The Finals Breakdown: The Reasons for Success, Gameplay Strengths, and Controversies

Contents:

• Original Modes
• (Almost) Completely Destructible Environment
• Focus on Movement
• Flexible Class System
• Dynamic Combat Conditions
• Pitfalls

The success of Embark Studios' debut game was predetermined by a team of experienced professionals with industry knowledge. The company was founded by Patrick Söderlund, who previously served as director at DICE. Game Director of The Finals, Gustav Tilleby, also has impressive experience, having served as art director for the most successful installments of the Battlefield series. Thanks to this combination of talents and experience, Embark Studios was able to create a product that attracted the attention of players and critics.

The new free-to-play multiplayer shooter The Finals has attracted significant attention and even exceeded expectations. In the first two weeks, the game has collected 10 million players, which testifies to its high popularity. In addition, The Finals was nominated in two categories for the prestigious D.I.C.E. Awards: "Outstanding Technical Achievement" and "Online Game of the Year". These achievements highlight the interest in the game and its potential in the gaming industry.

We explore how the developers of The Finals achieved outstanding results, what innovations the game offers in the genre, and what potential challenges it may face in the future.

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Original Modes

During the presentation of The Finals at The Game Awards, Gustav Tilleby shared the ambitious goal of the development team: to create a unique shooter that stands out from other games. We aimed to create something completely new and unique, to offer players an original experience that no other game on the market offers.

The differences between this multiplayer action game and other games begin with the mode selection screen. It lacks familiar game modes like "Deathmatch" or "Plant the Bomb." The developers deliberately excluded them, as they don't align with the game's core concept. This solution emphasizes the uniqueness of the gameplay and offers players new ways to interact in a multiplayer environment.

The Finals is reminiscent of Apex Legends in its style and lore. In this game, you participate in combat sports competitions, but the reality unfolds in virtual reality. Unlike many games, your goal is not to destroy opponents, but to earn as much money as possible. To achieve this, you will have to fight in three main formats.

The game consists of three teams of three people each. Their main goal is to collect a cube with money and deliver it to an ATM. The team that successfully completes this task starts the cash-out process - a cash-out, which takes two minutes.

Other teams strive to capture the cash-out, and the squad that controls the ATM at the end of the process will receive $10,000 in their account. The team that can achieve this result twice and earn $20,000 wins the match.

Cash-Out is the main game mode in which rating tournaments are held. This format has stricter rules than standard matches. Players are limited in respawns, and each death results in a deduction of money from the team. At the end of the stage, the team with the lowest score is eliminated. This mode requires a high level of concentration and strategic thinking, making the tournaments especially exciting for both participants and spectators.

This game mode features four teams, and their goal is to earn $40,000 before their opponents. There are two main ways to achieve this goal. First, money can be earned by eliminating opponents, as each one drops a thousand dollars worth of coins. Second, additional funds can be found in vaults that periodically appear throughout the map. Effective use of these capabilities allows teams to significantly increase their chances of winning.

Taking the money is just the first step. The next stage is to deliver it to the ATMs that periodically appear on the map, staying alive. This task proves quite challenging, as opponents can be waiting at every turn, ready to take your coins. Successfully delivering the money requires not only strategy but also caution to avoid clashes with greedy opponents.

At the time of writing, this mode is experimental. It may be unavailable or its rules may be changed in future game updates. Please note that this may affect gameplay and your strategy. We recommend following the developer news to stay informed about all the changes and features that may appear in the game.

This game mode was introduced in update 1.5 and offers players a unique experience. This version retains the same basic objectives as the Bank It team mode, but each participant fights alone against 11 opponents. Victory goes to the first one to deposit $40,000. This mode provides intense and dynamic battles that require strategic thinking and skill from players.

Experienced players of online shooters will notice that all three modes Borrow elements from established formats. Cash-Out combines elements of Capture the Flag and Mines, while Bank It combines Deathmatch and Dog Tag Collection. The solo version of this mode, in turn, is a modification of Arms Race. Despite this, these hybrid modes feel fresh and exciting for several reasons. First, they offer new strategies and tactics, adding more variety to the gameplay. Second, the combination of different mechanics allows players to adapt to different playstyles, increasing replayability. Thus, these innovative modes are able to attract both experienced and new players, maintaining interest in the game. Traditional Battlefield game modes have their flaws, which often lead to one-sided matches. Every fan of this game can recall a situation where a stronger team dominated the opponent, driving them into the base and leaving them no chance of returning. This creates a sense of imbalance and reduces gameplay enjoyment. New game modes aim to address these issues by offering more balanced conditions and opportunities for every player to showcase their skills.

In The Finals, complete dominance is a rare occurrence. Three or four teams create constant tension, reminiscent of a Mexican duel. Even if you defeat one opponent, there's no guarantee that another won't exploit your weakness. At the same time, even a weaker team can still win if they manage to steal coins from stronger competitors or intercept a cash-out at the last minute.

