Ready or Not

The reviews of Ready or Not highlight several positive aspects of its narrative approach, particularly its emphasis on realism and environmental storytelling. Critics like Eurogamer Germany (PS5) note that the game connects missions through a central thread, offering a cohesive yet minimalist portrayal of Los Sueños’ darker underbelly. DualShockers praises the immersive briefings using 911 audio recordings and maps, while Impulsegamer appreciates the background lore and audio logs that contextualize the city’s criminal decline. Additionally, IGN France commends the game’s grounded realism, with missions inspired by real-world scenarios and a focus on authenticity. The narrative’s strength lies in its ability to create tension through mission design and environmental details, as seen in WellPlayed’s observation of sparse but effective storytelling that emphasizes moral dilemmas and emotional reflection. However, many critics point out significant shortcomings in the game’s traditional narrative structure. GameStar and Generación Xbox (PC) criticize the lack of detailed story progression or character development, with the plot often reduced to mission-based scenarios rather than a compelling arc. GameBlast describes the narrative as fragmented, with missions feeling isolated despite some thematic connections. GGRecon raises concerns about sensitive topics like mental health and real-world events being used without deeper exploration, while Gfinity notes that the game prioritizes gameplay mechanics over storytelling. The absence of cutscenes, traditional character backstories, and a cohesive plot is repeatedly highlighted as a drawback, with Finger Guns and Game Rant noting the minimalistic approach to narrative depth. Overall, critics agree that Ready or Not succeeds in delivering a tense, mission-driven experience rooted in realism but falls short of providing a traditional story. While The Enemy and Hobby Consolas acknowledge the game’s environmental storytelling and interconnected missions, they also stress that it lacks emotional investment due to its focus on procedural objectives. The consensus leans toward appreciating the tactical gameplay and atmospheric tension but recognizing the narrative as a secondary element. Eurogamer Germany (PC) and TheXboxHub summarize this duality, noting that while the story serves as a framework for missions, it fails to engage players with depth or character-driven moments. The game’s strengths lie in its authenticity and mission diversity, but its narrative remains a polarizing aspect for those seeking traditional storytelling.

The gameplay of Ready or Not is widely praised for its tactical depth, cooperative focus, and strategic complexity. Critics consistently highlight its slow-paced, first-person shooter mechanics that emphasize planning, precision, and teamwork. For instance, Push Square and GGRecon commend the game’s emphasis on tactical decision-making, with missions requiring careful squad management, weapon customization, and environmental awareness. Stevivor and ElDesmarque note the game’s realistic approach to SWAT operations, where players must balance caution with calculated risk, while Game Rant and Impulsegamer praise its blend of solo and multiplayer modes, offering diverse objectives like breaching buildings or rescuing civilians. The cooperative experience is particularly lauded for fostering communication and adaptability, with WellPlayed and Eurogamer Germany highlighting the tension and reward of high-stakes scenarios. Many critics, including Vandal and GameSpew, also appreciate the game’s simulation-like realism, which mirrors classic titles like SWAT 4 and Rainbow Six, making it a standout for fans of tactical shooters. However, several criticisms emerge regarding specific gameplay mechanics and design choices. Issues with AI behavior are frequently mentioned, particularly in single-player modes. TheXboxHub points out that AI teammates in solo play often fail to follow orders effectively, while Stevivor and WellPlayed note the player’s character sometimes acting aggressively toward civilians or encountering inconsistent mission outcomes. New Game Network and God is a Geek criticize repetitive mission structures and uneven difficulty balancing, with some scenarios feeling formulaic despite varied objectives. Additionally, control schemes and UI elements face scrutiny: IGN France finds console controls for managing orders and gadgets complex, while GamingBolt mentions repetition in tasks and occasional AI glitches. The solo Commander Mode is also critiqued for underdeveloped features and AI shortcomings, as noted by Eurogamer Germany and Vandal, which detract from the experience compared to the more polished multiplayer. Despite these drawbacks, the majority of critics agree that Ready or Not delivers a compelling and innovative gameplay experience. The game’s emphasis on teamwork, strategic planning, and realism resonates strongly, with Push Square, GGRecon, and Hobby Consolas praising its depth and replayability. While issues like AI inconsistencies and repetitive mission design are acknowledged, they are often framed as minor flaws in an otherwise robust title. GameBlast and Gfinity highlight the game’s punishing difficulty and rewarding skill progression, reinforcing its appeal to hardcore fans of tactical shooters. Ultimately, the consensus leans heavily toward admiration for Ready or Not’s unique approach to cooperative gameplay, with many critics viewing it as a standout entry in the genre despite its imperfections.

