Firewall Ultra, developed by First Contact Entertainment, is a game that enters the PlayStation VR2 arena with lofty ambitions. It seeks to redefine the world of tactical first-person shooters in virtual reality, leveraging the power of Unreal Engine 5 and harnessing the unique capabilities of PSVR2 on the PS5. This tactical team-based shooter offers a promising experience, but it also grapples with several challenges that leave players with mixed sentiments. Does it make as big of an impact as Firewall Zero Hour did for Sony’s first generation headset?
Firewall Ultra boasts stunning visuals and immersive audio that immediately catch your attention – it’s clear that this is one of those rare titles on PSVR2 that was developed exclusively for the system by a developer that has collaborated closely with Sony. The lighting, intricate level design, and 3D sound create a captivating environment that’s among the best in the PlayStation VR2 library thus far – bested only by Call of the Mountain. Moreover, the Ultra version of the game introduces support Sense Controllers, allowing for realistic weapon handling, and incorporates eye-tracking, which adds an extra layer of immersion.
In terms of gameplay, Firewall Ultra delivers a varied and engaging experience. Matches are filled with moments of intense action, and there’s a plethora of tactics at your disposal. From setting traps to adopting stealthy approaches, the game offers multiple ways to tackle objectives. The gunplay feels authentic and immersive as well, and the maps provide diverse and engaging environments. There’s a degree of tactical depth to the game as well, encouraging strategic thinking, communication, flanking, and using several gadgets to your advantage. The feature of viewing the match through CCTV after dying adds depth to the gameplay as well, keeping players engaged even after they fall in combat.
Despite these strengths, Firewall Ultra has a few shortcomings. The most glaring issue is its limited content, with only two modes available at launch (though more content is planned). This will leave players wanting more variety and depth in their gaming experience, while another drawback is the lack of interactivity for a 2023 VR title. Actions like reloading and opening doors are reduced to button presses, missing the opportunity to fully embrace the immersive potential of VR.
Additionally, the game’s progression system feels a little heavy on the grinding front, making it slow and challenging to unlock new gear and progress, especially for non-experienced players. Long matchmaking wait times further hamper the experience, making it frustrating for players eager to jump into the action, and the absence of solo play means that new players are thrust directly into multiplayer matches with often way more experienced players. This can be intimidating and challenging for those trying to learn the ropes and could hurt the game’s player base in the long run – though Zero Hour had an active player base well after its launch and future update could make it easier for people to get comfortable as well.
From that perspective, Firewall Ultra’s potential shines through but remains partly unrealized at this stage. Many features and improvements are promised for future updates, leaving players in anticipation in the here and now. Breathtaking visuals and great audio create a compelling VR experience, while both tactical depth and teamwork requirements. However, issues such as limited content, lack of interactivity, progression grind, and matchmaking challenges need addressing. As a live service game, Firewall Ultra shows promise and could be a fantastic VR shooter down the line, but players may need to have some patience while waiting for updates to unlock its full potential.
Score: 7.0/10
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