Metascore

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 13 Critics What's this?

User Score

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 69 Ratings

  • Summary: Soldier of Fortune Payback evolves the signature gameplay of its predecessors with refined controls, tension-packed warzones, and an enemy damage system that may be shocking to even experienced FPS players. Boasting more weapons options than any previous Soldier of Fortune installment, Soldier of Fortune Payback's impressive arsenal includes an array of more than 30 weapons including sub-machine guns, assault rifles, sniper rifles, projectile explosives, weapon attachments and cutting-edge tactical weapons. The game features many of players' favorite online multiplayer modes including Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Elimination, Team Elimination, Capture the Flag, and Demolition. Additional online options include maps tuned specifically for multiplayer action, persistent stat-tracking throughout the gamer’s online career, and many server settings for custom online play. The storyline reflects the practice of "outsourcing" wars. When a routine escort mission goes horribly wrong, freelance mercenary Thomas Mason finds himself battling an insidious enemy that knows no boundaries. Traditional armies can not handle these extremists – only underground guns for hire can fight a war this dirty and get results. [Activision] Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 13
  2. Negative: 7 out of 13
  1. Sometimes gore just is not enough. [Feb 2008]
  2. If senseless, over-the-top violence can keep you entertained, you'll be done with the single-player portion in several hours, after which you might want to get into the multiplayer. Yet, this is just another mundane aspect of the game, featuring nothing beyond the traditional deathmatch, CTF and so on.
  3. This shooter is a painful exercise in pattern memorization plus frustrating trial-and-error gameplay.
  4. Soldier of Fortune’s damage model is probably its major selling point and, lamentably, the only thing that makes its combat entertaining. [Feb 2008, p.96]

See all 13 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 29
  2. Negative: 23 out of 29
  1. JackobAwesome
    10
    I found the story in this game lacking, but the action fun, and the weapon selection and customization effective. The game held up to repeated play purely because it was easy and fun and was a shooter. Don't expect anything more from a ten dollar game than a ten dollar game. Expand
  2. Siggi06
    8
    I think its quiet because online it rocks.But there are many mistakes like the horrible story or the stupid enemys.
  3. JaredJ
    7
    This is the first in the series I played, and boy was it retro. Let me explain, I say that because everything in it is "classic." Such as the boss battles. None of this headshot crap, it is unload everything into them like 90's games did. Graphics are just a little bit above par. Story, why is everyone mad about it, I got it. Mason has two obsticals, the Wall brothers and his own revenge. Levels are short and quick, but no problem, up the difficulty and play again. I love the weapon customization. All in all it is a very standard shooter. Die hard fans might like it, but I think it's the second best in the series. Expand
  4. Chris
    4
    Why would this have NO MANUAL SAVE FEATURE? It's only checkpoints which gets incredibly irritating to hear voice actors over and over at the beginning of certain levels. Besides the bloody gameplay, this game is nothing interesting and makes an embarrassment of the SoF series. Expand

See all 29 User Reviews