The Finals: A New Contender in the Multiplayer Shooter Arena
The Finals, a team-based first-person shooter game, recently emerged as a potential standout in the crowded field of multiplayer shooters. Initially, my experience with the game was underwhelming, following a brief tutorial that did little to clarify its complexities. This left me feeling somewhat disoriented and unimpressed. However, this sentiment was short-lived; after several rounds, the game’s depth and appeal became evident.
Developed by Embark Studios, which boasts a team comprising several alumni from the Battlefield series, The Finals shares some DNA with its predecessor. It focuses on a blend of destruction and chaos, encapsulating elements familiar to Battlefield enthusiasts, such as the snappy shooting mechanics and the tumultuous environment. The game, however, differentiates itself in many respects, carving out its own identity in the crowded first-person shooter genre.
The game’s format is one of its most distinct features. Instead of the traditional team-versus-team setup, The Finals introduces a multi-team dynamic, with matches featuring either three or four teams of three players each. This design leads to an ongoing series of dynamic encounters as each team competes for the crucial in-game currency, cash. This setup cultivates a frantic atmosphere, where players are engaged in continuous skirmishes with both defensive and offensive objectives.
Adding to the game’s vibrancy is its aesthetic, which melds over-the-top action with a game-show theme. This includes lively crowds and enthusiastic announcers, reminiscent of the 1987 movie, “The Running Man.” One of the more controversial aspects of the game’s design is its implementation of AI voice work, which, while not overly noticeable, has been criticized for its lack of depth and the ethical implications of its use.
The game offers two primary modes: Quick Cash and Bank It. Quick Cash is akin to a hybrid of Capture the Flag and King of the Hill, with intense action centered around securing and depositing a vault of money. The mode ensures a brisk pace, eliminating potential stalemates and keeping the action lively. The thrill of stealing the Cashout Point at the last moment or successfully defending it amidst chaos is a highlight of this mode. Bank It, meanwhile, places a greater emphasis on combat. Players begin with money and can accumulate more by looting vaults or other players. The strategic element of deciding when to engage in combat versus banking the acquired cash adds a layer of tactical depth to the game.
After playing a number of games, players gain access to The Finals’ Tournament mode, which offers a competitive twist on Quick Cash with modified rules. The mode involves two concurrent matches, leading to a knockout stage and ultimately to the finals. Despite its fast-paced nature, the mode’s extended respawn timer, meant to balance the game, can feel overly prolonged.
A standout feature of The Finals is its comprehensive destruction mechanics. Players can demolish almost any structure, from walls to entire buildings, using explosives. This destruction not only impacts the gameplay tactically but also visually, as it is processed server-side, thus not taxing the player’s hardware. Gadgets like goo guns and grappling hooks further enhance the game’s strategic depth, offering creative ways to navigate and manipulate the destructible environments.
The game’s maps are inspired by real-world locations such as Las Vegas and Monaco. They offer a mix of expansive outdoor areas and intricate indoor spaces, with various methods for navigating vertical terrain. However, with only four maps currently available, the game can feel somewhat limited in terms of environmental variety.
Despite the limited map selection, the game’s core action largely compensates for this shortcoming. The movement and shooting mechanics are polished, and the arsenal of weapons is diverse, ranging from assault rifles to melee weapons like katanas. The game features three distinct weight classes (light, medium, and heavy), each with unique weapons and gadgets that cater to different playstyles. The light class is agile but fragile, the medium class balances support and combat capabilities, and the heavy class excels in firepower and durability. While there are evident balance issues, particularly in class selection and viability, these do not overwhelmingly detract from the gameplay experience.
Progression in The Finals is a slow process, with unlocking new weapons and gadgets requiring significant in-game currency, which can be frustrating for players eager to experiment with different loadouts. The game also includes a battle pass system featuring cosmetic items, though it avoids pay-to-win pitfalls, as the premium items offer no competitive advantage.
In conclusion, The Finals presents itself as a unique and thrilling addition to the first-person shooter genre. Its emphasis on multi-team dynamics, comprehensive environmental destruction, and fast-paced gameplay set it apart from its peers. While the game faces challenges in balancing, progression pacing, and map variety, these issues are overshadowed by the exhilarating experience it offers. The Finals demonstrates immense potential for growth and stands as a promising title in the competitive shooter space, warranting attention from both casual players and enthusiasts alike.
