Soldier of Fortune: Payback Image
Metascore

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critics What's this?

User Score

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 10 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 14
  2. Negative: 5 out of 14
  1. 65
    If you are a fan of the series and can handle some of the hang-ups found in this latest chapter then by all means snatch it up, I know I could use more people online to play with. However, most FPS gamers looking for the next best thing will find Payback a bit too much on the derivative side to warrant its full price tag.
  2. Ignore the gore and this is an average shooter. [Feb 2008, p.78]
  3. 61
    Soldier of Fortune: Payback has one thing going for it: excessive dismemberment. Everything else is standard stuff for a shooter. Yet, I must admit, that I get a guilty pleasure playing Payback. Though it's not a good game, it's still fun to see body parts fly.
  4. This shooter is a painful exercise in pattern memorization plus frustrating trial-and-error gameplay.

See all 14 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. NotTelling
    10
    This game is extremely underrated. The problem most people have with this game is that it has a horrible plot. I agree wholeheartedly, but it doesn't ruin the game. Where most games nowadays are using good plots to compel people through the games, this game is taking it back to the roots of the genre. After all, who played Doom for the plot? The plot in that game can be explained in a single sentence, yet it's regarded as the grand daddy of first person shooters. The motivation to play the game is the gameplay; the excessive shooting, blood, and gore. Comparably, the levels in Soldier of Fortune: Payback are uninspiring, but they are merely a beautiful backdrop to the mass carnage you lay down. Who played Contra for the level design? Most people focus on the flaws of the game, but one look at the bright side of the game fades all of the flaws into silhouette. Buy and play this game expecting it to be what it is. It's a mindless shooter that does it better than any game in recent years. Expand
  2. ToddK.
    8
    This is a very FUN game to play if you enjoy blasting off body parts and a lot of blood. The reviews don't do this game justice. Much better than a 50. It is a very short single player campaign though. Expand
  3. 7
    Well, this game can be fun at times, but it is really not that fun. There are many difficult parts in the game where you can lose your mind. Most graphics feel wooden. It is a nice game, but clearly not "great". Expand
  4. One of the worst plots and shortest campaigns I have EVER seen. Certainly this game deserves its bad reviews, its clunky, buggy and can't compete with the likes of COD and Battlefield. There are enjoyable elements such as being able to blow off limbs (crude i know, but we all know it's fun) but overall this game belongs in the bargain bin at best. Expand

See all 6 User Reviews