Blacklight: Retribution

Blacklight: Retribution
Promotional artwork for the game
Developer(s)Zombie Studios (2012-2015)
Hardsuit Labs (2015-present)[2]
Publisher(s)Perfect World Entertainment
Designer(s)Jared Gerritzen
EngineUnreal Engine 3[3]
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows,[4] PlayStation 4
ReleaseWindows
July 3, 2012
PlayStation 4
  • NA: November 15, 2013[1]
  • PAL: December 4, 2013
Genre(s)First-person shooter[5] Cyberpunk[5]
Mode(s)Multiplayer

Blacklight: Retribution is a free-to-play first-person shooter video game[5] developed and published by Hardsuit Labs (formerly Zombie Studios) for Microsoft Windows and PlayStation 4. It was initially published by Perfect World Entertainment on April 3, 2012, with a full Steam release on July 3. A PS4 version was released as a launch title in North America on November 15, 2013, followed by Europe and Australia on December 4.

The sequel to Blacklight: Tango Down, the game is a cyberpunk-themed, arena style shooter that features a number of game modes, including a training mode and others commonly found in games of the same genre. Unique mechanics include weapon depots, which are used to acquire health, ammo, and special weapons, and the Hyper Reality Visor (HRV), which allows players to locate hazards through walls and other obstacles. Completing matches rewards the player with experience and GP, the latter of which can be used to buy additional weapons, armor, and cosmetic items, including skins and tags. Additional game modes were added after its release, including OnSlaught and Siege Mode.

Retribution saw numerous additions and power shifts throughout its development. Following Zombie's closure in 2015, the remaining team regrouped as Hardsuit Labs, who oversaw development from that point forward. In 2017, Perfect World reverted publishing rights to Hardsuit Labs, who subsequently introduced several new changes, including the migration of US and EU servers.

Blacklight: Retribution received positive reviews from critics, with some calling it an improvement over its predecessor. Praise was directed towards its graphics, mechanics, item balance, and deep customization, while criticism was directed towards its lack of innovation. The game proved popular, achieving one million players within a month of its release. The PC version was discontinued on March 11, 2019 following low user engagement, but remains active for PS4.

  1. ^ "PS4 game lineup at launch, including Blacklight Retribution". 30 October 2013. Archived from the original on 31 October 2013. Retrieved 7 November 2013.
  2. ^ "Start of a new day". Archived from the original on 2015-05-01. Retrieved 4 April 2015.
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  5. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference euroannounce was invoked but never defined (see the help page).