Intravenous 3: Borderline Review Summary

New tools and smarter AI improve combat, and this entry surpasses previous ones, though large maps, overwhelming enemies, enemy AI bugs, technical issues, and missing features hurt.

New gameplay mechanics and tools: The game introduces numerous new mechanics such as holding weapons in hand, shooting while prone, weapon modules, and interactive environment elements. These additions significantly enhance the gameplay experience.

Smarter enemy AI improves combat: Enemies now exhibit more intelligent behavior, including climbing walls, using grenades and flares, and reacting to noise. This makes combat more challenging and engaging across many reviews.

Superior to previous entries: Many reviewers consider this game better than Intravenous 2 and previous games, citing improvements in every aspect. It is seen as a worthy continuation that refines the formula.

Improved graphics and visuals: Players frequently praise the enhanced pixel art, lighting, and environmental details. The visual upgrade over previous entries is a standout feature.

Polished stealth and action gameplay: The blend of stealth and action is highly praised, with smooth movement, gunplay, and environmental interaction. It offers a refined and enjoyable experience.

Large maps and overwhelming enemies: Maps are extremely large, sometimes twice as big as the previous game, and enemy count is high, leading to overwhelming and stressful gameplay. One shot can cause half the map to rush the player.

Enemy AI bugs and stupidity: Enemies exhibit erratic behavior such as running and shooting wildly when scared, walking into their own grenades, and endlessly climbing through windows. This breaks immersion and makes combat feel broken.

Technical bugs and missing features: Various technical issues exist: game refuses to launch on downgraded Steam versions without crash log, no cloud save, missing 13% protein snack item, and flared magwell on Mac-10 makes default magazine disappear. These bugs and omissions detract from the experience.

AI lacks teamwork and punishment: The AI does not cooperate or punish player mistakes, and it fails to coordinate during combat. This undermines the game's challenge and tactical depth.

Stealth too easy without fog: Without fog of war, players have complete foresight and can easily eliminate enemies, even peeking at many enemies without punishment. This makes stealth trivial.

Level design and variety: The game features diverse levels, including a prison level and large open maps. Some levels are designed to showcase different playstyles.

Improved enemy AI behavior: The enemy AI has been significantly enhanced, making enemies smarter and more challenging. They now react more believably to noise and exhibit new behaviors.

Stealth and action gameplay: Players highlight that the game blends stealth and action mechanics, allowing for both tactical approaches and loud combat. This duality is a core part of the experience.

Enemies use grenades: Enemies frequently throw grenades to force players out of cover. These grenades can sometimes be picked up as loot after being thrown.

Shooting while prone: Players can now shoot and reload while prone, improving precision and quality of life. This mechanic allows for more tactical positioning.

Launch failure on downgraded Steam versions: The game repeatedly refuses to launch when players use downgraded Steam versions. This blocks access entirely for affected users.

No crash log on launch failure: When the game won't start, it produces no crash log. This absence of diagnostic data makes troubleshooting harder for players and support.

Engine optimizations improve performance: Recent engine optimizations have made the game run noticeably better. Players report smoother performance and fewer technical issues.

High recommendation rate among players: Several clusters express strong endorsement or full recommendation of the game, with no negative caveats. This indicates a broadly positive reception.

Free prologue encourages trial: Since the prologue is free, there is no downside to trying it out. It can be completed in one sitting, making it an easy entry point.

Steep learning curve for newcomers: New players may struggle even on the easiest difficulty until they grasp the mechanics. Veterans of the genre are more likely to enjoy it.

Improved movement and stealth: Running feel has progressed significantly and the stealth experience is smoother. However, the ghost rating remains frustratingly difficult.

Play first two games first: For those new to the series, it is advised to buy and play the first two games before this one. This ensures better understanding of the story and mechanics.

Session length: 0.5h.

Superior to Intravenous 2: Multiple reviewers consider this game a significant improvement over Intravenous 2 and its Mercenarism mode, with better maps, smoother stealth, and an overall better feel. It is described as a step up in almost every way while retaining the series' core identity.

Free promotional prologue for IV3: The game is described as a free product that serves as promotional material for the upcoming third part. Many players see it as a demo or prologue rather than a full game, and they are eagerly awaiting the full release.

Anticipation for part 3: Several reviewers express excitement for the third installment and are waiting for its release before fully immersing themselves. There is also hope that the full game will be reasonably priced.

Two levels surpass prior games: Reviewers note that the two levels included in this release are a massive improvement over the entirety of the first two games' campaigns. This suggests that even a small amount of new content delivers a substantially better experience.

Essentially expanded Intravenous 2: Some players feel the game is essentially the same as Intravenous 2 but with additions, similar to a global mod. It is also described as a prequel or enhanced version with a new story that provides background on Gideon.