Feb 04, 2020 I knew Firewall Zero Hour would be something special the very first time I got my hands on it almost a full year ago back at PSX 2017.After playing it at multiple events since then and spending.
If you’re a PSVR enthusiast, then you already know that developer First Contact Entertainment’s latest release, Firewall: Zero Hour, is out now, and that it’s a big deal. For those who don’t know, it’s a 4 vs 4 tactical first-person shooter developed from the ground up exclusively for the PSVR. If you’ve played Rainbow 6 Siege, then you’ll instantly feel at home in Firewall: Zero Hour. As I mentioned, it’s a PSVR exclusive, so you’ll need the headset and either the Aim controller or the Dual Shock 4, as the Move controllers are not an option.
As you can imagine, the game is far superior with the Aim controller. Using the DS4 means you’ll be holding it up like a gun, which grows uncomfortable after a while. Besides, you’re playing a first-person shooter in virtual reality, why wouldn’t you want to hold a real (fake) gun?With the necessary equipment out of the way, let’s get to the gameplay. There is a quick tutorial that shows you just how intuitive the game is to play. Whether you’re interacting with the environment like doors or weapon crates, easily lobbing a grenade, or firing off your weapon, playing Firewall: Zero Hour will come naturally to anybody who has ever held a controller, or a gun for that matter.Once you’ve finished the tutorial, you can jump into a solo mode that pits you against a wave of bots. You’re tasked with either protecting a laptop full of valuable information or sneaking in and stealing the info.
You can play this mode with a friend as well, but if you’re interested in picking this one up simply to play solo missions then I’m afraid you’re going to be disappointed. This game was designed to play 4 vs 4 with, and against, real people.
This mode is called Contracts. In Contracts mode, the attackers will have to locate and disable one of two firewall access points. With that done, your team will earn the location of the laptop. Your remaining teammates will then converge on the laptop to steal the valuable information that it contains. And obviously, as the defenders, your job is to defend the laptop at all costs. There is no respawning in the game, but if you’ve only been knocked down, then one of your teammates can revive you. You can’t crawl to safety, so your teammates will have to risk their own lives to revive you.
Once you’ve been killed for good, you will be able to cycle through various surveillance cameras and update your remaining teammates with valuable intel. It’s a really cool feature that makes you feel invested in the game even after you’re dead.Contracts is currently the only real game mode available. That is not ideal, but First Contact has stated that more game modes are ready.
The reason we are stuck with just one, for now, sounds legit. By releasing the game with only one game mode to start, they hope to keep the relatively small PSVR player base from fracturing.
Their thinking is that having every single player stuck in one really fun game mode, is better than having the player base spread around, making it more difficult to find enough players to fill all of the lobbies. In this case, I wholeheartedly agree. The contracts mode is a freaking blast, and every time I’ve logged in, including early evening, late at night and early in the morning, I’ve had no problem finding players. Would I love some different modes? Of course, I would, we all would, but the mode we do have is a great first start.The game isn’t perfect, of course, but I am going to start with the positive. As one of my first squadmates and I talked about during an intermission, the game is somewhat “barebones”, but what is here is extremely polished. I’d rather have pristine gunplay than a bunch of empty game modes.
And the gunplay is fantastic. I take my VR seriously, so my setup has been carefully constructed, and I rarely have tracking problems, but the tracking in Firewall has been as good as it gets.
Using the Aim has never felt better. Since those first few marathon sessions, I’ve seen complaints that the in-game gun is lower than the real-life Aim controller in your hand.
With that in mind, each time I’ve set down to play I tell myself that I’m going to test this out, but once I get in-game, the idea of the controller in my hand ceases to be real, and the gun that I can actually lay my eyes on becomes the “real” gun. When I raise the rifle to aim down the sites, I simply stop when the in-game rifle reaches the point I want it to. The fact that the controller is actually lower, for me, becomes a non-factor.
So much so, that I can’t even confirm it is, in fact, lower. I’m sure it is – because how could so many angry redditers be wrong – but because of the reasons I’ve already listed, it is a non-issue for me. I still have to give the Aim controller a shake from time to time to keep it in line, but that is a hardware issue that all PSVR users have to deal with.
Giving the gun a quick waggle is now muscle memory for me, like reloading after a kill.The graphics are some of the best the PSVR has to offer. There are nine, good size maps that each offers a unique and fun experience. The characters, or contractors, as they’re called in-game, look great as well, and they move fluidly and naturally throughout. I’m playing on an OG PlayStation amateur, and I’m frankly surprised at the level of detail this game reaches. Obviously, there are graphical limitations inherent in this generation of VR, but I’ve never cared less about that disparity, than when I’m playing a round of Firewall: Zero Hour. The guns look great, too, with each one offering a ton of detail, making grinding away to afford new attachments, paint and trinkets even more fun.The sound is also a high point.