Furthermore, they contribute to a deeper understanding of one of the key gameplay features of The Finals, which became a core element of the game's marketing strategy.

(Almost) completely destructible environments

Considering the previous experience of the Embark Studios team, there is no doubt that they focused on the destruction mechanics in their new shooter. This feature allows players to interact with the environment, creating unique gameplay situations and tactical opportunities. Destruction in games not only increases realism but also adds an element of strategy, which makes the gameplay more exciting and dynamic. The introduction of advanced destruction mechanics into Embark Studios' new project underscores their commitment to innovation and high-quality gameplay.

If you're familiar with the Battlefield series, starting with the original Bad Company, you know that the walls of buildings behind which enemies are taking cover can be destroyed, and nearby fences can be broken down to outflank enemies. The Finals adapts this mechanic, offering it in a dynamic, turbo-charged mode where environmental destruction becomes a key element of strategy.

The scale of destruction possible in local maps exceeds anything ever presented in a DICE game. Exterior and interior walls, floors, ceilings, stairs, and building columns can be subject to explosions, destruction, and collapses, creating a unique gaming experience. Destructive mechanics add realism and dynamism to the gameplay, allowing players to use the environment in their strategies.

Remember the Levolution system from Battlefield 4, which allows large buildings like skyscrapers and dams to be destroyed when enough damage is inflicted. Unlike that game, where destruction was scripted, The Finals offers dynamic interaction with the environment, allowing players to destroy structures in real time. Even the most massive objects, such as construction cranes or office buildings, can be brought down if enough supports and load-bearing walls are destroyed. This creates a unique gaming experience, where each battle can change the landscape and players' strategy.

This mechanic is necessary to ensure maximum consistency in gameplay, a principle that game director Gustav Tilleby championed throughout development.

Consistency in destructibility mechanics plays a key role in players' tactical use of this element. A robust mechanic means that if an object is destroyed in one location, similar objects should be destroyed in other locations as well. This creates strategic opportunities and enhances gameplay immersion. The variety of destructive effects and their predictability allow players to effectively integrate destructibility into their tactics, which in turn makes the gameplay experience more engaging and dynamic.

This sequence of actions makes the destruction mechanic in The Finals a versatile tool. If a wall appears in your path, simply demolish it. If an enemy tries to attack you from the roof, blow up the floor beneath them to expose them. If you need an ATM located on the top floor, destroy the ceilings so that it falls at your feet. These strategies allow you to effectively use the environment and gain an advantage in the game.

New game modes fit perfectly with the concept of dynamic battles. On the one hand, they constantly generate scenarios for defense and assault, and after tense two-minute fights for cash-out, the battlefield often resembles ruins. These modes not only enhance the game’s atmosphere but also offer players unique opportunities for strategic thinking and teamwork.

The Finals matches, divided into different phases, encourage players to actively move to deliver coins or cubes with money to the ATM. In this context, the destruction mechanics play an important role, allowing for faster movement from one point to another. Thus, using the environment becomes a key element of strategy, providing not only the dynamics of the game but also the opportunity to earn money effectively.

Focus on Movement

The movement mechanics in The Finals clearly borrowed many elements from the popular online shooter Apex Legends. Battle royale players will immediately notice familiar aspects of parkour: no fall damage, the ability to slide when landing, the use of ziplines to gain heights, and the presence of platforms for jumping. These elements make the gameplay dynamic and exciting, and also contribute to the creation of a variety of tactical solutions during battles. The Finals brings new movement options to the genre, making the game more exciting and accessible to players of various skill levels.

The parkour mechanics in The Finals play a key role in the gameplay, as platforming becomes an important part of the gameplay. Parkour skills are essential in this game: the map sizes and elevation changes are comparable to those in Battlefield. To play effectively, you need to master rapid movement over long distances, sometimes reaching hundreds of meters. This adds dynamism and requires players to have good coordination and reflexes, making the gameplay more engaging and intense.

Once you master local movement, you can quickly reach any point on the map, making 12-player skirmishes even more dynamic and intense compared to battles between teams of 30. The Finals leaves no time for boredom: when you're not participating in combat, you're jumping across rooftops, sliding along ziplines, or crossing chasms to join the fight.

Destructibility plays a significant role in the game and significantly impacts the overall gameplay. Level design, in turn, contributes to the creation of an interactive environment where players can interact with the environment. This not only adds an element of realism but also opens up new strategies and ways to solve problems. Destroying objects can change the dynamics of the game, creating unique situations and increasing player engagement.

Unlike many other multiplayer shooters with simple, straightforward maps, The Finals offers players a unique experience by placing them in complex, densely populated labyrinths. In these complex environments, ATMs and cash cubes are often located in hard-to-reach places, such as attics, scaffolding, casino vaults, and maintenance rooms. This creates additional challenges and strategies for players, forcing them to explore every detail of the maps in search of treasure.

