The hotly-anticipated, destructive and team-based multiplayer shooter The Finals, has finally (forgive the pun) launched.
A surprise shadow drop during The Game Awards 2023, Embark Studios caught the gaming world by storm with its chaotic, action-packed, and utterly fun game unlike anything the genre has seen in years. The Finals has since grown to be the most wish-listed game on Steam, and it seems that Christmas has come early for its enduring fans.
Announced in August 2022 at Gamescom Opening Night Live, The Finals has been described as “a shooter wrapped in a game show format”, where players compete for fame, money, and the opportunity to get sponsorships.
“We started Embark to re-imagine how games are made and what they can become. The Finals is our first game to release, and a great embodiment of that vision,” said Gustav Tilleby, Creative Director of Embark Studios.
“The Finals isn’t another battle royale, military sim, or tactical FPS – there are plenty of those out there. It’s an entirely new take on shooters. Now that the game is live, we’re laser-focused on ensuring a great experience for our community, with many surprises along the way.”
If you weren’t one of the 7.5 million that entered the arena last month, The Finals‘ real draw is that everything can be obliterated. This makes gunfights unpredictable, dynamic, and equal parts tactical, as your team strategises the best way to approach said engagements. Season 1 sees the addition of a vanishing bomb, which might come in handy for those that prefer stealth play over flat-out destruction.
One of the most exciting releases the FPS genre in recent times, it now has to not only live up to its hype, but perform the delicate balancing act of being a free-to-play-service game, and replicate or exceed the success of prior titles like Apex Legends and Call of Duty: Warzone. This entails regular updates, a decent progression system and rewards, and winning in the fight against hackers and cheaters.
The first season of The Finals kicks off today, with a 12-level battle pass that includes 96 rewards, and is free-to-play on Steam, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Everything changed when his parents bought him a PlayStation 2 for Christmas. Since then, he’s been hooked on all things esports, video games, and music. If he’s not livestreaming his shenanigans, he’s probably out taking mirror-selfies with his friends, vigorously debating over the Internet’s Meme of the Year.