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MONSTER

Ion Fury

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Ion Fury
Item: Ion Fury
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2019

GenresIndie, Action, Shooter, Comedy, Crime, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableAug 15, 2019

PlatformXbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4

Developer3D Realms, Voidpoint, LLC

Overview

Shelly “Bombshell” Harrison earned her nickname as a bomb disposal expert for the Global Defense Force. When transhumanist cult mastermind Dr. Jadus Heskel unleashes a cybernetic army on Neo DC, Shelly decides it’s time to start chucking bombs rather than defusing them. Her journey will leave trails of blood and gore in huge, multi-path levels filled with those famous colorful keycards and plenty of secrets and Easter Eggs to discover behind every corner. There’s also no regenerating health here, so stop taking cover and start running and gunning. Honestly, Ion Maiden should probably come out on three hundred floppy disks. Shelly’s quest to take down Dr. Heskel’s army will see her use an arsenal of weapons, all with alternate fire modes or different ammo types. Her signature revolver, Loverboy, brings enemies pain and players pleasure with single shots, or Shelly can fan the hammer Old West style. Shotguns are fun, but tossing grenades down their barrels and firing explosive rounds is even better. Bowling Bombs are just as violent and over-the-top as one would hope. Ion Maiden laughs at the idea of constant checkpoints and straight paths through shooting galleries. But just because this is a true old-school first-person shooter doesn’t mean there won’t be all the good new stuff the last two decades have brought. Headshots? Hell yeah. More physics and interactivity? You betcha. Widescreen, controller support, and Auto Saves? 3D Realms and Voidpoint took the best of both worlds and cooked it all into a bloody stew.

Elsewhere

7.6

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Ion Fury dazzles with 80s cyberpunk flair and fast-paced combat but stumbles with a minimalistic plot, underdeveloped characters, and reliance on retro tropes—splitting fans between nostalgic joy and modern critique.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

29%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Ion Fury is generally praised for its nostalgic appeal and retro-inspired design, which many critics highlight as a strength. Reviewers like Push Square and TheXboxHub commend the game’s "charming, retro quality" and "richly detailed cyberpunk world," noting how it evokes 80s sci-fi aesthetics through humor, sexual innuendos, and references to classic first-person shooters. MondoXbox emphasizes its role as a spiritual successor to Duke Nukem 3D, framing the narrative as intentionally simplistic to align with retro gameplay mechanics. Similarly, GameGrin acknowledges the game’s focus on action over storytelling, which some see as a deliberate choice to prioritize nostalgia and fast-paced combat. These perspectives suggest that while the plot is minimal, its retro charm and homage to older games resonate with fans of the genre. However, the story faces widespread criticism for its lack of depth, complexity, and emotional engagement. BaziCenter and Gamers’ Temple describe it as "simplistic" and "minimal," with a basic conflict between the protagonist and antagonist that lacks nuance or character development. PlayStation Country and Vandal note that the narrative relies heavily on humor and retro tropes rather than substantive storytelling, while Cultured Vultures and PC Gamer call it "dead-simple" and "paper-thin," comparing it unfavorably to older titles like Duke Nukem 3D and Doom. Critics like GameMAG and Xbox Tavern point out that the protagonist, Shelly 'Bombshell' Harrison, is more of a placeholder than a developed character, with the plot serving as little more than a framework for gameplay. The lack of environmental storytelling or coherent world-building further undermines its narrative impact, leaving many to question its relevance in modern gaming. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Ion Fury’s story is a polarizing trade-off between retro charm and modern expectations. While it successfully channels the aesthetics and tone of 90s shooters, its minimalistic approach to storytelling is seen as both a strength and a weakness. TheXboxHub’s acknowledgment of its "richly detailed cyberpunk world" contrasts with Cultured Vultures’ critique of its underdeveloped plot, reflecting the divide between nostalgic appreciation and contemporary standards. Most agree that the narrative prioritizes gameplay over depth, making it appealing to fans of retro-style FPS but frustrating for those seeking a more nuanced story. Despite mixed reactions, the game’s adherence to its aesthetic goals—highlighted by MondoXbox and Push Square—suggests that its story, while simplistic, is intentionally designed to serve its nostalgic vision.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Nostalgic 90s FPS revival with fast-paced action, skill-based combat, and retro charm, but plagued by repetitive enemies, overpowered weapons, outdated design, and control issues—polarizing yet essential for retro fans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

