REVIEW – Firewall Ultra isn’t just another FPS title on the market; it’s one of the brand new titles for Sony’s somewhat “neglected” PSVR2, and it’s another promise of what’s to come from the newer version of the virtual helmet. Firewall Ultra is here as the successor to the original, PSVR-exclusive title, and brings not only new game modes, but also a ‘live service’ model that promises constant updates and improvements. However, the question arises: will the game manage to push the boundaries of PvP (player versus player), or is this just a marketing ploy?

Firewall Ultra is a new FPS shooter for the PSVR platform that offers an experience that many have been waiting for, but few dare hope for. But what makes this title so unique, and is it really the revolutionary innovation it promises, or just a well-sold marketing ploy? Now we look at what makes Firewall Ultra one of the most exciting – though far from flawless – new titles on PSVR2.

Exfil mode: it’s a collaborative experience

The game’s new Exfil mode (short for exfiltration) focuses on co-op, where players fight AI-controlled enemies in teams of four. But don’t think it will be easy. The AI opponents are smart, unpredictable and not easily defeated. The new mode also introduces strategic elements such as traps and resource management, testing the team’s cooperative skills.

The first time you complete a mission in Exfil, you’ll hack one of the two available access points to reveal the location of the laptops, then prepare your attack plan. Will you try to split up to cover more ground as a squad, or will you stay together to cover each other? Do you plan to sneak through the corridors and try to remain undetected for as long as possible, or will you go to war with guns in hand? The choice is yours, as each level of Exfil is like a miniature playground, with a wide range of options and possible scenarios.

Balance between PvP and PvE

While the original Firewall game focused more on the PvP aspect, the launch of the Ultra version has left many wondering how the new PvE mode will integrate into the existing gameplay. Initial experience suggests that the developers still need to work on the balance, as some maps are balanced in PvP but not so much in PvE.

It should also be added that Firewall Ultra is not a “ready, throw, forget” type of PSVR product. The developers take the live service model seriously and aim to keep players interested with regular updates and new content. But this model can only be sustained if players remain loyal – so community feedback will be crucial for the developers.

Weapons, tools and AI

The game will offer a range of weapons and tools, with each player finding the one that best serves them. The Exfil mode is particularly noteworthy for its AI enhancements, which make enemy behaviour much more sophisticated and unpredictable, even for experienced players.

However, the game is not perfect. Teamwork is central to the experience, and without it some maps are almost unplayable. How sustainable the live service model will be remains to be seen. Moreover, the PSVR 2 exclusivity of the game means that many people will not be able to access it.

The fact that you don’t have the option to change teams is not very positive either. Yesterday I played a round with a very good team. But in the next round the game re-balanced the teams and sent me to the other team, and I didn’t have the option to switch back. The UI is not the best at all. It took me a while to get used to everything.

Shall we put it through the firewall?

Firewall Ultra is a promising and compelling title on the PSVR2 platform, but there are still areas where it needs to improve. The balance between PvP and PvE is not yet perfect, and the sustainability of the live service model is questionable. However, the potential of the game and the new Exfil mode make it a title to watch.

-BadSector-

Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment

Developer: First Contact Entertainment

Style: FPS

Release: August 24, 2023.