The graphics and visual design of Ready or Not receive largely positive reception, particularly for their immersive environments and attention to detail. Critics like Areajugones (PC) praise the "sublime" visuals and "realistic and detailed" settings, such as the lobby’s training zones and strategy areas, while Generación Xbox (PC) highlights the Unreal Engine 4’s ability to render weapon models, atmospheric effects, and environments with a focus on realism. Hey Poor Player and WellPlayed commend the game’s varied locations—community centers, beachfront homes, and penthouses—that create a "diverse visual experience" and "emotional heft." On PS5, DualShockers note the "mood-driven" aesthetic that avoids photorealism in favor of a gritty, immersive atmosphere, while GamingBolt lauds the "rundown apartments" and "urban realism" that enhance tension. The game’s level design is frequently praised for its tactical richness, with SpazioGames and The Games Machine highlighting detailed maps and claustrophobic layouts that deepen immersion despite minor flaws. However, several critics point to technical and aesthetic shortcomings. Everyeye.it (PC) describes the graphics as "average," citing imperfections in character models and animations, while Gamereactor UK criticizes the Unreal Engine 4’s "too clean" look, longing for more dirt and a "bodycam" aesthetic. On PS5, MeuPlayStation calls the visuals "subpar," noting issues like mismatched shadows and low-quality character models ("bonecos de borracha"), while Impulsegamer highlights uncanny facial animations and shadow discrepancies compared to PC versions. Multiplayer.it and New Game Network point to technical inconsistencies, such as texture streaming problems, pop-in, and "muddy textures," which detract from the experience. Console-specific issues are also prevalent: TheXboxHub reports glitches like camera clipping and enemy cloning, while Gameliner (XBOX SERIES X) criticizes slow texture loading and generic mission locations that lack unique identity. Overall, critics agree that Ready or Not prioritizes atmosphere and tactical immersion over cutting-edge graphical fidelity. While the environments are consistently praised for their realism, variety, and emotional impact—Areajugones (PS5) calls the lighting "a beast," and PlayStation Universe highlights its "documentary-style aesthetic"—technical flaws and visual compromises on consoles (notably MeuPlayStation and Gameliner) remain contentious. The game’s visuals strike a balance between functional detail and stylistic choices, with some critics like Generación Xbox (PC) and DualShockers (PS5) appreciating its gritty, mood-driven approach, while others, such as New Game Network and Player 2, find it lacking in polish. Despite these critiques, the consensus leans toward admiration for how the visuals support the game’s tense, immersive gameplay, even if they fall short of modern graphical benchmarks.

