Red Orchestra: Ostfront 41-45 PC
Metascore
81 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 22
  3. Negative: 1 out of 22
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  1. Play.tm
    80
    The stern difficulty level might upset some players, as might the lack of 'safe' features such as crosshairs and medical packs. However, if you really want your World War FPS' to be real, like, really real, then Red Orchestra is just about your best bet.
  2. AceGamez
    80
    Perseverance is key though, because this is not a game you rush into.
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  3. GamesRadar
    80
    As usual, the online-only nature makes for a steep learning curve, but the excellent community that surrounds this game makes RO an even stronger value. For players that are sick of Normandy, put in for a transfer to the Eastern Front - you'll love every minute.
  4. IncGamers
    88
    Easily the most engaging WWII experience I have had in quite a while. I would not recommend this game to anyone new to the FPS world. However, if you think you are good, you should seriously consider purchasing this title.
  5. Worth Playing
    86
    Because Red Orchestra is not reliant on a story or linear gameplay and has plenty of variety, it remains a fresh and a different experience just about every time it's played.
  6. IGN
    85
    There's very little gameyness in RO and a whole lot of gritty crawling along the ground so you can flank over to that machine gunner and allow your team to advance to the next spawn point objective.
  7. Game Over Online
    85
    I’ve got to give it big kudos for being something that feels absolutely unlike any other FPS out there in many ways. I think it’s worth supporting for that reason alone.
  8. PC Gameworld
    82
    An accomplished title. But whether or not it can entertain you depends upon your personal taste in games. Love it or hate it, realism rules this roost.
  9. 1UP
    80
    This isn't a game where any session's likely to be "relaxing," but it is a game where every session's going to be rewarding.
  10. CPUGamer
    80
    I absolutely love the attention Tripwire has given to the small details in the game.
  11. Jolt Online Gaming UK
    80
    Just like a real orchestra, Red Orchestra requires a concerted effort to get the most out of it. It may not be the most popular mod right now, but it has one of the strongest communities and anyone willing to invest a little time to become a part of it will be well rewarded.
  12. GameSpot
    79
    Red Orchestra is an enjoyable, team-based online shooter for those who like the Battlefield-style games but want a more technical and realistic experience.
  13. Gamers' Temple
    75
    The key to enjoying RO is embracing the realism. Still, this does not negate the fact that the intensity of the gameplay is reduced, and the general pace of the game is slowed.
  14. FiringSquad
    75
    Red Orchestra starts bright but fades rather quickly. The exact cause was difficult to pin down, since the game is truly excellent on most technical levels, yet the whole doesn’t seem equal to the sum of its parts, never mind better.
  15. Times Online
    100
    As frantic as it is visually stunning.
  16. GameSpy
    80
    Tripwire can take a lot of pride in Red Orchestra: Ostfront, a game for history buffs and FPS aficionados and, more importantly, a shooter for adults.
  17. G4 TV
    40
    If effort counts, then Red Orchestra is not a bad game, and it might even be a very good one. But playing games is about having experiences, and the experience of playing Red Orchestra will leave 95% of the gaming community out in the cold. That other 5% will have the time of their lives though.
  18. Pelit (Finland)
    92
    Far from a run-of-the-mill WW2 shooter. The game is all about realism, which makes the infantry and tank combat intense and exciting. The lack of a proper single player campaign is a bit of a letdown, but the great multiplayer action compensates for that. [May 2006]
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  19. PC Gamer UK
    83
    Distinguishing between friend and foe is the most brutally realistic touch of all, and the first thing you'll hve trouble with. [May 2006, p.82]
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  20. PC Zone UK
    78
    If you'd like to know what it's like to keep check on every bullet you have left, or how easy it is to parallel park a Panzer, then Red Orchestra is the war game for you. [June 2006, p.78]
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  21. PC Gamer
    74
    Ostfront offers just a single, limiting game mode. [Jun 2006, p.46]
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  22. Computer Games Magazine
    90
    Don't expect to like Red Orchestra Ostfront 41-45 right off, as it's downright nasty for the first couple of hours. After that, however, the depth of the game and the emphasis on skill becomes apparent. [July 2006, p.59]
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.6 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1252 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 425 out of 524
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 524
  3. Negative: 73 out of 524
  1. ClassyGamer
    10
    The game is unique, providing combat in a video game unlike any other in a unique, highly sought after WWII environment. Its realistic, gritty, tactical, and requires great skill. not for those NEW to he FPS genre. if you want an intense gaming experience this WAS the game for you. but it always had a very small server community. despite this, red orchestra players like myself never let that stop them from thoroughly enjoying the game, with certain very good high population servers and clans/groups that kept the game alive and interesting. i give a lot of respect to tripwire, who even took the time to update the game a LOT after it game out. just goes to show dedication (and tripwire does it for ALL of their games, very well at that). there are only a few minor glitches and errors that arent even bothersome or inhibiting with bombs going off around you. and these glitches are few and far between. the game is immersive and a gem of an FPS. WWII buffs and realism junkies loved it. i say loved because with the NEW red orchestra: heroes of stalingrad coming out, the first game might become a little dated. i encourage you all however to buy the new one. tripwire is a very unique and talented game developer, and i encourage anyone who :loves WWII, loves FPS, loves realism, looking for a challenge/something new. to get it. although really i encourage any and everyone to check it out. im usually hesitant to dish out 50 bucks for a new game, but after playing the first RO, i have complete confidence that its worth the money and supports tripwire to make more games i love.… Full Review »
  2. DavidM
    6
    This game is quite the experiment, but ultimately falls short. From a presentation perspective, the immersion and attention to detail is quite good. The graphics are more than good enough on max settings and the music is great. The weapon sounds are crisp and feel powerful. The various ways you can get mangled and the grittiness of the game is great. However, the gameplay is obnoxious. Many problems stem from the focus on realism (Which in itself is a ridiculous concept, did the devs fight in ww2? What is this claim based on besides ballistics and an interface that fights the user every step of the way? ) The maps are too large for the player count, even on 50 player servers. A problem also common in BF2. Getting anywhere takes an obscene amount of time and at first I was frantically trying to select my spawn point, like in Battlefield games before figuring that it's not possible. The gunplay is irritating and very unsatisfying. Aiming down the sights takes too long, and you have to be perfectly still and prone to make accurate shots, which rewards a campy playstyle that is only accentuated by the immense maps. Any attempt at moving forward is met by a hail of grenades or cross-map sniping, forcing players to stay entrenched and just wait for runners. Forcing the player to left-click a second time to rechamber the round on bolt-action rifles is superfluous and unnecessary, all other games do it for you. What people look for in FPS games, and even the hardcore population that this game seems to be aimed at, is weapon balance and satisfying gunplay. If this can not be delivered, not amount of absurd realism will make them stick with the game, which explains the failure of OR on a commercial level and the ever thriving of games like Counter-Strike and Quake Live in the competitive community.… Full Review »
  3. Cyper
    9
    This is not another generic shooter. Even today, despite the fact that i've played the game for many many hours, its still one of my favorite games, and it is better than RO2 in many ways. There is no generic features such as XP and perks. A game that really defines what gaming is: having a good time. Play this game as CoD and you're dead meat. Graphics isn't the best, but sound is amazing, from the horrible death-screams on the battlefield to the deep, touching soundtrack. Wide open maps, long range combat, tank combat, close quarter combat - this game focus on realism and therefore skill, patience and planning is required to stay alive. Typical FPS behaviour often result in instant death.
    It is neither a simulation or a complete arcade game. Red Orchestra: Ostfront sits comfortable between the ArmA franchise and other FPS games.    … Full Review »
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