Brink Review - By David

Publisher - Bethesda

Developer - Splash Damage

This is a frustrating game. Not because it’s hard or because it’s confusing, but because it game can be genuinely fun one minute, then so glitchy it’s unplayable the next.

The story in Brink is in general both unimportant, and uninteresting. It is set on an ideological island, that surprise surprise, doesn't turn out to be as perfect as planned. The players can take the role of both Rebels (Offense), and Law Enforcement (defense), then battle their way through objective filled arenas to either reach an end goal, or prevent the opposition from reaching theirs.

What’s interesting about this Brink is the class system. Each objective in the arenas require a different class to complete it. This adds a twist to the game that it really benefits from. The classes available to the player are fairly generic (Soldier, Medic, Operative, Engineer), but this only means that the player will understand their role, merely from reading the name. 

As the player progresses, they earn xp, which can be put towards unlocking items for the player. The sheer number of unlockables available, accompanied by a level cap, incentivises players to specialise in a particular class, adding an extra dynamic to the game for those playing with friends. This along with the fact that each level can be played in solo, coop, and versus modes means that players who embrace the game with friends will probably have a lot of fun.

It is however, disappointing, that the online function to the game is as much its biggest selling point, as it is a flaw. Splash Damage and Bethesda have pushed this title, explaining that the single player game integrates seamlessly with its online components. This is true in the way that each mission can be played in any mode, however, it is far from seamless, and usually disjointed. 

Brink, is only a competent shooter, with little to offer when playing solo. What really brings it to life is the online play. Completing the missions with friends, and facing off against other players instead of bots is brilliant... When it works. 

Coop mode works more often than not, but to be booted from a game becasue of connection problems is not unusual. Versus on the other hand, barely works. Managing to get into a lag free game is a rarity, and when the games major feature doesn't work, it puts a huge dent into the overall experience, leaving a bad taste in the players mouth. Anyone that is interested in this game for its versus matches will be disappointed.

This game is by no means bad, there is certainly a lot of enjoyment to be had. However online integration is buggy, and lag filled to the point that it is very often unplayable. Yet again, the consumer is being asked to buy a game that is not yet ready for store shelves, and that is a shame. 

Brink could have carved itself a niche in the marketplace, with its fresh art direction, and gameplay that sets the game apart from its competitors, instead, it will probably dwindle away into obscurity.

3 Good Points

• Class system is fun

• Nice visuals, that don't deteriorate when online

• Not much like it on the market just now.

3 Bad Points

• Too much lag in games

• Becomes repetitive

• Versus mode often unplayable.

Breakdown	Score
Graphics Cut scenes beautiful, in game still good, but has occasional popping issues.	8/10
Gameplay When it works solid, but eventually repetetive.	7/10
Story Standard utopian disaster plot. Competent.	5/10
Replayability At time of release, because of lag issues, players won’t keep playing this online.	6/10
Value For Money At When it works it’s fun. If you have no interest in the versus mode, have friends with the game and like shooters, youll enjoy this game.	£25.00
Overall A solid game that is wasted with issues that should have been ironed out long before release.	6/10