Riot Operator

Get the masses under control and ensure everyone's right to peacefully protest in Riot Operator: a game that puts you in the boots of an anti-riot squad during rowdy manifestations. As close as it might sound to a power trip, there are many things you'll have to keep in mind when doing your job, as the demonstrators' well-being comes above all.

Riot Operator's simplistic visuals and touchy subject might drive some people away from it entirely, but the compelling core mechanics and addictive gameplay loop might be enough to keep fans of simulation and management games hooked.

Comply and Cooperate

From small demonstrations to large-scale riots, your work as a police manager will have you keeping the law and order the same time ensuring the citizens the right to protest freely.

As much as the game might make it sound as if you'll be personally responsible for controlling the masses, your job would be better described as that of the manager in charge of selecting which teams to send into the field. Think of it as a less action-heavy version of Door Kickers.

However, don't let the more tactical nature of your role deceive you: you'll still get to see plenty of action in Riot Operator.

Minimalist Action

The game is presented with a minimalist visual style that features minimal colors and character details. Perhaps the best way to describe what Riot Operator looks like would be to call it a real-time strategy version of Superhot.

While the minimal detail might be a bit of a letdown for some players, it actually benefits the overall presentation of the game. Having most of the map being a featureless mass of white will let you focus more easily on both the rioters and your units, which is always a welcome addition in a game like this.

Still, some more details on the character models or even in the maps, in general, would have gone a long way in ensuring that the game's visuals would be more pleasing to a wider audience.

Tactical UI

Choosing the right team for any task quickly proves to be the core gameplay aspect of Riot Operator. From police cars to ambulances, players will have to think carefully about the sort of vehicle and units they're going to let loose in the middle of a riot.

While fulfilling your power fantasies and sending tanks to a hippie protest might sound like a dream come true, you'll also have to think about the protesters' well-being when commanding your units. Police aren't the only ones who can get hurt during a protest, and you must be ready to answer properly in any given situation.

This is why it's so good to see that the game's UI is presented clearly and without any sort of visual noise. From the units' icons to their stats and available upgrades, Riot Operator lets the player feel in control of the situation at all times.

Pros

• Great UI that's easy to read at all times
• Lots of varied and challenging scenarios
• Satisfying gameplay loop

Cons

• Some levels could use a bit more detail
• Maps can be a bit too simple at times