The gaming world is buzzing about a new first-person shooter that promises a wild ride—it's called The Finals. Previously, I've explored various aspects of FPS games, which you can find linked below. However, today we’re focusing on this exciting new title that has caught my attention.

The Finals is a high-octane shooter that merges arcade-style action with a game-show atmosphere. One of its standout features is the ability to destroy nearly everything around you—yes, everything! While that might sound overwhelming initially, the gameplay becomes clear and enjoyable after a few rounds, provided there are no technical hiccups.

In this game, players take on the role of contestants in a virtual combat competition, fighting for fame, money, and lucrative sponsorships. Inspired by franchises like The Hunger Games and Gladiator, the developers at Embark Studios have created an arena-based brawl. You can personalize your character, although the customization options are somewhat limited.

The gameplay unfolds across dynamic real-world maps that change with varying times of day and weather conditions, adding an element of surprise with each match.

In tournament mode, standard matches evolve to include an additional knockout phase where the top two teams from each lobby advance until only one remains victorious. While these matches can be longer, they embody the spirit of competitive play.

To enhance the atmosphere, commentators provide live updates during matches, highlighting significant events and keeping players engaged. This dynamic prevents overly defensive strategies from dominating the gameplay.

Unlike typical battle royale formats, The Finals incorporates respawn mechanics, allowing players to re-enter the fray either on a timer or through teammate revives. Standard quickplay matches offer two respawns per player, while tournaments can grant an additional one for advancing to the next round.

One of the most intriguing aspects of The Finals is the ability to interact with almost any object in the game, including flammable canisters and unique Goo containers that create cloud-like barriers for cover. Although I found myself rarely utilizing these features, they add depth to the gameplay.

A defining characteristic of The Finals is the destructible environment. Players can obliterate walls, buildings, and various objects, with every player in the lobby witnessing the same chaos. This level of destruction differentiates it from conventional shooters, as positioning and stealth become less crucial.

With the ability to charge through obstacles, traditional hiding spots are rendered obsolete, resulting in a frenetic gameplay experience that keeps players alert. However, this level of chaos has its pros and cons; while it can throw opponents into disarray, it may also lead to confusion, especially for newcomers.

As players navigate this chaotic landscape, they’ll find a range of equipment, abilities, and character builds to choose from. You can select from three distinct body types, each offering different speeds, health stats, and access to weapons and abilities. While the abilities are exciting, balancing issues are apparent.

Some builds, like the Light variant, offer significant advantages with a small hitbox and high speed. Meanwhile, the Medium build boasts a powerful healing ability, making it challenging to take down. The Heavy build, equipped with a shield and a grenade launcher, can dominate the battlefield, leading to potential imbalance in class diversity.