Since its establishment nearly 25 years ago, Finnish developer Remedy Entertainment has consistently delivered quality single-player experiences. The following is a ranking of the best Remedy games so far before its latest sci-fi adventure, Control, releases for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on August 27. Keep in mind that the studio’s mobile-only offering, Agents of Storm, has not been included.
Best Remedy Games | 6. Quantum Break
As evidenced in the screenshot above, Quantum Break is a graphical marvel. The game’s character models, destruction mechanics, and particle effects are jaw-dropping and players may find themselves pausing a lot just to take everything in. Time manipulation adds a sense of awe to the experience and encourages players to flesh out their skill trees in order to gain access to new powers.
ALSO: How Control learned from Dark Souls to trust its players
Unfortunately, the title’s gun play and platforming sections fail to be as entertaining and frequently get in the way of the fun. From a narrative perspective, Quantum Break is needlessly complicated and may make players scratch their heads by the time they reach the credits. That’s not to mention that player choices hardly alter the overall outcome of the story. Remedy’s last game isn’t terrible, but it does lack the magic that made the studio’s prior titles so noteworthy.
Best Remedy Games | 5. Alan Wake: American Nightmare
Though Alan Wake: American Nightmare preserves the original Alan Wake‘s flashlight-toting gameplay, its tone is noticeably different than that of its brooding predecessor. The spin-off’s Twilight Zone premise and dark humor are welcome changes, as is the inclusion of an arcade mode that sees Alan face off against increasingly difficult waves of foes.
Though poor voice acting and a confusing story keep American Nightmare from being as memorable as the first title, its gameplay is just as addictive and challenges fans to dodge, shine, and shoot more in order to wake up safe and sound. It’s a short but sweet experience that’s worth the $10 price tag, especially for people looking for a horror-tinged experience that won’t keep them up at night.
Best Remedy Games | 4. Death Rally
Remedy’s first game, Death Rally, shares few similarities with the studio’s later titles. That’s not to say that the top-down racer isn’t worthwhile, as it has gear heads stylishly blow up competitors in order to win in-game cash and upgrades. Purchasing new cars and learning the ins and outs of every track is rewarding, especially as one’s rundown Vagabond transforms into a devastating Wraith or Deliverator.
Witnessing rivals take a hefty amount of damage after tampering with their vehicles before a race is bound to put a smile on anyone’s face. Death Rally may be repetitive toward later sections and its strange controls on PC leave a little to be desired, but it’s worth looking into by fans of Twisted Metal or Destruction Derby.
Best Remedy Games | 3. Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne
Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne may not be very long, but it sure packs a punch. The sequel feels like an interactive crime movie, as it preserves the high-octane gameplay that made the original such a hit and offers set pieces that seem worthy enough to be on the big screen. The titular character’s romance with Mona Sax is believable and the pair’s quest to take down some of New York’s most powerful gangs is filled with twists and turns that keep fans hungry for more.
Though the adventure feels a little short-lived, higher difficulties and survival modes provide some incentive to revisit the mayhem. The Fall of Max Payne is a great example on how to craft a proper follow-up, as it improves upon nearly every aspect found in the first game.
Best Remedy Games | 2. Alan Wake
Alan Wake builds upon Max Payne‘s foundations without sacrificing its unique identity. Though the psychological thriller’s plot is intriguing, its most fascinating feature lies in the use of light as a weapon. Players must burn away enemy shrouds before taking them down with guns, lest their bullets go to waste.
Another riveting aspect of the title is its atmosphere, as it’s impossible to escape the dense fog that blankets the small town of Bright Falls, Washington. Despite the possibility of something hiding behind around every corner, Alan Wake edges players on thanks to its episodic structure and excellent pacing. Finding the titular character’s wife among a sea of pine and fir trees isn’t easy, but it certainly is worthwhile.
Best Remedy Games | 1. Max Payne
Max Payne revolutionized third-person shooters when it launched in 2001, as it cleverly integrates bullet time into its core gameplay and allows players to shoot and jump out of the way of incoming fire in slow motion. Witnessing bullets halt to a crawl in real-time is mind-boggling and evidences the lengths that Remedy had to go to in order make the whole title work.
Max Payne‘s story is just as memorable, as it sees the titular character try to avenge his slain wife and child while working undercover inside a prominent mafia family. It’s not hyperbole to state that the shooter pushed the boundaries of cinematic storytelling in video games. Not many titles can claim to be as emotionally captivating and technologically impressive.
While Control seems like it’ll preserve a lot of Remedy’s signature slow-motion, time-bending gameplay, it’ll attempt to shake up the formula by allowing players to explore its world at a nonlinear pace. Given how it’s also set to include supernatural abilities, a customizable combat system, and a badass shape-shifting gun, there’s good reason for fans of single-player games to be excited. Though we can’t jump to any conclusions yet, Control may be impressive enough to earn itself the honor of being the developer’s best title yet. Beating out Max Payne won’t be easy, but Jesse Faden’s adventure certainly has potential.