63%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

37%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Ion Fury is widely praised for its nostalgic homage to 90s first-person shooters, emphasizing fast-paced, run-and-gun action with a focus on skill-based combat, varied weaponry, and intricate level design. Critics like BaziCenter highlight the game’s emphasis on ammo management, hidden areas, and challenging enemy encounters, while Gamers’ Temple and PlaySense commend its old-school mechanics and retro charm. The game’s ability to blend classic elements—such as keycard exploration, environmental puzzles, and labyrinthine level design—with modern refinements like alt-fire modes and locational damage is frequently lauded. Push Square and Critical Hit note the engaging mix of secrets, creative weapons (e.g., the bowling bomb), and a core loop that rewards exploration and adaptability. GameGrin and Gaming Nexus praise its tactical combat options, dynamic pacing, and expansive, maze-like environments that encourage thorough exploration, while PC Gamer and PCGamesN highlight satisfying weapon mechanics and diverse enemy designs that demand strategic approaches. However, several critics point to significant drawbacks that detract from the experience. Issues like repetitive enemy encounters, overpowered weapons (e.g., an “overpowered shotgun” cited by PlaySense), and a lack of innovation in later stages are recurring complaints. PlayStation Country and Destructoid criticize the game’s outdated design choices, such as limited ammo, frustrating difficulty curves, and repetitive enemy types, while GameSpew and Vandal note control issues on consoles, including poor auto-aim and imprecise aiming. Cultured Vultures and PCGamesN argue that the game’s reliance on 90s tropes—like secret areas and keys—can feel stale to modern players, and Metro GameCentral points to unclear objectives and a steep difficulty curve that may alienate newcomers. Additionally, Cubed3 and FNintendo mention that while the Switch version captures the retro spirit, its performance limitations and repetitive level design lead to boredom despite the nostalgia factor. Overall, critics agree that Ion Fury succeeds as a loving tribute to classic FPS games, offering a challenging, skill-driven experience that appeals to fans of 90s-era mechanics. While GameMAG and Worth Playing appreciate its balance of old-school grit and modern conveniences like autosaving, the consensus is that the game’s strengths are often offset by its flaws. Shacknews and Gamer.no acknowledge its nostalgic appeal but note that its reliance on outdated design elements may frustrate players seeking innovation. Despite these criticisms, the majority view Ion Fury as a worthwhile experience for retro enthusiasts, with Digital Chumps and Multiplayer.it praising its “classic FPS mechanics” and “dynamic pacing.” The game’s ability to evoke the spirit of titles like Duke Nukem 3D while adding modern touches ensures it remains a polarizing but ultimately compelling entry in the genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

A nostalgic 90s FPS homage with vibrant retro visuals and creative level design, built on the Build Engine’s retro charm but hampered by technical glitches, repetitive environments, and outdated graphics that prioritize nostalgia over modern polish, appealing mainly to retro fans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

36%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

61%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The reviews of Ion Fury’s graphics and visual design highlight a strong emphasis on retro aesthetics rooted in the 1990s FPS era, with many critics praising its nostalgic appeal and creative use of the Build Engine. BaziCenter notes the “retro aesthetic” and “charm for nostalgia-driven players,” while PlayStation Country celebrates its “vibrant neon-drenched dystopia” and “retro-futuristic aesthetics reminiscent of 80s/90s sci-fi.” Push Square and GameGrin commend the game’s “diverse environments” and “detailed, immersive locales,” with TheXboxHub highlighting the “polished cyberpunk aesthetic” and “attention to detail in level design.” Critics like Cultured Vultures and DarkZero also appreciate the authentic 90s feel, with Meristation praising “detailed, interactive environments” that evoke a bygone era. The blend of 2D sprites and 3D environments is frequently lauded for its creativity, as seen in GameGrin’s praise for “gorgeous sprite work” and Destructoid’s acknowledgment of the engine’s “modern touches for realism.” However, several critics point to technical limitations and repetitive design as significant drawbacks. BaziCenter criticizes the “outdated” graphics and “frame drops,” while GameMAG and GameSpew note “monotonous level aesthetics” and “blending together” environments, particularly in later acts. Vandal and Cubed3 highlight issues like limited enemy variety, “pixelated textures,” and technical glitches such as “texture blending issues” and “figures stuck in walls.” Multiplayer.it and PCGamesN also mention that the game prioritizes nostalgia over modern graphical fidelity, with some areas feeling “stagnant” or “confusingly structured.” The Build Engine’s constraints are both a strength and a weakness—while it contributes to the retro charm, critics like GameSpew and Gamer.no argue that its limitations make the visuals feel “outdated” and lack the polish of contemporary titles. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Ion Fury succeeds as a nostalgic homage to 90s FPS games, with its visual design balancing retro authenticity and creative level work. While many praise its “artistic presentation” (DarkZero) and “stylistic choices” (PCGamesN), others acknowledge its technical shortcomings, such as “poor design” (GameMAG) and “lack of modern polish” (PlayStation Country). The game’s reliance on the Build Engine is seen as both a defining feature and a limitation, with some reviewers like GameGrin and Destructoid appreciating its efficient use of resources to create immersive environments, while others feel it restricts the experience. Ultimately, Ion Fury appeals most to fans of retro aesthetics, offering a visually distinctive but technically constrained journey that prioritizes nostalgia over modern graphical innovation.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Ion Fury's synth-heavy soundtrack and retro-futuristic sound design are praised for their energetic, nostalgic vibe and crisp effects, immersing players in its cyberpunk world—but critics call it derivative, lacking iconic moments or deeper innovation despite its fitting style.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