A first-person shooter with guns that don’t sound real is inexcusable. Thankfully, the guns in Firewall sound great, and pack that punch necessary, especially when using the Aim, to keep you immersed in the game. Keeping an ear out for enemy footsteps isn’t new or unique to Firewall, but being tipped off by an enemy player accidentally bumping the barrel of their gun walking through a doorway is what makes VR so damn good. Now I know why Snake carried his gun so weird in Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater.As with any tactical multi-player shooter, the in-game chat with your teammates is integral to success, and to a large degree how much fun you have. Finding a team that isn’t afraid to chat, takes the game to a whole new level. Surprisingly, I have yet to play with an asshole in Firewall, but I’m sure that day is coming.
If you are one of those players that doesn’t like, or isn’t comfortable talking to strangers in-game, there is still some fun to be had, but I strongly urge you to give it try. As I said, the community so far has been great and very welcoming. The town of light review. The game is simply more fun when teammates work together. I love converting shy players to speak up in-game, because shy players are always nice, and nice players are even more fun to play with than good players. So speak up, folks, it’s worth it, and you’ll thank me.I’m going to hit on some of the negatives. I already mentioned the single game mode and the lack of a single player campaign. Being able to attack or defend in a single player mode is an okay way to test out new weapons and familiarize yourself with the maps, but the enemy AI is pretty bad.
They are mostly cannon fodder and offer next to zero tactical skill. There was a major bug that made joining a game with your friends nearly impossible. As bad as that is, it also highlighted another negative. Whenever a host leaves the game, all the other players are booted back to the menu. When players were trying to form a group with their friends, and they couldn’t, they would simply leave the lobby to try again. This meant that everybody else got sent back to the lobby, as well.
So the host was frustrated because he couldn’t get a squad made up of his friends, and everyone else was pissed because we kept getting kicked back to the main menu. Thankfully, along with a couple other bugs, First Contact already patched the squad matchmaking issue. Unfortunately, when a host leaves, all other players are still sent back to the main menu. This currently is the worst part of the game. It is extremely frustrating to find a great bunch of teammates only to get booted because the host has to go take out the trash or pick up the pizza.
I’m hoping that won’t happen as often now that they fixed the squad matchmaking problem.Another popular complaint, and one I agree with, is that the game is only one round before you’re back in the lobby. The games are only five minutes max, and usually much shorter, meaning you could spend almost as much time in lobby as in-game. It seems to me, having you play two rounds (one attacking, one defending) with a possible tie-breaking third round seems to make too much sense not to add in the future. Certainly not a game-breaker, but the kind of fine-tuning updates and patches are built for.There is a ton of guns, attachments, skills, etc to try out, but they are all hidden behind level locks and cryptocurrency. Leveling up is slow work, and Firewall money – much like real money – doesn’t grow on trees, making each purchase a tough decision.
On the other hand, with a level cap at fifty, and a buttload of things to unlock, there is always a reason to play “just one more round.”I know I’m leaving a ton of things out, but to sum it up, Firewall: Zero Hour doesn’t just live up to the hype, it surpasses it. It is the most fun, most immersive, and exciting PSVR game I’ve ever played. It’s not perfect, but when you’re in the middle of an intense firefight with some cool teammates, it’s as close to perfect as multiplayer shooters can get.
If you have even a passing interest in action games or shooters, then you should buy an Aim controller and this game now. Don’t wait for a sale, don’t wait for more game modes. And I’ll see you on the battlefield! SummaryThe 4v4 tactical shooter I wasn’t sure we could get in VR is here and it’s even better then I dared to hope. Firewall: Zero Hour is the kind of addicting, multiplayer game that keeps gamers coming back for more, and may even move a few PSVR units. Time will tell if this is PSVR’s Goldeneye, or just another VR multiplayer game with a dwindling player base. Either way, do yourself a favor and play this game.Review Disclaimer: This review was carried out using a copy of the game bought at the expense of the reviewer.
For more information, please read our Review Policy.Reviewed using base PS4.
What Is It?Firewall: Zero Hour is a PSVR-exclusive tactical, team-based first-person shooter. In the game you pick one of 12 different contractors, form a team of up to four total players in its core Contracts game mode, and fight against another team of four players.
