoming threats without clutter. These graphical upgrades are subtle but cumulative, resulting in a modernized look that respects PlanetSide’s heritage while matching the visual standards of contemporary shooters.

Story

True to the series’ philosophy, PlanetSide: Aftershock offers an emergent narrative driven by player actions rather than rigid storytelling. The conflict between the Terran Republic, New Conglomerate, and Vanu Sovereignty is as alive as ever, with territorial control shifting daily based on faction coordination and individual heroics. Every timer countdown for lattice link captures feels like a chapter in an unfolding war saga.

The addition of Battle Frame Robotics is woven into the lore as a breakthrough in nanite technology, developed collaboratively by all three factions under duress to counter escalating battlefield stalemates. In practice, this background provides context for why mech pilots are rare elite forces, and it spurs community-driven events to contest prototype research facilities scattered across continents.

While there isn’t a linear single-player campaign, Aftershock enriches the universe through periodic events and lore drops that explain technological advances and faction politics. Holographic briefings, faction-specific voiceovers, and in-game terminals scattered in outposts help convey the stakes of this global war without forcing players into cutscenes—keeping the focus firmly on epic multiplayer action.

Overall Experience

PlanetSide: Aftershock is a captivating entry that delivers both the breadth of classic PlanetSide battles and the focused intensity of Core Combat. The learning curve is noticeable—mastering combined arms warfare and mech piloting takes time—but the sense of accomplishment when you lead a successful squad assault or mech charge is unmatched. New players will appreciate the guided tutorials, while veterans will relish the strategic complexity.

The package value is hard to beat: you get two full games in one bundle, plus continued updates and community events. Veteran players enjoy early access to mechs as a loyalty bonus, and newcomers can feel equally invested once they unlock their first Battle Frame. The active player base remains strong, ensuring that no matter the time of day, massive fights are only a match-make away.

All in all, PlanetSide: Aftershock stands out as a sprawling, persistent warzone that rewards cooperation, adaptability, and long-term engagement. Its blend of refined graphics, emergent storytelling, and innovative mech warfare make it a compelling pick for fans of large-scale shooters. Whether you’re a returning warrior or a fresh recruit, Aftershock promises adrenaline-fuelled deployment after deployment.

Retro Replay Score

7.3/10