The RiftBreaker Review (PlayStation 5)

by Jim Smale · Published October 16, 2021 · Updated December 21, 2021

The Riftbreaker Review introduces you to this base-building, survival game with Action-RPG elements. You are an elite scientist/commando inside an advanced Mecha-Suit capable of dimensional rift travel. Hack & slash countless enemies. Build up your base, collect samples, and research new inventions to survive.

The RiftBreaker Review Pros:

Decent graphics.
6.20GB download size.
Platinum trophy.
Adaptive triggers.
Can rebind controls.
RTS ARPG gameplay.
3 game modes – campaign, Prologue, and survival.
Four difficulties – Easy, normal, hard, and brutal.
Hardcore one life option.
Prologue acts as a tutorial.
Build portals for fast travel.
Excellent cutscenes and voicework.
Save when you want.
The game has you building bases and managing resources as you do in any RTS game. You are in a Mech and can go out and explore the level, find loot, kill enemies, etc.
Destructible environment, smash down plants and trees, take on the wildlife for resources.
Headquarters allows you to get more building options but also acts as a respawn point and healing station.
You can select a wall piece and hold it down to build multiple in one go.
The right stick can be used for a more accurate cursor that helps with placement.
Uses a Sim City-style power system whereby you need to build power plants and connect all structures to the power line.
Day and night cycle.
Different weather types affect structures and their effectiveness so high wind, for example, will make the wind turbines function better but rain will make solar power less functional.
Beautiful locations.
Automate a lot of the resource production with factories and structures for storage.
The map fills out as you play.
Takedown enemy nests for loot and resources.
Amazing wildlife and creatures inhabit the world.
Feels like you are the alien on a new planet.
Mr. Riggs your Mech will give feedback on performance, supply tips, and help.
Upon death, bits of your Mech will fall off but you can reclaim them.
Craft new weapons and equipment for your Mech from the menu.
Mech loadout – upgrades (4 slots), skills and consumables (8 slots), 3 weapon slots per hand, movement skill, appearance, and mods.
Upgrade buildings.
Play how you want.
Very atmospheric.
Impressive on-screen enemy count.
Enemies can swarm and attack the base at any time.
It seems enemies will continuously respawn overtime on the map.
Research has 3 trees – weapons and equipment, alien tech, and base and buildings.
You can research multiple items at once and it’s all done in real-time.
Combat features both ranged and melee.
Next-level lighting makes nighttime a special treat.
Set the autosaves interval time.

The RiftBreaker Review Cons:

Cheesy dialogue between you and Mr. Riggs.
A lot to take in.
Cannot spin the camera around and that makes base building tricky along with laying down power lines.
A slow burner as you need to play a lot to get better weapons and structures.
Enemies can spawn and attack from off the screen.
Controls take some getting used to.
The text is small, especially in the menus and skill trees.
The game stutters when it autosaves.