Preview
Author: WNxHorizon
Brink
Platform: PC
Genre Category: FPS
Date of Release: September 7, 2010
ESRB: RP
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Developer: Splash Damage
Rating: A
Official Site URL: http://www.brinkthegame.com/
Brink is a game that hit the headlines early on during E3 2009, but has since then received limited publicity. However with a release just around the corner and new details being released regularly, there is a real chance that this could prove to be one of the strong FPS releases of 2010. It is a unique game, mixing a variety of gameplay elements which should hopefully making it a rather quirky game away from the monotony of the Battlefield and COD Series.
So what exactly is Brink? Well it is developer Splash Damage's first original and independent outing, as past titles had been part of franchises. The game is set in the near future, on an island known as 'The Ark' which has been built as an example of a community living sustainably in the mist of global warming. Unfortunately the island has become overpopulated and civil disorder is close at hand. The most ambitious part is aiming to blend in the aspects of multiplayer and single player. How exactly this will be done is yet to be seen, but there has been some talk of strong co-op play. What strikes you most is the freedom allowed to you in the game. You can pick either the Security forces or the Resistance, and the game seeks increasingly to abandon linear goals. It is easy to follow secondary objectives and move away from the core storyline, something often desired by players in today's FPS atmosphere. The ability to move within with relative liberty within a well-sized game world is just one of the strong aspects of the game.
In some regards the game can be compared to games such as Borderlands and FarCry 2, in the way that it retains a strong FPS element, yet also allows the player to follow his own goals with a degree of customization to accompany it. Brink allows a good variety of player customization normally found in RPGs and as you progress through the game you will gain experience and have the ability to achieve new class abilities, weapons and such. This will suit the individual playing style of the gamer and of course we'll have to wait until the fall release to see how well this has been implemented. Looking at the site there is certainly a wealth of possibilities as the developers focuses on fulfilling the unique aspect of the game. One nifty new idea is the introduction of Smooth Movement Across Random Terrain system (SMART). Simply put, SMART is a sophisticated mechanism that means that your character is able to navigate his way around obstacles in a more realistic way than other FPS, being able to duck, jump, climb and slide through various obstacles, hopefully using one core movement key. Again, this feature is hoped will add greater realism to a game that is seeking to be something different. Technically, it has also been planned intricately with the bulkier characters being limited in what they can achieve using SMART, whereas the more nimble characters being able to navigate a wide variety of obstacles. The emphasis on the role of each character is certainly something the developers are proud of.
For online play, there is also considerable content, although not as focused as expansive as some FPS gamers will be used to. There is a planned 16 player game mode in which team play is the central focus to winning. The introduction of command post systems will add a new angle to multiplayer conflicts, helping to turn the tide of the battle and allowing access to greater machinery and strategic locations. Besides this new feature, expect the usual intense and highly developed combat that you would see in any other FPS game. Graphically, the game also looks very professional, with the environment well established and a strong attention to detail noticed on the characters. It is minor additions such as these that are combining to hopefully provide a fresh gaming experience for all.
Overall, Brink is shaping up to be a vibrant success offering a mix of dynamic battlefields, and character customization which has not yet been seen to such an extent in a big release. The key issue will be seeing if all of this can link together seamlessly or if it will see players confused by the differing objectives, menus and structure of the game. However, with the effort and development that has gone into the game, it is clear that Brink is most likely to be a great release, offering an alternative style which is going to be well received.
I liked the video and I'm going to watch for this game ... 