42%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

58%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Ion Fury are widely praised for their energetic, immersive qualities that align with the game’s retro-futuristic aesthetic. Critics like BaziCenter highlight the soundtrack’s “energetic rhythm” that matches the fast-paced action, while Gamers’ Temple applauds its “electric drum 'n' bass” score, which complements the cyberpunk atmosphere. Vandal notes the rock music with MIDI effects that evoke a retro vibe, and Gaming Nexus calls the soundtrack a “standout feature,” emphasizing how it immediately hooks players. Shacknews praises the “jazzy soundtrack” for blending nostalgia with modernity, while Worth Playing appreciates the crisp sound effects and improved MIDI quality that retain an old-school charm. These reviews collectively underscore the music’s role in enhancing immersion and reinforcing the game’s nostalgic yet dynamic identity. However, some critics point to limitations in the audio design, noting that while the soundtrack is effective, it lacks originality or standout moments. GameMAG describes the MIDI-based score as “appropriate for the retro style” but not exceptional, while Gamer Escape argues the synth/electronic tracks “don’t reach the iconic status of classics like Doom.” Cubed3 mentions that sound effects are praised but there’s no discussion of background music quality, and Gaming Nexus notes the lack of memorable musical moments despite its fitting sci-fi theme. Additionally, several reviews, including those from Vandal and GameMAG, fail to elaborate on ambient sounds or interactive audio elements, suggesting a focus on surface-level praise over deeper technical analysis. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Ion Fury’s sound design and music are solid contributors to its retro-futuristic charm, though they don’t break new ground. The soundtrack’s energetic, nostalgic tone and crisp effects resonate with fans of classic first-person shooters, as noted by Worth Playing and Gaming Nexus, while others like GameMAG and Gamer Escape acknowledge its adequacy without exceptionalism. While the lack of detailed exploration into ambient or interactive audio elements is a recurring critique, the majority agree that the music effectively supports the game’s atmosphere and pacing, making it a memorable but not groundbreaking aspect of the experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Retro charm meets cheesy humor in Ion Fury's voice acting, praised for its energetic delivery and nostalgic nods but criticized for repetition and clichés.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

86%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Ion Fury receives mixed but generally positive attention, with several critics highlighting its energetic and humorous delivery. Destructoid praises Valerie Arem’s portrayal of Shelly ‘Bombshell,’ noting her cheesy one-liners and vulgar dialogue as adding personality and capturing the spirit of classic protagonists like Duke Nukem. Push Square appreciates Shelley’s goofy quips, which become amusing over time, while Xbox Tavern highlights memorable lines like “Dance, fucker, dance,” emphasizing their charm. GameGrin and FNintendo commend Jon St. John’s nostalgic voice work as Dr. Jadus Heskel and Valerie Arem’s expressive delivery for Shelly, respectively. These reviews suggest that the voice acting effectively contributes to the game’s retro aesthetic and character-driven humor, even if it leans on familiar tropes. However, several critics point out limitations in the voice acting’s depth and variety. Gaming Nexus criticizes Shelley’s dialogue as repetitive and annoying over time, comparing her one-liners to Duke Nukem’s iconic lines but finding them less impactful. Shacknews notes that the voice acting is “pretty cheesy at times,” with some one-liners failing to match the quality of earlier entries in the genre. Gamer Escape describes the protagonist’s lines as “repetitive and clichéd,” while also criticizing enemy dialogue as particularly grating. Additionally, several reviews—such as BaziCenter and PlayStation Country—note a lack of detail about other voice performances or character depth beyond specific mentions of John Santorini and Jon St. John. These critiques suggest that while the voice work is entertaining, it often relies on formulaic humor and lacks the nuance to sustain engagement over time. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Ion Fury’s voice acting leans into retro charm and comedic energy but falls short in originality and depth. While Destructoid, GameGrin, and FNintendo celebrate its nostalgic appeal and character-driven humor, others like Gaming Nexus and Shacknews highlight its repetitive nature and reliance on clichés. The reviews suggest that the voice acting successfully enhances the game’s personality and retro vibe for fans of the genre but may not resonate as strongly with those seeking more nuanced or varied performances. Despite these mixed reactions, the vocal work remains a notable aspect of the game’s identity, balancing charm with its inherent limitations.