The local walls require the use of a grenade launcher or C4 charge to create a direct path through the labyrinthine corridors and staircases, making it more difficult for enemies to navigate. The bridge spanning the chasm can be destroyed, and the cable leading to the roof can be dropped. Using such tactics allows for effective control of the area and increases the chances of success in combat.

In The Finals, you have the ability to create obstacles yourself. Grenades that form walls of construction foam are available for this, as well as a special gun, reminiscent of the device from the game Prey, which performs similar functions. These tools allow you to strategically alter the playing space and improve your tactics in combat.

The developers offer players a wide selection of tools, which is especially evident in the variety of game characters. This diversity allows each user to find a character that suits their playstyle and preferences. The ability to choose different stats, abilities, and character appearances makes the gameplay more engaging and personalized.

Flexible Class System

While The Finals' platforming is indeed similar to Apex Legends, its class system is a clear legacy of Battlefield. Unlike other games, there are no characters with a fixed set of abilities and backstories. Instead, players are offered three class archetypes that provide gameplay variety and tactical options. Each class offers a unique playstyle, allowing them to adapt to different situations on the battlefield.

• Light. A nimble but extremely vulnerable fighter. Best suited for stealth play.
• Heavy. Slow, but extremely thick-skinned, he is a big guy. A specialist in destruction and an aggressive playstyle.
• Medium. A jack of all trades, balancing speed and survivability. Most useful as a support character.

All three classes have unique roles, but each of them gives players the opportunity to choose different abilities, weapons, and equipment. This allows for a customized build within each specific niche.

A light fighter can become the protagonist of Sekiro, wielding a katana and a grappling hook, or transform into a raider, sneaking up on enemies in stealth and firing a double-barreled shotgun. A brute, meanwhile, can not only break down walls with a sledgehammer and his shoulder but also protect allies by creating energy shields. These capabilities allow for flexible adaptation of characters to various playstyles, increasing the excitement and variety of gameplay.

The flexible class system in The Finals means that some builds are significantly superior to others. The developers are aware of the potential inconvenience, but they do so to give players maximum control over their gaming experience. This approach allows users to customize their characters to suit their personal preferences and playstyle, making each session unique and memorable.

Gustav Tilleby shared his opinion on this issue, emphasizing the importance of the topic. His approach is based on a deep understanding of the subject and considers key aspects that matter to the audience. He emphasizes the meaning of information and its impact on perception. Tilleby also considers possible consequences and offers unique solutions that can contribute to a deeper understanding of the topic under discussion.

I prefer games with systemic gameplay that provide players with the tools to solve problems independently. This approach creates unique stories that become personal to each player, because you are their author. This concept had a significant influence on the game's design and became one of the reasons for the implementation of class customization and a dynamic environment.

A month after the launch of The Finals, a popular set of builds used by players in matches has emerged. However, this does not preclude the possibility of creating unique builds. Your original strategies may prove effective and surprise your opponents. Experiment with different combinations and find your own tactics to succeed in the game.

Add to this the number of possible combinations within a team and between all squads participating in the match, and you realize how much chaos can arise in local battles. But the developers don’t stop there, adding another variable to the gameplay. This creates additional layers of complexity and unpredictability, making every match unique and exciting.

Dynamic Battle Conditions

The Finals currently offers four arenas, but the variety of battlefields is not disappointing. This is due to the game offering a variety of battle conditions, which significantly diversifies the gameplay. Each arena is unique and gives players the opportunity to adapt to changing circumstances, making every battle unique and exciting. The dynamic combat and strategic options make The Finals an engaging choice for multiplayer fans.

Changes in combat conditions become most noticeable as the game progresses. Arena matches can take place during the day or night, in clear or rainy weather. Furthermore, the arena layouts also undergo changes. For example, a sandstorm can hit the Las Vegas map, turning the map rusty, and burying its lower levels under layers of sand. These changes not only add dynamism to the gameplay, but also affect the players' strategy, forcing them to adapt to new conditions.

However, all of this is mere detail compared to the unique events that unfold just minutes into a match. These events can take many forms, from simple effects like increased weapon damage or decreased gravity to truly catastrophic events like meteor showers or alien invasions. These elements add dynamism and unpredictability to the gameplay, creating a unique experience for every player.

The pace of the intense game reaches its breaking point, and players struggle to adapt to a new variable that can change the course of the entire match. These moments best demonstrate The Finals' design principles and its core contradiction. The game requires quick reactions and strategic thinking, which makes each session unique and unpredictable.