The sound design of Ready or Not is widely praised for its immersive qualities and ability to heighten tension through meticulous attention to audio details. Critics consistently highlight the realistic weapon sounds, environmental cues (like footsteps in tight spaces), and atmospheric elements that deepen player engagement. Areajugones (PC) emphasizes the "IMPRESIONANTE" (impressive) sound design, noting realistic walkie-talkie effects and the necessity of good headphones for full immersion. SpazioGames applauds the progress in audio fidelity compared to early access versions, while DualShockers (PS5) praises the intensity of gunshots, shouting, and lifelike teammate interactions. The Games Machine and LaPS4 also commend the "atmospheric soundscapes" and "immersive audio cues," which create a tense, realistic environment that complements the game’s stealth mechanics. These elements collectively reinforce the game’s focus on situational awareness and control. Despite these strengths, some critics point to specific shortcomings in the audio design. Multiplayer.it criticizes the lack of accurate sound localization through walls, a critical flaw for a tactical shooter where auditory cues are vital. TheXboxHub notes the confusing "shout mechanic" (A button), which detracts from the experience, while Gamereactor UK and GamingBolt mention a lack of detailed exploration into musical composition. Additionally, while most praise the ambient sounds and minimalistic approach to music, some find the soundtrack unremarkable—Generación Xbox (PC) notes that "the music is not particularly standout," and MondoXbox acknowledges the "minimal musical accompaniment" as both effective and a potential limitation. These critiques suggest that while the audio design excels in practicality and immersion, it occasionally falls short in creative or technical execution. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with Ready or Not’s sound design being celebrated as a core strength that elevates its gameplay and atmosphere. The emphasis on realistic audio feedback, environmental storytelling, and tension-building mechanics resonates across multiple platforms, as seen in reviews from Areajugones (PS5), LaPS4, and The Games Machine. While minor issues like localization accuracy and musical originality are noted, they do not overshadow the broader acclaim for the game’s auditory craftsmanship. Critics agree that the sound design is integral to the experience, with its immersive qualities and attention to detail making it a standout feature in the genre.

The voice acting in Ready or Not receives mixed but generally positive attention from critics, particularly highlighting its role in mission briefings and atmospheric elements. WellPlayed notes that mission briefings are "well-written and voiced," offering clear instructions and subtle narrative cues, while Impulsegamer praises the "well-acted" performances despite exaggerated caricatures of American media. TheXboxHub also acknowledges decent voice acting in briefing stages, with characters using stock police phrases like "Hands up" and "Drop the weapon!" that contribute to immersion. LaPS4 emphasizes that mission instructions are "well-dubbed," providing clarity, though it avoids delving into character-specific performances. These positives suggest that while voice acting isn’t a central focus, it effectively supports the game’s procedural gameplay and tense atmosphere. However, several critics point out notable shortcomings. Hobby Consolas criticizes localization errors and the absence of Spanish dubbing, which could alienate non-English speakers, while noting that dialogue sometimes "blends together," causing auditory confusion—a minor but persistent issue. MondoXbox highlights that voice acting is limited to NPCs during missions and specific characters like the Doctor and Police Chief, with audio exclusively in English despite Italian text and subtitles. WellPlayed (PS5) mentions "verbal warnings" and "audible dread" but fails to elaborate on performance quality, suggesting a lack of depth in this aspect. These critiques reveal that while voice acting is present, its scope and execution are constrained, particularly in terms of localization and character diversity. Overall, the consensus leans toward moderate praise with caveats. Critics like Impulsegamer and TheXboxHub acknowledge the voice acting’s contribution to atmosphere and clarity, but others, such as Hobby Consolas and MondoXbox, emphasize its limitations in scope and localization. While the game’s voice work is functional and occasionally effective, it doesn’t stand out as a defining strength. The mixed reception reflects that while some aspects—like mission briefings—are well-executed, broader issues like limited character voices and technical flaws prevent it from being a standout feature. This balance of praise and criticism suggests that Ready or Not’s voice acting is adequate but not exceptional, aligning with its overall focus on gameplay mechanics over narrative depth.