TL;DR

voice acting

Retro charm meets cheesy humor in Ion Fury's voice acting, praised for its energetic delivery and nostalgic nods but criticized for repetition and clichés.

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

PC shines with smooth performance and modern tweaks, while consoles—especially PS4 and Xbox One—suffer crashes, frame drops, and bugs. Switch excels in controls but falters on handheld mode. An aging engine and rushed ports plague all non-PC versions, making PC the reliable choice despite nostalgic quirks.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

22%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

59%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

19%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Ion Fury varies significantly across platforms, with the PC version generally receiving the most favorable reviews. Critics like PC Gamer and Meristation praised its smooth operation, consistent frame rates, and support for modern features such as adjustable FOV and widescreen modes. The PC port also benefits from patches that address issues like clipping (noted by Digital Chumps) and a stable engine despite its retro roots. On Xbox One, while some reviewers like TheXboxHub highlighted minor frame rate jitter as "non-intrusive," others such as GameMAG and GameSpew criticized severe crashes, frame drops, and port-specific bugs that undermined the experience. The PlayStation 4 version faced similar challenges, with BaziCenter and PlayStation Country noting engine limitations and instability, though Vandal acknowledged the game’s overall smoothness despite technical hiccups. The Nintendo Switch port, while praised for its controls (e.g., FNintendo), struggled with low frame rates and visual clarity issues on handheld mode (Cubed3). Negatively, Ion Fury’s technical performance on consoles was marred by persistent issues. On PS4, Push Square reported over 20 hard crashes and a critical bug that halted progression, while Vandal cited stuttering and loading pauses. The Xbox One version faced even steeper challenges: GameMAG called it "unplayable" due to crashes and camera glitches, and GameSpew highlighted frame rate drops during intense combat. The Switch port suffered from inconsistent performance, with Cubed3 noting 30fps or lower on handheld mode and Gamer Escape criticizing motion aiming flaws. Even the PC version had its drawbacks, such as Worth Playing’s mention of poor controller support and TrueGaming’s observation of minor AI quirks. While DarkZero and GameGrin found no major technical issues on PC, others like Gamer.no reported bugs that forced reliance on manual saves, underscoring the game’s uneven optimization across platforms. Overall, critics consensus leans toward the PC version as the most polished, with its retro engine running smoothly on modern hardware despite minor quirks. Consoles, particularly PS4 and Xbox One, faced significant technical hurdles, including crashes, frame rate instability, and port-specific bugs that detracted from the experience. The Switch version, while praised for controls, struggled with performance limitations. Despite these issues, many reviewers acknowledged Ion Fury’s charm and retro design as a mitigating factor. PC Gamer and Meristation emphasized its optimization, while GameMAG and Push Square highlighted the stark contrast between PC’s stability and console fragility. Ultimately, the game’s technical shortcomings were seen as a product of its aging engine and rushed porting efforts, with the PC version offering the most reliable experience despite its nostalgic aesthetic.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Ion Fury thrives on hidden secrets, retro challenge, and exploration, offering 10–30 hours of replayable fun for FPS purists, but repetitive enemies, lackluster progression, and a short campaign limit its appeal beyond niche fans who prioritize nostalgia over innovation.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