The game has remarkable potential, and its core mechanics already provide dynamic and varied gameplay. However, the developers at Embark Studios decided to enhance the gameplay with unique events. This decision ensures that there's never a lull in combat, making the game even more exciting and engaging. Thanks to these additions, players can expect a constant flow of emotions and adrenaline, highlighting the high level of development of the game mechanics.

They accomplished this task brilliantly, but the result was almost too impressive.

Pitfalls

The Finals is an interesting example of a game whose strengths and weaknesses stem from one key element: the shooter's systemic gameplay. This game combines unique mechanics that allow players to enjoy a dynamic and strategic process. However, it is precisely these mechanics that can both enrich the gaming experience and create certain difficulties for users. The innovative approach to systemic gameplay makes The Finals an attractive choice for shooter fans seeking new experiences and challenges.

The Finals is a complex game that requires a deep understanding of its systems. Even if you haven't had a chance to play it yet, you've probably already noticed its diversity. An overview of the main mechanics takes up a significant portion of this text, and we haven't yet touched on many nuances. Some important gameplay aspects were simply not included in the previous sections of the article. The text does not mention the interactive elements scattered throughout the arenas. These include cylinders containing explosive and toxic gases that can be used against opponents, as well as various mechanisms such as elevators, lifting gates, and drawbridges. The aforementioned construction crane also plays a significant role in gameplay. While it may seem simple at first glance, a well-timed bridge or gate can significantly slow down opponents and change the course of the battle. Using these interactive objects adds strategic depth and variety to gameplay, allowing players to employ tactical approaches to achieve victory.

Great? Of course it is. However, this variety of mechanics also has its drawbacks. It is important to consider that an abundance of options can lead to information overload and a decrease in the quality of perception. A variety of mechanics can confuse users and complicate the decision-making process. Therefore, it is necessary to find a balance between the number of available options and their convenience for the end user.

The high demands that Cash-Out places on the player are key to achieving success. During the game, it is important to consider several aspects. First, it is necessary to carefully monitor the strategy used in the game. This will help avoid wrong decisions and increase the chances of winning. Secondly, the player must be attentive to their resources and manage them effectively to avoid running out of funds at a critical moment. It is also worth paying attention to the psychology of the game: remaining calm and confident in your actions, which contributes to better decision-making. Remember to adapt to changing game conditions, which requires flexibility and quick reactions. Taking these factors into account will help a player get the most out of Cash-Out.

• Vault status / Cash-Out progress;
• Which squad controls the Vault/Cube/Cash-Out;
• Opposing team scores;
• Where are your teammates located;
• Which of them are alive and who is waiting to be resurrected;
• What abilities do you have;
• Which of them are on cooldown;
• What builds are your teammates using.

In The Finals, the key aspect is completing game objectives, not just eliminating opponents. It is important to understand that victory can be achieved even with a negative kill/death ratio. Success depends on the ability to collect Cash-Out or Deposit Coins in a timely manner. To do this, you need to closely monitor the game's dynamics and anticipate your opponents' moves. Proper strategy and tactical thinking will help you succeed in this exciting game.

The cognitive load in The Finals is significantly high. Each game requires concentration and effort comparable to a multi-hour marathon in other shooters. This isn't just a game you can jump into and fire automatically. The Finals requires tactical interaction on the level of Counter-Strike, while the pace of the game is close to Call of Duty. Players must carefully plan their actions and coordinate their efforts with their team to achieve success.

Communication is a major challenge. A team of random players is virtually impossible to compete with a group of friends. Effective communication and understanding between team members are key to achieving shared goals and playing successfully. When players are familiar with each other, they better understand each other's playstyle and can react more quickly to their teammates' actions. This significantly increases the chances of success in competition.

The Finals features markers indicating opponent locations and objectives, but due to the abundance of information, these markers may be insufficient for effective team coordination. If you're playing with unfamiliar players, especially in Bank It mode, be prepared for your teammates to split up instead of working together to complete objectives. This can significantly complicate the game and reduce your chances of winning. Effective communication and strategic teamwork are key to success in The Finals.

The developers are aware of the game's existing challenges, and the Solo Bank It mode was created specifically for players who prefer solo play over teamwork. However, even in this mode, The Finals remains more challenging than other games in the genre. It requires players to think tactically, master platforming, and understand a variety of game mechanics. Furthermore, the game is plagued by other, less critical issues, such as the prevalence of cheaters and server instability.

Developers Embark Studios are attracting attention with their approach to solving current issues in the gaming industry. The creators of The Finals have chosen a strategy of no public roadmap to avoid unjustified expectations. This makes their future plans intriguing and uncertain, leaving fans waiting for news about further development.

If you are a fan of tactical shooters, you should definitely try The Finals. This game offers exciting and dynamic action that is combined with deep gameplay. It generously rewards players for their skill and creative thinking. Despite some controversial points, The Finals is a quality product for those looking for a challenging and engaging challenge in the genre.