Online shooters are a dime a dozen these days and making one that can compete with the likes of Call of Duty, Killzone and Gears of War is a huge challenge especially to those choosing to go the download only route. Breach does just that and jumps head first into the deep end with a downloadable online multiplayer only shooter for the XBLA and PC.
Breach features five weapon classes: Rifleman, Gunner, Sniper, Support, and the unlockable class Recon. At the onset of a game players can choose which class they would like to be in until they perish on the battlefield then they can choose a new class if they wish. Beyond your main weapons class you are also equipped with a handgun and grenades. The guns look detailed and feel accurate while firing. Each weapon will upgrade when your character achieves a new ranking.
The ranking system is tied to the XP earned in game. Breach features five ranks including Agent, Operative, Specialist, Lieutenant, and Commander. As you gain XP you will automatically be upgraded to the next rank once you reach the proper XP total. Compared to other online shooters the ranking system is rather slow. Ranking can take thousands of XP to achieve with kills, in most cases, only contributing 5XP or 10XP towards that goal. Many players will get under 50XP per match which will cause the leveling to be a burden. Ranking up in the game also unlocks your ability to purchase certain perks and gadgets that you can add to your weapon or character.
As in every online shooter, Breach has a rewards system that unlocks perks and gadgets. As you play through matches you are rewarded with XP from kills and completing objectives (depending on the match type) that can in turn be used to purchase upgrades. These upgrades can include new weapons, extra armor, new abilities, less kickback from rapid fire, and more. As described before, the leveling system takes forever to gain enough XP to actually purchase noteworthy items. Players also do not have the ability to update perks or gadgets between matches without exiting out of a game completely and accessing the sections from the main menu. Each match requires a different style of gameplay dictated by your opponent. Not allowing players to choose the proper upgrade for the situation just does not make sense. Some of the last unlocked perks and gadgets are extremely useful if you can rank up high enough to unlock them. The later upgrades include items such as a “Bionic Ear” which amplifies footsteps and gunshots to better assist with locating enemies and a perk called “Vendetta” that places a red IR on the player that killed you last (for a short time) so that you may exact your revenge.
The mode types in Breach run the standard gamut for online shooters and consist of TDM (Team Deathmatch), Infiltration, Sole Survivor, Retrieval, and Convoy. The first three mentioned are the most typical multiplayer mode types consisting of team deathmatch, capture & hold strategic points, and last man standing deathmatch. Retrieval is a twist on capture the flag and provides the holder of a canister the option to take the canister to one of two points. This leaves the opponent having to decide which of the points the holder will attempt to go to. Convoy is the most intriguing mode type that pits teams against each other while trying to either protect or destroy a vehicle convoy. One team protects a convoy while it makes its way to the checkpoint in a certain amount of time. This team is in charge of removing barriers and keeping the vehicle operational during its journey. The second team has the task of destroying the vehicles or disabling them long enough that the vehicles cannot reach the checkpoint in the allotted time. This fight is confined and frantic and is by far the best mode that the game has to offer.
Breach features five unique maps that provide a good mix between confined spaces and open area battlefields. In most cases, gaining the high ground is key to victory and all maps feature this key point that will help lead your team to victory. On some maps, these high grounds can become too important and will have several players camping out on them and easily killing lesser opponents without a fair fight. This map attribute can become frustrating and leave many looking to only play on select maps.
The most important aspect of a multiplayer game is the ability to easily find and join a match. Breach does allow new players to jump directly into a battle in progress as along as there is an available spot. Too many times the lobby shows available positions but as you attempt to join them the connection fails (presumably because the positions are filled) and you must refresh the screen to find new matches. Often, joining matches took several attempts to actually get into one. Once in a match you will find your fair share of standing allies and opponents who obviously are not playing but remain in your match. The game does not recognize this and boot them nor does the game give you an option to remove these players from your game.
Breach does little to expand on what other shooters have done. Breach may have bit off more than it can chew and tries to mimic what some of the top tier franchises do. The only problem is that they fall short in captivating what the other franchises do. Those who are hardcore about multiplayer shooters will find little to keep their attention. However, those who are new to online multiplayers will find Breach a nice intro into the multiplayer world.
Pros:
- Good intro to multiplayer for those newbie players
- Weapons look and feel good
- Convoy mode type is new and very fun
- Priced right for what the game provides
Cons:
- Some maps almost encourage camping
- Graphically the game does not look very polished
- Finding matches online can be hit or miss
- Constant connection fails when trying to connect to “available” matches
- No ability to boot idle players
