Republique: Episode 3 Review

Continuing the reasonably sized gaps between episodes meaning that you're half desperate to see what unfolds next, while also not feeling too overwhelmed by content, Republique: Episode 3 arrives. As before, one-touch stealth action is the name of the game here, with Hope a step closer to getting through the web of deception she’s been caught in. More story led than before, it's not perfect, but as the middle episode of the bunch your attention is probably already piqued.

As before, much of the time will be spent watching patrols from security cameras before making your move at just the right time. Given how much is automated it's simple enough to do but things occasionally misfire, causing you some issues. Upgrades such as the ability to add enemy locations to the map, as well as use a radio scrambler to distract them, keep things interesting. Soldiers are sometimes equipped with sleeping gas canisters, adding to the challenge, but you've got the same tools in the form of mines.

Storyline wise, there's a focus on the media's role in the state propaganda machine, with you finally getting to meet newspaper editor, Mattie Sade, previously eluded to in earlier episodes. Piecing together blackmail evidence in order to set up goons is an interesting puzzle mechanic that also offers some moral quandaries. It's not hard to figure out but moral implications mean you'll feel more interested than you'd expect.

Republique: Episode 3 feels a little repetitive at times, in part due to being so simple to control and its sole focus on outsmarting guards, but there's still no denying that its glorious visuals and smart narrative should captivate you for the most part. It'll be interesting to see how future installments build further upon it.