Firewall Zero Hour is an online multiplayer squad-based shooter from First Contact Entertainment. The game is a PlayStation VR title so to take part you need a PSVR headset and PlayStation Camera as a minimum. The game can be played with a DualShock 4 controller but it also supports the PlayStation VR Aim Controller.
The game features three different modes – Training modes for single and co-op play against AI opponents and an online competitive multiplayer that pits two teams of four players against each other. Sticking with a single online mode is a sensible decision and prevent the player base becoming fractured across multiple modes. It’s well worth spending some time with the single player training mode to learn the game before going online.
Each mission puts players in the boots of a military contractor. Before each mission you can choose your contractor from a selection of 12. Each has their own special skill and you can customise them and their loadouts. The more you play the game, the more money you earn which can be spent on unlocking further weapons and equipment.
Watch the Firewall Zero Hour launch trailer below:
When a mission begins, players are assigned to the attacking or defending team. The defenders are tasked with protecting a laptop while the attackers need to find it and exfiltrate the data. To discover the location of a laptop, attackers need to first find and destroy one of the two firewalls. These missions last up to 5 minutes and can be really tense affairs.
There are multiple routes through the maps so communication is key for each team. To get the most out of the game you really do need to talk to each other so you can co-ordinate your attack or defence. Teams that don’t do this are in for a frustrating time and are likely to be easily picked off by their opponents.
When you do take a couple of bullets you are disabled and must be revived by a teammate to continue. Downed players can be used tactically by their opponents. Instead of finishing someone off you can use them to lure their team so you can take them out while they attempt a rescue. Dead players can observe the action via security feeds and communicate what they see to help their team.
View some screenshots from Firewall Zero Hour in our gallery:
I found the game to be an incredibly immersive experience. Locations are well realised and the gun play is superb. As mentioned, a DualShock 4 can be used to control your weapons but it’s a bit clumsy. To really get the most out of the game, the Aim Controller is essential. The Aim Controller adds another level of immersion and it feels much more like you’re holding a gun. It’s then possible to look down the sights, lean around corners and blindfire. It’s also much more accurate and simply more fun.
The biggest issue with the game at the moment, and potentially going forward, is the relatively small install base of PSVR. Getting into a game can be a bit of a wait and then when you do it can be tough if other players aren’t using mics or if you’re put in a group that are speaking a different language. On the whole I found the majority of the players to be taking the game seriously and happy to help each other.
Overall, Firewall Zero Hour is an excellent squad-based shooter that is best played with friends. The addition of PSVR and Aim support elevates the game above similar titles. Fans of games like Rainbow Six will find themselves hooked. Easily one of the best PSVR games yet.
Firewall Zero Hour was reviewed using a digital code supplied by the publisher.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe Developer: First Contact Entertainment Inc. Release Date: August 28th, 2018 Reviewed On: PS4/PSVR