The technical performance of Ready or Not varies across platforms, with notable positives for each. On PC, critics like IGN Spain highlighted post-1.0 improvements, noting stable performance after early access issues, while The Games Machine praised smooth 60fps gameplay despite minor animation and model glitches. For PS5, DualShockers and PlayStation Universe commended the port’s stability and visual polish, with Push Square acknowledging acceptable frame drops in higher-quality modes. On Xbox Series X, Generación Xbox and MondoXbox noted stable 60fps performance and quick load times, though the latter mentioned graphical limitations from an older Unreal Engine 4 base. These platforms generally received praise for their technical foundations, albeit with caveats. However, technical challenges persist across all platforms. On PC, reviewers like Gamersky and New Game Network criticized significant issues such as AI bugs, lighting glitches, and unbalanced gameplay mechanics, while Areajugones highlighted persistent multiplayer bugs and UI complexity. For PS5, Areajugones reported severe frame drops (as low as 10 FPS), Eurogamer Germany noted awkward controls and unreliable AI, and PlayStation Country criticized inconsistent gameplay mechanics. On Xbox Series X, ComicBook and DBLTAP pointed to missing weapons, phasing glitches, and control issues, while ElDesmarque lamented the lack of keyboard/mouse support exacerbating console-specific flaws. These platforms faced unique hurdles, from optimization problems to adaptation challenges, reflecting the game’s uneven technical execution. Overall, critics agreed that Ready or Not struggled with early access-era technical debt but showed improvement post-launch. PC received mixed feedback, with some praising its polish (e.g., IGN Spain) while others highlighted lingering bugs (Gamersky). PS5 and Xbox Series X faced platform-specific issues, such as PS5’s control quirks (Eurogamer Germany) and Xbox’s lack of mod support (Game Rant), though both received nods for stability. Despite these flaws, the game’s core mechanics and multiplayer remained compelling, with many reviewers acknowledging its potential despite technical shortcomings. The consensus was that while Ready or Not is a technically flawed but promising title, its performance varied significantly across platforms, reflecting the challenges of cross-platform development.

The overall sentiment toward Ready or Not’s replay value is largely positive, with critics highlighting its dynamic mechanics and strategic depth as strong incentives for multiple playthroughs. Many reviewers praise the game’s randomized enemy placements, mission variability, and procedural generation, which encourage adaptability and experimentation. For instance, Eurogamer Germany notes that “mission layouts and enemy placements vary per playthrough,” while SpazioGames emphasizes a point-based system that rewards careful play and penalizes recklessness. The Commander Mode, squad customization, and multiplayer co-op features also stand out as key contributors to replayability, with The Enemy and Impulsegamer pointing to community-created content, DLC expansions, and diverse playstyles (e.g., stealth vs. shock-and-awe) as long-term draws. Additionally, the game’s permadeath mechanics and S-rank challenges, as noted by ComicBook and DBLTAP, create a sense of progression and mastery that motivates players to retry missions with refined strategies. However, several critics point to significant limitations that hinder sustained engagement. The game’s short campaign—often cited as 15–18 hours—draws criticism for feeling rushed, with Areajugones explicitly stating that “the game’s short duration (18 missions) is criticized as limiting replayability.” Repetitive objectives, static AI behavior, and a lack of post-game content are recurring complaints. New Game Network highlights “static AI behavior” and “repetitive objectives,” while GamingBolt notes that the campaign lacks incentives beyond perfect scores. Technical flaws, such as bugs requiring mission restarts (Stevivor) and frustrating inconsistencies, further detract from long-term appeal. Additionally, some reviewers, like WellPlayed, mention matchmaking challenges in multiplayer and a “grind for officer recovery” that can feel tedious, tempering the game’s otherwise strong replayability hooks. Despite these criticisms, the consensus among critics is that Ready or Not offers decent to strong replay value, particularly through its tactical depth and multiplayer focus. While single-player experiences are often seen as limited by repetition and brevity, the game’s emphasis on strategy, co-op play, and procedural variation keeps it engaging for many. The Enemy and Impulsegamer argue that the challenge of mastering tactics and the diversity of mission approaches justify repeated playthroughs, even if long-term incentives are modest. Meanwhile, Gfinity and Hobby Consolas note that DLC and regular updates enhance longevity, suggesting the game’s replayability is more about its core mechanics than endgame content. Ultimately, while not without flaws, Ready or Not balances its shortcomings with enough innovation and variety to appeal to fans of tactical shooters seeking multiple runs.