Just thought i’d clear some things up that i’ve learned from these forums and from working since Brink was released.
First off a few facts PC users need to know.
-Xbox users aren’t “crying” about the lobby thing. I think you’re misunderstanding what its like for us. We don’t get a server list to browse similar to that on the PC. We can only join a completely random game, and either toss invites to our friends as fast as possible, or hope they can join the session in progress. Its completely random, and if one person doesn’t make it in or times out trying to join, everyone has to back out and try again.
Then the lag kicks in when you do make it in, and its an unplayable match. Now as we sit, the lag is quite literally about 50/50. Half the matches are flawless, half are unplayable. There hasn’t really been a middle ground there where its bearable lag.
-Xbox Live games all have multiplayer lobbies for that reason. Its the best tool for friends to easily organize and join matches together. The current system is just unacceptable. If it isn’t changed, the majority (not all, but most) will most likely ditch this game in the next few months. There are plenty of excellent titles around the corner that will snatch this games playerbase in a second.
-Those of us who have been paying attention know about the lag fix, AI improvement, and new free maps in the Free DLC slated for June. I for one will definitely at least give Brink a chance until then. But if they don’t implement lobbies, hopes of keeping a decent playerbase on Xbox and PS3 is unlikely.
Now for my opinions. First, I promoted the daylights out of this game. I have the Brink Shirt (with security patch attached), Brink Lanyard, custom made Brink nametag. All the Brink shwag I could muster. I studied every part to this game and attempted to convert every player that came into the store, and I was pretty successful. I was responsible for at least 50 pre-orders solo, and I know I informed hundreds of customers that visited my store.
But nowhere in my research did it mention the lack of standard game modes that exist in every MP shooter out there. Nor did it mention complete lack of stats and stat tracking. Neither of those are game breaking, but it would have been nice to know when I was attempting to entice COD and BF players. People deserve the truth.
Having said that, the real disappointment is in the campaign. We were told of this revolutionary new game that seemlessly blends single and multiplayer into one experience. What they really meant was, theres no single player at all. Even in 1P due to the structure of the missions and lackluster campaign, it still feels like a MP game with less than half efficient bots (I know they are fixing that, thank you SD).
Truthfully, the campaign almost seems like an afterthought. The opening cinematic showing Chen, when it dips into slow motion as it reveals his name while he exhales a puff of cigar smoke. Epic cinematic, but it ends there. The rest of the cinematics aren’t bad, but the campaign is so…hollow? Everyone seems to agree the maps are less than average in quality. Not textures or graphics they’re fine, but in design. Limited use of SMART (which is brilliant, by the way) and extreme bottlenecks forcing a 8v8 slugfest. I know it was stressed to me that Brink (read: Splash Damage) focuses on 1 objective to create intense battles. But intense battles involve tactics and strategy, not a civil war style lining up to see who can throw the most lead out the fastest.
So i’m very happy they announced new maps in the DLC (they did didn’t they?) I hope there are tons more to come.
I’m actually very impressed with Brinks gameplay. From SMART, to weapons, customization (love it all!) Brink is an excellent game. It just seems to me they ran out of steam after crafting such fine gameplay and it resulted in a lackluster campaign that takes no advantage of all the great features or the AMAZING storyline they created.
I guess after this many years I was expecting something a bit different. Hopefully they patch it up to quality in all departments. Get us lobbies, fix the lag, add the new stuff. We’ll see what happens from there.
I promise i’m keeping up my end at the store and convincing people to not listen to the reviews, and try Brink for themselves. Today alone I converted 3 disbelievers, all 3 bought Brink. I also armed them with the knowledge of what to expect about the lag, no game modes, no stats, and lame AI. I also told them about the DLC next month that aims to fix most. I will continue to promote Brink as long as I can.