Kingpin: Reloaded

Welcome to the gritty, brutal world of Kingpin: Reloaded. This HD remake of the classic 1999 first-person shooter plunges players into a stylized 1930s gangland, where violence and profanity reign supreme. As the story opens, you assume the role of a small-time thug who has been left for dead by Nikki Blanco, the lieutenant of the titular Kingpin. From there, your goal is simple: get revenge against those who wronged you and work your way up the ranks of organized crime.

Improved Visuals Bring New Life to Quake II Engine

From a visual standpoint, Kingpin: Reloaded is a massive upgrade over the original game. It runs on a revamped version of the old Quake II engine, delivering full 4K resolution support, ultrawide monitor compatibility, and enhanced graphics options. The world itself pops with an art deco style, while the improved character models showcase the seedy denizens of this digital metropolis. Shadows are deeper, textures sharper, and the urban environment brims with sinister character.

Beyond its visual overhaul, Reloaded introduces several new gameplay features to flesh out the experience. The expanded conversation system allows you to recruit gang members to support you on missions or intimidate rivals into backing down. Combined with the revamped quest structure, it makes for a deeper dive into Kingpin's criminal underworld. You can build up your own crew of thugs, assigning them gear and directing them in skirmishes. It lends a sense of progression beyond just amassing bigger guns.

Gameplay Refinements Enhance Classic FPS Action

The core FPS gameplay has also received refinements. Aiming and shooting feel tight and enjoyable, especially with the inclusion of controller support. Location-based damage models allow for thrillingly gory battles, where well-placed headshots or torso blasts send enemies ragdolling across rooms. Gibs and blood splatter the environments following intense shootouts. With the 4K coat of graphical paint, Reloaded’s over-the-top violence has never looked better. For gamers looking for fast-paced violent action, Reloaded certainly delivers.

As players battle through streets, hotels, train yards and more, the challenge escalates thanks to smarter AI routines and additional enemy types like snipers. Story-based missions feature multi-objective designs, avoidance of civilian casualties, and pivotal narrative choices that can shift the course of the plot. It makes blasting through Reloaded’s 6-8 hour campaign more engaging than simply marching forward gun-first. The original Kingpin was light on narrative, but Reloaded puts in the effort.

Brutality and Banter Balance Out Dated Designs

For all Reloaded’s visual and technical prowess, some aspects of its 1990s heritage shine through. The enemy AI still suffers from predictable patterns and a lack of environmental cognizance. They mostly run right at players guns-blazing without much attempt at tactical behavior or self-preservation.

Additionally, the mission design follows standard dated FPS conventions like key hunts and switch flipping. Players seeking innovative mechanics or groundbreaking gameplay ideas won’t find them here. At its core, Reloaded remains a 20+ year old Doom shooter. Only now with prettier graphics and better control options.

Review: 8/10

Overall, Kingpin: Reloaded earns an 8/10 score as a worthy remake that retains the savage charms of the original while updating visuals and gameplay for a new generation. Fans of unapologetic grimy FPS romps should absolutely relish this brutal trip back in time.

Pros:

• Visceral gunplay and over-the-top gore
• Engaging progression and crew management
• Striking noir visual style

Cons:

• Mission design sticks to outdated formulas
• Enemy AI has improved but still lacks smarts