• Latest
  • Trending
Firewall Ultra Review

Firewall Ultra Review: A Cautious Recommendation for VR Fans

Twitter: Breaking the Bird Season 1 Review

Twitter: Breaking the Bird Season 1 Review: Idealism, Power, and the Fracturing of an Icon

Black Heat Review

Black Heat Review: Parents on a Violent Precipice

Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 Review

Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 Review: The Taranis’s Final, Heartfelt Song

Bogancloch Review

Bogancloch Review: Ben Rivers’s Meditative Return to a Hermit’s World

Remaining Native Review

Remaining Native Review: Ancestral Echoes on the Open Road

Death end re;Quest Code Z Review

Death end re;Quest Code Z Review: A Perilous Loop of Progress

Art for Everybody Review

Art for Everybody Review: The Painter of Light’s Hidden Hues

The Venus Effect Review

The Venus Effect Review: Beauty and Ambiguity in Rural Denmark

Janis Ian: Breaking Silence Review

Janis Ian: Breaking Silence Review: Charting the Geography of a Soul’s Dissonance

Autumn Review

Autumn Review: A Portuguese Family’s Passage Through Seasons of Change

The Stimming Pool Review

The Stimming Pool Review: Charting an Interior Archipelago

In Vitro Review

In Vitro Review: Atmospheric Brilliance in an Unsettling Sci-Fi Tale

  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Gazettely Review Guidelines
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
GAZETTELY
  • Home
  • Movie and TV News
    Seattle International Film Festival

    “Seeds” Sprouts Grand Jury Win as “Tinā” Tops Audience Vote at SIFF 2025

    David Tennant

    Fantastic Four Fan-Casting Heats Up After Tennant’s Comic Con Confession

    Tatyana Ali

    Tatyana Ali Says Rose McGowan Shut Down “Jawbreaker” Bully

    Nouvelle Vague

    Netflix Pays Record $4 M for Linklater’s “Nouvelle Vague” After Cannes Ovation

    Christopher McQuarrie

    McQuarrie Says “Top Gun 3” Story Locked, Awaits Paramount Go-Ahead

    T’Nia Miller

    T’Nia Miller Boards Marvel’s “Vision” as Jocasta

    Ayushmann Khurrana

    Ayushmann Khurrana Stakes Claim on Diwali with Vampire Comedy “Thama”

    Ram Kapoor

    Ram Kapoor’s “Mistry” Brings Monk to Mumbai

    The Handmaid’s Tale

    Handmaid’s Tale Ends on a Whisper, Not a Rescue

  • Movie and TV Reviews
    Twitter: Breaking the Bird Season 1 Review

    Twitter: Breaking the Bird Season 1 Review: Idealism, Power, and the Fracturing of an Icon

    Black Heat Review

    Black Heat Review: Parents on a Violent Precipice

    Bogancloch Review

    Bogancloch Review: Ben Rivers’s Meditative Return to a Hermit’s World

    Remaining Native Review

    Remaining Native Review: Ancestral Echoes on the Open Road

    Art for Everybody Review

    Art for Everybody Review: The Painter of Light’s Hidden Hues

    The Venus Effect Review

    The Venus Effect Review: Beauty and Ambiguity in Rural Denmark

    Janis Ian: Breaking Silence Review

    Janis Ian: Breaking Silence Review: Charting the Geography of a Soul’s Dissonance

    Autumn Review

    Autumn Review: A Portuguese Family’s Passage Through Seasons of Change

    The Stimming Pool Review

    The Stimming Pool Review: Charting an Interior Archipelago

  • Game Reviews
    Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 Review

    Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 Review: The Taranis’s Final, Heartfelt Song

    Death end re;Quest Code Z Review

    Death end re;Quest Code Z Review: A Perilous Loop of Progress

    Wings of Endless Review

    Wings of Endless Review: More Than Just a Flight of Fancy?

