Brink

Brink embodies everything that people thought online play would be on a console. You've got solid leveling up system that adds another layer of depth to a game that didn't need it, as Splash Damage could have just dialed it in and created just another first-person shooter. With that said, if you get the right team together and you understand your task when you play online then you're going to find Brink to be a very rich experience.

Brink is a worthy buy for anyone who doesn't absolutely hate multiplayer FPS action. It blurs the line between single-player and multiplayer styles, introduces an effective new movement system, and finds ways of discouraging all the obnoxious behavior common in most multiplayer shooters. The campaign is long, and the different classes allow you to play each mission over and over without getting bored.

The ideas have been strong within this one, but the awful AI and the campaign that isn't worth its name may not exactly be helpful. For online players, however, it's a blast.

An innovative, forward thinking new shooter - and how often can you say that? [July 2011, p.84]

A daring proposal that, if succesful, is a step forward for a genre prone to stagnation, as it mixes altogether campaign, multiplayer, cooperative and competitive. With good ideas well executed, it may be liked more or less depending on the player, but deserves an opportunity.

If you play Brink as the multiplayer-shooter it undeniably is (despite the possibility to save or leave the Ark alone, which should simply be ignored), it's a real winner. Great character-customization, well balanced maps, good handling, awesome graphics and a surprising depth thanks to the huge amount of abilities make this a MP-Shooter that has come to stay.

The concept of Brink is pretty unique. Singleplayer gameplay combined with multiplayer gameplay and with the most important element, the teamwork. It plays fantastic and the weapons are really great, also the style of the game is pretty different and that makes Brink a nice game to play.

Get/bribe some mates and there's a great game here. [July 2011, p.92]

Splash Damage has evolved its compelling formula to offer some of the best multiplayer thrills in the business. Unfortunately technical problems still plague the game and prevent it from becoming a truly big player in the online shooter market.

The game is lovely to the eye because of its artistic decisions, has a gameplay that supports cooperative working, and has huge customization variety. But its lack of contents, poor performance and its online-only focus makes Brink not so great.

Brink could very well revolutionize the gaming industry with it's seamless integration between single and multiplayer modes. It's damn hard though!

Brink needs some time to unfold, especially during the multiplayer matches. But if you get across some early frustrations, the game really rewards you for your patience.

Despite these issues, all the elements are in place for Brink to become a terrific multiplayer shooter. It handles well, offers customization options galore, and challenges FPS players to do more than just pull the trigger.

It's not without its faults, some of which are more serious than others, but Splash Damage achieves the impossible: a game that feels fresh in the stalest of genres.

An interesting experiment in online shooting, dedicated to hardcore genre fans, possibly with premade groups to enjoy it with. All the others should at least try before buying.

I wanted Mirror's Edge with multiplayer, but instead I got Assault Mode from Unreal Tournament with more customization. That's not a bad thing, yet I can't help but feel disappointed. Bring friends if you want fun.