The Finals Review

• Developer: Embark Studios
• Publisher: Embark Studios
• Platform: Played on PC
• Availability: Out now on PC (Steam), PS5, Xbox Series X/S

When you eliminate an opponent in The Finals, they burst into a shower of coins, creating a visually appealing effect. Initially wowed by this depiction, the game’s premise of trading death for money began to trouble me as I continued to play. The game’s focus on virtual cash prizes and real-money transactions for enhanced appearances, while providing satisfying gunfights and destruction mechanics, left a lingering sense of emptiness in its presentation.

The Finals offers unique game modes, such as Quick Cash, where teams compete for vaults filled with coins, creating a frantic and engaging experience. The inclusion of three different body types, each with distinct characteristics and abilities, further adds depth to the gameplay, making team composition crucial for success.

One of the game’s standout features is its destructible environments, allowing players to strategically alter the battlefield by destroying walls, floors, and windows. This dynamic element enhances the tactical depth of the multiplayer shooter, adding an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the matches.

Despite its entertaining gameplay, The Finals faces challenges in its logistics and game modes. Issues with movement and team dynamics affect the overall experience, particularly in the Quick Cash mode, where certain aspects impact the fairness of the gameplay.

Furthermore, the game’s AI voiceovers, created using AI technology, fail to add significant value to the gaming experience. The voiceovers lack depth and personality, representing a missed opportunity to elevate the game’s atmosphere through innovative storytelling.

Additionally, The Finals’ aesthetic and thematic elements lack a distinctive identity, resulting in an overall bland presentation. The inconsistency in applying the game show premise, coupled with the generic visual style, leaves the game feeling uninspired and devoid of a compelling narrative.

The Finals Accessibility Options

Colourblind modes for Deuteranopia, Tritanopia, Protanopia. Subtitles On/Off. Subtitle Background Opacity slider. Subtitle Text Size: Small, Medium, Large. Motion Blur: Disabled/Enabled. Crosshair settings to adjust width, colour, outline colour, centre dot, centre dot radius and opacity.

Despite its combat and destruction mechanics, The Finals struggles to captivate players beyond its surface elements. The game’s thematic and sematic emphasis on monetary rewards detracts from its potential for genuine engagement, leaving it feeling shallow and commercially driven.

A copy of The Finals was independently sourced for review by Eurogamer.