There are Solo and Co-Op training modes as well.Gameplay is slow-paced and methodical, similar to non-VR game, or PC VR-exclusive shooter,. There are no respawns during matches and the objectives are more complex than simply “kill the other team” to encourage teamwork and strategy.We’ve gone hands-on with the game on multiple occasions, so you can read more about why we think this right and right. How Many Game Modes?In Firewall: Zero Hour there are essentially two game modes: Training and Contracts.
In Contracts two teams of four players fight against each other on one of nine maps. The objectives for the Attacking team to locate and steal sensitive information by hacking a firewall and then retrieving intel off of a laptop inside the level. If you’re on the Attacking team you must complete your objectives. Simply killing all of the Defenders but not completing your objective will result in a loss.The Defending team’s goal is to prevent the Attacking team from getting the information, or killing all of the Attackers.What makes matches extra intense is that there are no respawns at all. Once you’re dead, you’re out until the next match and can only watch security cameras to give your team advice. The only way of playing the Contracts game mode will be through competitive 4v4 online multiplayer so an active community will be very important. If you decide to play Training instead, you can do this either as a Solo player against a stream of AI enemies, or in Co-Op with a total of 2-4 real players against a stream of AI enemies.
In Training, the objectives remain basically the same for both Attackers and Defenders.Both Contracts and Training will be playable in either Public or Private varieties, however, you only earn XP and rewards for playing Public matches. All game modes require an internet connection to play and PlayStation Plus is requiredfor both Co-Op Training and Contracts. What About Single Player?As explained above, there will be a single player option in Firewall: Zero Hour, but it’s just one of the “Training” modes that is basically focused on the same objectives as Contracts multiplayer. The only difference is that you’re facing off against a stream of AI bots instead of other players.
You will still gain XP and credits, but not as much as in Contracts.This means that there is nota structured, narrative campaign. If you’re looking for a story mode similar to or, then you should look elsewhere.Even the single player Training mode requires an internet connection to play.How Do Contractors And Progression Work?There are a total of 12 different Contractors in Firewall: Zero Hour.
Visually each of them look different and have their own personal background stories informing their voice over style, name, and abilities. Although all 12 play the same mechanically in terms of actual controls on your controller, they differ in strategy. If you’ve ever played Rainbow Six Siege, this should sound very familiar.Every contractor has a single special ability unlocked from the beginning of the game, such as faster reloading for certain types of weapons. As you continue to play as a Contractor and earn XP, you’ll unlock a second ability slot and additional weapon customization options for your loadout. What About Maps?Firewall: Zero Hour will launch with nine maps. As of August 16th, we’ve tried them all. What About Weapons?When you select a Contractor in Firewall: Zero Hour, you will also pick a loadout that is catered toward a specific playstyle.
All loadout options are the same across all contractors and when you unlock a gun or accessory for a gun it unlocks those items permanently. For example, when you unlock and purchase the red dot sight, you can equip it on any gun that allows a sight attachment for any contractor.
The same goes for camo colors/skins, patches, and gun trinkets.We don’t have a full list of weapons yet, but from what we’ve seen everything you expect from assault rifles and handguns to shotguns and grenades are all represented. In our latest demo we counted around a dozen guns. Can I Use PS Aim Or PS Move Controllers?The first three demos we had for Firewall: Zero Hour had been with the PS Aim Controller. While using this peripheral, you move your character with the analog sticks on the controller itself and physically aim and shoot your gun with the plastic rifle. It feels similar to Farpoint and DOOM VFR, but it’s a bit slower-paced.At the final hands-on opportunity on August 15th, we finally got to try the game using a standard DualShock 4 yet.
It works similarly to the gamepad support in Farpoint, in which you must physically aim and point the controller as if it were your gun. It feels a little strange at first, but you eventually get used to it. Otherwise the controls are basically the same as the PS Aim.Firewall: Zero Hour only supports the standard DualShock 4 and the PS Aim Controller — there is no support for the PS Move controllers. The main reason for this is that the lack of an analog stick on the PS Move controllers make it difficult to map all of the buttons and actions you need during a game.When And Where Does It Launch?Firewall: Zero Hour is releasing exclusively for the PSVR on Specifically, the servers go live at 9PM PT. There is a if you don’t have the gun peripheral yet and want to use it when playing Firewall. If you want to pre-order the physical version of the game, you can do that from, andOr, you can pre-order the game. All digital and physical pre-orders for Firewall will receive the same pre-order bonuses:Other NewsIf you’re looking forward to Firewall: Zero Hour, let us know down in the comments below!
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