Hard Reset: Redux

Setting and Narrative Context

The game plunges players into a bleak, dystopian future where humanity teeters on the brink of extinction. The last bastion of human civilization resides within the walled city of Bezoar. Outside these defenses lie the 'Barrens,' vast territories controlled by hostile machines. The central conflict revolves around the machines' relentless assault on Bezoar and their objective to assimilate 'The Sanctuary'—a critical network housing the digitized minds of billions of humans. Players assume the role of Major Fletcher, an elite soldier belonging to the CLN corporation's combat unit, tasked with defending the city when its protective barriers are breached. The atmosphere is deeply rooted in a realized cyberpunk aesthetic.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

The experience is focused squarely on being a challenging, single-player shooter. Key features include over-the-top environmental destruction, allowing players to interact dynamically with the battlefield. Combat is characterized by facing large numbers of enemy machines and utilizing a diverse arsenal of weaponry. The design embraces the qualities of classic, fast-paced shooters, demanding precision and aggressive engagement.

What are the key improvements in this remastered version?

This 2016 release, designated as the Redux, serves as a comprehensive update to the original title. It incorporates all content from previous iterations while introducing significant technical and mechanical enhancements, aiming to be the definitive edition of the experience.

Visual and Gameplay Modernization

The primary focus of the Redux edition was modernization. This includes enhanced visuals designed to take advantage of newer console and PC capabilities, offering a more detailed and beautiful realization of the cyberpunk world. Furthermore, gameplay has seen improvements, refining the moment-to-moment action and overall flow of the campaign to feel more contemporary. While the core structure and challenging nature of the original campaign are preserved, the experience has been polished for a new generation of hardware.

What content is included in this edition?

This title is presented as a complete package, including all content from previous versions of the game. There are currently no separate downloadable content packs or expansions associated with this specific release.

Platforms and Genre

This title falls under the Shooter and Adventure genres, classified specifically as a Remaster. It is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows (PC).