There is one gaming area I have completely ignored this generation and that is the downloadable arcade games on Xbox Live Arcade. Call me a snob, an elitist or Matt calls me a specific character from Inglorious Basterds, I am not huge fan of paying for mediocre arcade titles when I can easily save up for a full game. Now, there are some exceptional arcade titles out there, some too good to be ignored, but the general consensus is most of them are She-Wolf. They’re… okay. Now, Breach aims to break that wall down, pun intended, with a FPS that has completely destructive environments and a slight new take on match types. Breach is definitely something you should have on your radar.
The developers were kind of enough to send me an advanced code which allowed me to play with other gaming press, the developers themselves, and some other lucky few. The game is much more of the Battlefield type as opposed to Call of Duty. FPS players will know what that means right away. It mimics Battlefield’s style of play which is a good thing because the Battlefield games have been excellent as of late. The comparisons are made between the control feel, the weapons, the aiming/shooting, and especially the game play. What makes Breach different is the variety of match types. I spent several hours playing the Infiltration and Convoy matches. Infiltration is your usual “Capture/Defend” game which is ALWAYS a nice change of pace from the often overplayed deathmatch. The Convoy variant is where I had the most fun.
Convoy is a very simple approach. There are 2 teams. One has to defend a Convoy of two Humvee’s, both with mounted usable weapons, (one Mark 19 Grenade Launcher/one .50 cal) and one has to stop them from reaching the end of the road. The vehicles drive themselves but can be slowed to a halt by damaging them. They can be restarted by repairing them. The concept is so simple and works very well. The absolute best description I can give is that when I played this variant, probably 14 times, I think the split was 7-7 on who won in attacking vs defending. No real team has an advantage and that is why I loved Convoy. Playing as a team is a must and never did I feel that I was stuck on a side just to get slaughtered until the map rotates.
The game is on XBLA so the graphics are not phenomenal, but not where you would question its generation. There is a modest rank up system which allows purchasing of new guns, scopes, armor, etc. They do not tell you the specs on each weapon, which I found to be annoying. The game is multiplayer only so you will need a Gold membership for Xbox Live just to play as there are no bots from what I could see. The game is fun. Did it reinvent the FPS genre? Not at all. It is a welcomed addition at a price of 1200 MS points, ($15 to us who don’t deal with the ratio of Schrute bucks to Stanley nickels) and is a game you should definitely play. Anyone who is way into CoD might want to pass because the game is nothing like it, but those of you who like the Battlefield style, this might be what you are looking for.
Review Information
- Breach: Xbox 360 - Xbox Live Arcade (reviewed), PC
- Release Date: January 26, 2011
- Retail Price: 1200 Microsoft Points ($15)
- Review copy provided by publisher
Downloaded the Xbox Live Arcade version.
Love the game, it’s a blast (hardy harr harr)
I like how it combines tactical elements with general arcade FPS style. For example, on first glance it seems like your normal, dare I say, “CoD-like” game, but once you start playing it’s far more intriguing. You can switch your weapon to semi-auto fire mode, something I find lacking in most shooters. It helps in some of the larger areas to hit your target.
I also find the third-person element to be an excellent addition. Going up to cover, players can hug walls or sandbags, and glance around the corner in a third-person perspective. You can even blind-fire your gun over or around said cover, though don’t expect to be very accurate at any real distance.
And of course, the destructible environment is a perfect touch. Thin-walled buildings won’t keep you safe from M203 rounds, and an RPG to those sandbags you’re behind will blow them to pieces. You also can equip door-breachers, which you can attach to walls or any other cover as well, that will put a nice hole in the enemies shelter.
It’s not mil-sim, but it’s definitely in it’s own league, and not just another CoD clone. In my opinion, absolutely worth the cheap price, I’m always looking for unique little games like this, and am an avid FPS fan. Breach does not disappoint, but of course don’t just take my word for it, download the demo yourself, you get 30 minutes of online game time before it locks itself, which was plenty for me to get 2 great TDM games in.
This game had great potential, but is absolutely terrible! You have massive lag while in the game, and that is if you do get in a game, because the matchmaking lobbies are bad as well. Not to mention the graphics look like spec ops for ps1. If you want a game with good destructible environment that doesn’t suck buy Battlefield Bad Company 2.