The Finals: NEXT STAGE Season 5 Review

THE FINALS Season 5

The Finals: NEXT STAGE Season 5 Overview

The Finals by Embark Studios is a dynamic free-to-play first-person shooter (FPS) that has set itself apart with innovative destructible environments, fast-paced gameplay, and creative mechanics. Its highly anticipated NEXT STAGE: Season 5 will launch on December 12, 2024, celebrating a year since the game’s full release. This update promises to shake up the competitive scene with new maps, weapons, gadgets, and social features.

Available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, The Finals supports crossplay, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for players across platforms.

Developer and Publisher

The game is developed by Embark Studios, a Stockholm-based team formed by industry veterans, including former creators of the Battlefield series. Their commitment to cutting-edge game design and mechanics has made The Finals a standout title in the FPS genre. The publisher, Nexon, brings the game to global audiences with robust distribution and community support.

Key Features and Gameplay Mechanics

Destructible Environments

The Finals is renowned for its destructible maps, allowing players to shape the battlefield in real time. Whether demolishing a building to block an enemy’s path or using explosions to create strategic vantage points, destruction is a core gameplay element.

New Additions in Season 5

Season 5 introduces the Bernal map, inspired by the stunning Peña de Bernal in Mexico. This map features narrow pathways, cobblestone streets, and destructible rooftops, providing players with fresh opportunities for tactical gameplay.

Two new weapons join the roster:

ShAK-50: A powerful double-barrel rifle for the Heavy class.
Cerberus 12GA: A triple-barrel shotgun for the Medium class with incendiary shells.

Additionally, new gadgets include:

Gravity Vortex: A device that creates a singularity to pull in players, objectives, and debris.
Lockbolt Launcher: Anchors players and objects to the environment, restricting their movement.

Clubs: Social Gameplay

Season 5 introduces a new social system called Clubs, allowing players to team up under a shared banner. Features include:

Club Bonuses: Additional XP and Fans for playing together.
Club Wall: A space to share updates and interact.
Team-Up Requests: Easier matchmaking for favorite modes.

THE FINALS

New Game Modes

A standout seasonal event, Snowball Blitz, offers a festive 5v5 snowball fight in Monaco with exclusive holiday rewards. Updates to existing modes, like Quick Cash, ensure smoother and faster-paced gameplay.

Graphics and Sound Design

The visuals in The Finals are striking, with high levels of detail in environments and effects. The Bernal map, for instance, is visually vibrant, immersing players in its Mexican-inspired setting. The destructible environments are rendered with precision, enhancing both the aesthetic and strategic layers of the game.

The sound design supports the gameplay by delivering realistic audio cues that help players stay aware of their surroundings, from collapsing structures to enemy movements.

Anticipated Reception

Community Enthusiasm

The The Finals player base has consistently grown, with each update drawing in new and returning contestants. The addition of innovative mechanics and maps in Season 5 has generated significant excitement among fans and competitive players alike.

Comparisons to Competitors

While it shares some similarities with Battlefield and Overwatch, The Finals sets itself apart through its destructibility-focused gameplay. Season 5 further solidifies its position as a unique offering in the competitive FPS market.

Conclusion

NEXT STAGE: Season 5 of The Finals represents a bold step forward for Embark Studios’ acclaimed shooter. With its innovative mechanics, new maps, expanded social features, and festive events, Season 5 ensures the game remains at the forefront of the FPS genre. Launching on December 12, 2024, this update is a must-play for both seasoned competitors and newcomers.