Skip to main content

Frozen Cortex (Video Game Review)

Developer Mode 7 has followed up the successful release of Frozen Synapse in 2011 with Frozen Cortex. The new game drops combat and presents players with a strategic sports game that combines real-time strategy elements with American football. There is definitely a select group of gamers that will be attracted to Frozen Cortex; sports fans may not enjoy the robot teams and unconventional rules, while many strategy game players probably aren't big sports fans. Frozen Cortex does what it sets out to do though with only a few hiccups, so it should still be on most gamers' as a title they may want to download in the near future.

Frozen Cortex plays much like NFL and NCAA football but with five players on the field for each team. Teams take turns playing offense and defense until one team scores a touchdown. Points can also be scored by possessing the ball inside of special designated zones around the field, and additional rule changes include single downs per possession and up to three forward passes in a single possession with no ability to move the ball backwards. The rules can be tough to adapt to at first, but the game does have a helpful tutorial for breaking down all of the rules in the game.


One thing the tutorial featured in Frozen Cortex doesn't help prepare players for as well is actual game action. Players will understand the basic of games in Frozen Cortex by the tutorial's end, but a steep learning curve means that players will be blown out several times before ever playing well enough to win a match. One of the biggest determiners in the outcome of a match will be the player learning to utilize all of the tools available, especially the ones that allow players to test throws or runs before locking in commands. Frozen Cortex gives players a lot of tools to succeed, but it will be up to the player to use said tools effectively in games.

More advanced players will learn additional rules necessary to succeed in games. Passes can only travel over low lying terrain, meaning passes must travel through certain zones to be completed. Additionally, players that are in a pass window with their feet set will automatically pick off a pass. Having a robot with feet planted also allows that player to throw a block, while catching a ball carrier inside of a tackle zone will result in a successful stop. Players will eventually learn all of these rules and will begin having much more fun with Frozen Cortex as a result.

There are two ways to play Frozen Cortex; the game features an exhibition mode and season mode, where players can battle for a championship. Players can customize their team and name their robot players. Additionally, bets can be placed on any game to earn more cash and unlocks. Players can unlock better robots with improved speed, strength, tackling and other statistics and rotate their primary position on the field to increase the chances of winning. This feature is RPG like in execution and helps to add a lot of replay value to the game while grinding out a better team.

Frozen Cortex includes an additional Steam key at purchase to allow players to head online and play with friends. The base tier only includes two keys at $24.99, but additional tiers are available that include bonuses such as the game's soundtrack, additional animations, alternate helmets and outfits and other customization content. The game is available to play online and works seamlessly providing both players have a decent Internet connection. The game also includes special multiplayer features such as email notifications to remember to play out turns over time similar to the way social games notifies players on Facebook.

Frozen Cortex has a pretty solid presentation that helps create a fun atmosphere for games. The action is called live by a robotic announcer and what appears to be a John Madden clone. There is no spoken dialogue, which is a bummer, but the game does feature some pretty cool graphic designs and animations for the robotic players and tackles on the field. The game is easy enough to control, and the available tools will eventually have players strategically thinking out each move with all they need to pull off a successful play with nothing unforeseen messing up the action.

Frozen Cortex's unique gameplay and steep learning curve means the game won't be for everyone, but the game is developed very well and rarely suffers any performance issues or seems unfair to any one player. The title has deep customization options, and player friendly features that will allow most fans interested in the title playing like pros after a bit of trial and error for a few hours. Mode 7 could have done a bit more with the game's presentation to amp up the excitement as football fans would experience on game day, but the overall gameplay present in Frozen Cortex is more than enough to make the game worth a purchase for interested gamers. Look for Frozen Cortex on Steam new this month.

Frozen Cortex is now available exclusively on Steam and can be purchased for $24.99 on PC, Mac and Linux. For more information on the game, check out the official Frozen Cortex website.

Game Features:
  • Online Multiplayer 1-2
  • Season and Exhibition Mode
  • Give a Free Copy to a Friend
  • Tiered Bundles
  • Achievement Support

Game Information:
Developer & Publisher: Mode 7
Platforms: PC (reviewed), Mac & Linux
Release Date: February 19, 2015

Score: 6.5 out of 10

Popular posts from this blog

Three Best Places to Eat in Huntsville, Alabama

Huntsville, Alabama has a vibrant culinary scene with a variety of dining options to choose from. Here are some of the best places to eat in Huntsville: Cotton Row : This high-end restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience that is perfect for a special occasion. The menu features a blend of Southern and French cuisine, with dishes like Gulf shrimp and grits and seared duck breast.  Toybox Bistro : Toybox Bistro is a unique dining experience that will delight both kids and adults. The menu features nostalgic favorites like grilled cheese and tomato soup, as well as more grown-up options like blackened salmon.  Melt: Melt is a gourmet grilled cheese restaurant that offers a fun and casual dining experience. The menu features a variety of creative grilled cheese sandwiches, as well as delicious sides like truffle fries. These are just a few of the many great places to eat in Huntsville, Alabama. There's something for everyone here, whether you're in the mood for fine

Biscuit Belly Brings Comfort Food to Huntsville, Alabama

Power Brands Hospitality Group ("PBHG") in partnership with Biscuit Belly, a Kentucky-based "craft casual" brunch spot that offers warm hospitably and chef-driven gourmet biscuit sandwiches, is happy to announce the first Biscuit Belly restaurant opening in the Rocket City!   If you're looking for a place that serves up delicious southern comfort food with a modern twist, then look no further than Biscuit Belly in Huntsville, Alabama. Biscuit Belly is a new hotspot for breakfast, brunch or lunch with a focus on scratch-made biscuits and the many delicious creations that can be crafted with them. With locations across several states in the US, this newest Biscuit Belly location offers a cozy atmosphere and a comforting menu that's perfect for anytime hunger hits. The menu offers a wide range of dishes, all featuring Biscuit Belly's delicious, buttery biscuits. From classics like the Basic Biscuit, which comes with a buttermilk biscuit, cheddar, over e

Get Inked in Huntsvegas: The Ultimate Tattoo Experience

  The Huntsvegas Tattoo Expo is an annual event that takes place in Huntsville, Alabama. This event is a celebration of all things tattoo, bringing together tattoo artists, enthusiasts, and curious onlookers from all over the country. With its colorful displays and unforgettable artistry, the Huntsvegas Tattoo Expo is one of the most exciting tattoo expos in the Southeast. At the Huntsvegas Tattoo Expo, tattoo artists from around the world come together to showcase their art and compete in various categories, including the best tattoo of the day, the best large black and grey tattoo, and the best small color tattoo. Visitors to the expo can watch the artists at work, get up close and personal with the latest tattooing equipment, and even get tattooed themselves! While the Huntsvegas Tattoo Expo is primarily focused on tattoo art, there is much more to explore at this exciting event. Visitors can browse a wide variety of vendors selling everything from tattooing supplies to unique c