Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Wanted: Weapons of Fate drops players directly into the lethal shoes of Wesley Gibson, picking up immediately from the climactic finale of the 2008 film. From the outset, you are thrust into a high-octane world of assassins where every bullet counts and every move is a potential kill. The game’s signature “adrenaline” mechanic rewards you for chaining together kills, progressively filling a bar that unlocks devastating slow-motion abilities. This system not only feels satisfying to use but also actively encourages an aggressive, fluid playstyle that mirrors the cinematic excitement of the source material.

The cover system in Wanted is intuitive yet robust, allowing you to dive behind barricades, lean out to take precise shots, and pop back when the situation gets too hot. It feels logical and responsive, which is vital when you’re switching between conventional firefights and the trademark “bullet curve” sequences. Speaking of which, the curving bullets mechanic remains the game’s standout feature. By pulling your shot along a curved trajectory, you can dispatch enemies hiding behind cover or execute stylish long-range eliminations that feel straight out of the movie.

Beyond the core mechanics, Weapons of Fate peppers the experience with knife takedowns, dual-wielding pistols, and a handful of secondary weapons that keep encounters varied. Levels swap control between Wesley and flashback chapters featuring his father, giving a brief perspective shift and introducing fresh combat scenarios. While the overall run-and-gun loop can grow repetitive over time, the adrenaline bursts and cinematic flair ensure that most firefights remain thrilling. Unlockable costumes and hidden extras also add a collectible element, inviting a second playthrough to hunt down codes and secrets.

Graphics

The visual presentation of Wanted: Weapons of Fate captures the gritty, hyper-stylized aesthetic of the film with impressive fidelity. Character models for Wesley Gibson and his adversaries exhibit strong likenesses, complete with detailed facial animations that convey emotion in both tense standoffs and dramatic cutscenes. Environments range from sleek high-rises to shadowy industrial spaces, each rendered with a muted color palette that emphasizes the game’s dark, clandestine tone.

Bullet Time sequences bring out the game’s graphical strengths, as the world slows to a crawl and the engine renders each particle trail, muzzle flash, and ricochet in crisp detail. Watching a curved bullet arc through the air in slow motion never grows old, thanks to the fluid frame rate and carefully crafted visual effects. Even standard gunplay benefits from vibrant sparks and debris, enhancing the visceral impact of every shot fired.

That said, Wanted does show its age in static set dressing and occasional texture pop-ins. Repetitive background elements can make some levels feel less distinct, and enemy variety skews somewhat limited when it comes to unique character types. However, these shortcomings rarely overshadow the game’s stylized cinematic flair. Overall, the graphics succeed in immersing you in the adrenaline-soaked world of the Fraternity of Assassins, even if they don’t always break new ground technically.

Story

Picking up immediately after the events of the movie, Wanted: Weapons of Fate sees Wesley Gibson continuing his brutal apprenticeship under the secretive Fraternity. The central narrative thrust is Wesley’s hunt for a mysterious adversary known only as The Immortal, who may hold the key to both his future as an assassin and the untold truths behind his family’s legacy. This continuation enables fans of the film to delve deeper into the lore while newcomers receive enough exposition to understand the stakes.

The storytelling largely unfolds through cinematic cutscenes that blend seamlessly with in-engine graphics, presenting a noir-tinged thriller atmosphere. Voice acting, particularly from the actor reprising Wesley’s role, is solid and helps maintain continuity with the film’s universe. Moments of quiet revelation are punctuated by furious shootouts, striking a balance between narrative progression and explosive set-pieces.

While the plot reliably delivers twists and turns, some of the broader mythos around the Fraternity and its origins feels underexplored. You’ll find yourself wanting more context on how far-reaching the organization is and what truly motivates certain higher-ups. Nevertheless, the personal journey of Wesley and the emotional weight of his father’s legacy provide enough depth to keep you invested until the final, blood-soaked showdown.

Overall Experience

Wanted: Weapons of Fate is an adrenaline-fuelled extension of the film’s high-style action, offering enough flair and flair-driven mechanics to satisfy fans of the movie and shooters alike. Its blend of curving bullets, slow-motion set-pieces, and cover-based gunplay deliver a gameplay loop that’s accessible yet rewarding. Each firefight is crafted to feel like a mini blockbuster scene, complete with dramatic camera angles and explosive finales.

However, the game’s relatively short campaign and occasional repetition in level design can leave you wanting a bit more substance. Side activities and unlockables extend the runtime for completionists, but the main thrust will likely wrap up in six to eight hours. For players seeking a deep, evolving experience, this may fall short. Yet for those craving a focused, story-driven romp that faithfully captures the essence of Wanted, the condensed runtime is a small price to pay.

Ultimately, if you’re drawn to stylized action, cinematic flair, and inventive mechanics like Bullet Time and bullet curving, Weapons of Fate offers a compact but exhilarating ride. It may not revolutionize the shooter genre, but it hits every high-octane beat with confidence and style. Casual fans of the film will appreciate the narrative continuity, while action aficionados will revel in the fast-paced combat sequences. All told, it stands as a solid licensed adaptation that delivers on its main promise: making you feel like a deadly, bullet-bending assassin.

Retro Replay Score

6.5/10