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Review of The Finals on Xbox Series X/S

by Chucky Chucky photo Dec 2023
Cover image of The Finals on Xbox Series X/S
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Released: 07 Dec 2023
Genre: First-person shooter
Developer: Embark Studios
Publisher: Embark Studios

Introduction

Welcome to 'The Finals', a game where the only thing more destructible than the environment is my will to play well. Here, players participate in a virtual game show that combines the thrills of a first-person shooter with the chaos of a demolition derby. If you've ever wanted to blow up a building while simultaneously collecting imaginary cash, then baby, this is your jam.

Gameplay

Alright, so let's dive into the gameplay. In The Finals, you team up in groups of three against multiple other teams in a frantic dash for imaginary wealth. Each character is a different flavor of mayhem, similar to selecting your favorite ice cream cone, but instead of sprinkles, you get bombs and guns. Choose from Light, Medium, or Heavy builds, each possessing unique abilities that can be as devastating as a toddler trying to steal candy from a piñata. Your Light build is quick and nimble, capable of dashing away from trouble or grappling onto surfaces like Spider-Man on a sugar rush. Medium is like your typical soldier but with a healing beam... because nothing says teamwork like reviving your fallen comrades with a sci-fi taser. The Heavy is the kitchen sink; they can drop tons of firepower, but you'll need to learn to appreciate the 'gorgeous' maneuverability of a triple cheeseburger with fries. Next, let's talk about the destructible environments. You want to see the relationship between 'man' and 'building' evolve? Just blow it up! Buildings, walls, and even the chairs can be used as weapons. Nothing feels so good as exploding an entire structure, while your opponents wonder why they are suddenly inside what can only be described as a cartoon physics nightmare. Each round is a beautiful blend of strategy and chaos, where fresh tactics emerging from the rubble can turn the tide. Game modes include Cashout, which is essentially a twist on your average 'Capture the Flag' but with more violence and fewer chances to grab that non-fat caramel frappuccino your girlfriend always orders. You collect vaults of cash and perform some spectacularly acrobatic moves, while rival teams do everything possible to steal it all away like a pack of hungry raccoons. More on that later, though, because I must mention how respawning works in this game. If you're down for the count and your buddies have left you hanging, you can turn into a statue! Yes, you heard it right - a statue! How cool is that!? Just picture your friends carrying your statue around like a dying trophy - it's basically true friendship incarnate.

Graphics

Moving on to the graphics, let's just say that using Unreal Engine 5 is a significant baby step in graphics since the days of low-poly models shuffling around back in the day. The visuals of The Finals are crisp, vibrant, and feature a level of detail that makes you wonder, 'Why do I even bother getting out of my pajamas?' The arenas are colorful explosions of life (or, well, destruction), with realistic lighting effects that make every bullet fly through the air like a dramatic slow-motion sequence from an action movie. The character designs are also pretty rad, with delightful touches that make you feel like you're part of a bizarre cartoon episode where all the characters agreed to wear outlandish outfits while demolishing each other beneath a blazing sun.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Finals is a chaotic arena where laughter meets pandemonium. The gameplay is engaging, suitable for those who prefer strategic shooting while chucking flaming chairs at their opponents' heads. It's a game people will either deeply love or find tragically amusing as they watch their friends get flattened repeatedly (take that, Karen!). The battles are quick, frenetic, and guaranteed to leave your thumbs sore but your heart full. So, if you're after a shooter that gives you more bang for your buck (literally, it's free-to-play), gives you an escape from the mundane, and allows you to absolutely wreck someone's day, then step into The Finals. Just remember: in this game show, either you're taking home the cash, or you're becoming a temporary granite statue. 8.5 out of 10, because there's just not enough chair-throwing in modern shooters.

See Latest Prices for The Finals on Xbox Series X/S on Amazon

See Prices for The Finals on Xbox Series X/S on Ebay

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