[Hardcase]

Ah, yes, Brink on the PC...

One of the things I enjoy about Brink is the emphasis on teamwork. Objectives must be taken, and they are class-based. Luckily, the game allows you to switch classes at command posts, as well as inform you of how many of that class is in play. You can also switch weapons at command posts.

There is no K/D ratio, something I believe is refreshing in a team-based game. At the end of the match, the game will mention who got the most kills, but doesn't show the number of kills. The scoreboard reflects who got the most XP, I.E. who played their class role. Pretty much everything grants XP, from landing a hit on an enemy to healing a teammate.

While the above mentioned are pluses, Brink suffers in a lot of manners. It's an old-school shooter, meaning it will take a good amount of bullets to put someone down. I recalled the original Quake as I was playing. For those looking for a Call of Duty-style shooter, Brink isn't it. As long as you are aware of this fact, you should be okay with Brink's shooting mechanics. My biggest gripe is not the amount of bullets you fire, it is every weapon feels the same.

The parkour element is awesome when it works. You gain three body types during the course of the game and each one changes the amount of movement you are allowed. Lights can wall-run and have the most freedom of movement at the cost of less health. Mediums are the default, basic speed and functions. Heavies can take more damage, but are slow and not allowed certain moves. This would be great if you could switch during a match. Alas, you pick one and can't change it on the fly.

Also, the depth-perception is off. A move you think you can manage falls short and the "Hail Mary" jump you initially make turns out to work. Certain objects work smoothly with the SMART system and others don't. For a game about the freedom of movement, several locations in the environments which you should be able to climb on or reach are restricted. The environments themselves are very linear.

BRINK is a game with good ideas which doesn't quite live up to its potential. I'm echoing several game reviews I've read, but I've also spent 15+ hours in-game. I've had some fun moments, but I don't foresee BRINK taking over the 200+ hours in Battlefield: Bad Company 2 (team-based) or 250+ hours in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Black Ops (lone wolf) I've put into those games.

As always, your mileage may vary.