24%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

72%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment toward Ion Fury’s replayability is largely positive, with many critics highlighting its strong emphasis on hidden secrets, exploration, and challenge-driven gameplay. Reviewers like Push Square and TheXboxHub praise the game’s multiple secrets per level, varied mechanics, and retro charm as key incentives for revisiting the experience. Game Informer, Gaming Nexus, and Meristation also note that hidden areas, backtracking, and difficulty settings encourage players to explore thoroughly, with some estimating playtimes of 10–30 hours. The game’s nostalgic appeal for classic FPS fans, as mentioned by BaziCenter and Cultured Vultures, further bolsters its replayability, particularly for those who appreciate the genre’s roots. Additionally, Xbox Tavern and ZTGD acknowledge that secret-hunting mechanics and level design incentives create a compelling reason to return, even if rewards are modest. However, several critics point to significant limitations that detract from long-term engagement. GameSpew and Cubed3 criticize the repetitive enemy designs and unchanging level structures, arguing that these elements diminish replayability over time. Vandal and DarkZero note that while secrets and Easter eggs add depth, the game’s lack of progression systems and limited weapon variety can lead to monotony after 10+ hours. PCGamesN and Worth Playing also highlight that the campaign’s relatively short runtime (8–14 hours) and absence of multiplayer or post-game content may limit its appeal for players seeking extended play. PlayStation Country and Cubed3 specifically call out repetitive enemy visuals as a major flaw, suggesting that even with exploration incentives, the game struggles to maintain freshness beyond initial playthroughs. Despite these criticisms, there is a general consensus that Ion Fury’s replayability hinges on its niche appeal and dedication to classic FPS mechanics. While BaziCenter and Cultured Vultures acknowledge that the steep learning curve and repetitive elements may alienate broader audiences, many reviewers—such as Gaming Nexus, Meristation, and TrueGaming—argue that the game’s hidden content and difficulty options provide enough incentive for dedicated fans to revisit it. The mixed reception reflects a balance between its strengths in exploration and nostalgia versus its flaws in variety and innovation. Ultimately, Ion Fury seems to cater best to retro enthusiasts who prioritize secrets and challenge over modern polish, making its replayability both a strength and a limitation depending on player preferences.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

60%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

39%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment toward Ion Fury is overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising its nostalgic homage to 90s first-person shooters. Many highlight its strong gameplay mechanics, fast-paced action, and authentic retro charm. BaziCenter and Gamers’ Temple commend the game’s “strong gameplay,” “memorable secrets,” and “cyberpunk aesthetics,” while PlaySense and Game Informer laud its “fast-paced action” and “excellent level design.” The game’s commitment to reviving the Build Engine’s legacy, as noted by PlayStation Country and Gaming Nexus, resonates with fans of classic FPS titles. Critics like Cultured Vultures and Destructoid acknowledge its ability to channel the spirit of 90s shooters while adding modernized touches, such as improved level design and combat variety. The game’s emphasis on simplicity, challenge, and retro authenticity—seen in reviews from Xbox Tavern and GameGrin—further solidifies its appeal to enthusiasts of the genre. However, several critics point out significant drawbacks that detract from the experience. Technical issues are a recurring concern, particularly on console platforms. GameMAG and GameSpew criticize the “technical instability” and “poor optimization” on Xbox One, while Vandal and Push Square note flaws in “console control shortcomings” and “outdated mechanics.” Others, like MondoXbox and TheXboxHub, mention limitations such as a lack of Italian localization or repetitive gameplay elements. Additionally, some reviewers, including Cultured Vultures and PC Gamer, argue that the game struggles with modern expectations, citing a “shallow story,” “minimal variety,” and “lack of innovation.” While these issues don’t entirely undermine the experience, they highlight the challenges of balancing retro design with contemporary standards. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that Ion Fury succeeds as a love letter to classic FPS games, particularly for fans of the 90s era. Gaming Nexus and Meristation praise its “flawless execution” of retro vision, while DarkZero and Critical Hit celebrate its “joyous single-player experience” and “refreshing nostalgia-driven design.” While some reviews, like those from GameSpew and Cubed3, express disappointment with the game’s technical shortcomings or lack of innovation, most agree that it is a worthwhile experience for its target audience. The mixed reception underscores a divide between purists who appreciate its retro charm and critics who expect more modern polish, but the majority of reviewers—such as PlaySense, PC Gamer, and Shacknews—recommend it as a must-play for fans of the genre, acknowledging its imperfections while celebrating its nostalgic appeal.

TL;DR

Ion Fury is a nostalgic love letter to 90s FPS games, praised for its fast-paced action, retro charm, and faithful homage to the Build Engine era, but plagued by technical glitches, repetitive gameplay, and outdated mechanics that clash with modern expectations—winning over purists while leaving others wanting more polish.

MONSTER

Reviews

88 reviews found

100

TheXboxHub

Xbox One

May 13, 2020