    Creature Keeper Review

    Creature Keeper Review: A Keeper’s Tale of Ambition and Issues

    Cash Cleaner Simulator Review

    Cash Cleaner Simulator Review: Counting, Washing, and Packaging Fun

    Out of Sight Review

    Out of Sight Review: Frighteningly Fresh Perspective Mechanics

    Kathy Rain 2 Soothsayer Review

    Kathy Rain 2: Soothsayer Review – Investigative Gameplay at Its Best

    Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon Review

    Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon Review – Survival Through Story

    Duck Detective The Ghost of Glamping Review (3)

    Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping Review – Bite-Sized Mystery Magic

  • The Bests
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Movie and TV News
    Seattle International Film Festival

    “Seeds” Sprouts Grand Jury Win as “Tinā” Tops Audience Vote at SIFF 2025

    David Tennant

    Fantastic Four Fan-Casting Heats Up After Tennant’s Comic Con Confession

    Tatyana Ali

    Tatyana Ali Says Rose McGowan Shut Down “Jawbreaker” Bully

    Nouvelle Vague

    Netflix Pays Record $4 M for Linklater’s “Nouvelle Vague” After Cannes Ovation

    Christopher McQuarrie

    McQuarrie Says “Top Gun 3” Story Locked, Awaits Paramount Go-Ahead

    T’Nia Miller

    T’Nia Miller Boards Marvel’s “Vision” as Jocasta

    Ayushmann Khurrana

    Ayushmann Khurrana Stakes Claim on Diwali with Vampire Comedy “Thama”

    Ram Kapoor

    Ram Kapoor’s “Mistry” Brings Monk to Mumbai

    The Handmaid’s Tale

    Handmaid’s Tale Ends on a Whisper, Not a Rescue

  • Movie and TV Reviews
    Twitter: Breaking the Bird Season 1 Review

    Twitter: Breaking the Bird Season 1 Review: Idealism, Power, and the Fracturing of an Icon

    Black Heat Review

    Black Heat Review: Parents on a Violent Precipice

    Bogancloch Review

    Bogancloch Review: Ben Rivers’s Meditative Return to a Hermit’s World

    Remaining Native Review

    Remaining Native Review: Ancestral Echoes on the Open Road

    Art for Everybody Review

    Art for Everybody Review: The Painter of Light’s Hidden Hues

    The Venus Effect Review

    The Venus Effect Review: Beauty and Ambiguity in Rural Denmark

    Janis Ian: Breaking Silence Review

    Janis Ian: Breaking Silence Review: Charting the Geography of a Soul’s Dissonance

    Autumn Review

    Autumn Review: A Portuguese Family’s Passage Through Seasons of Change

    The Stimming Pool Review

    The Stimming Pool Review: Charting an Interior Archipelago

  • Game Reviews
    Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 Review

    Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 Review: The Taranis’s Final, Heartfelt Song

    Death end re;Quest Code Z Review

    Death end re;Quest Code Z Review: A Perilous Loop of Progress

    Wings of Endless Review

    Wings of Endless Review: More Than Just a Flight of Fancy?

    Creature Keeper Review

    Creature Keeper Review: A Keeper’s Tale of Ambition and Issues

    Cash Cleaner Simulator Review

    Cash Cleaner Simulator Review: Counting, Washing, and Packaging Fun

    Out of Sight Review

    Out of Sight Review: Frighteningly Fresh Perspective Mechanics

    Kathy Rain 2 Soothsayer Review

    Kathy Rain 2: Soothsayer Review – Investigative Gameplay at Its Best

    Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon Review

    Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon Review – Survival Through Story

    Duck Detective The Ghost of Glamping Review (3)

    Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping Review – Bite-Sized Mystery Magic

  • The Bests
No Result
View All Result
GAZETTELY
No Result
View All Result
Firewall Ultra Review

Gaming Gems: 30 Best Xbox One Games of All Time

Cities Skylines 2 May Surprise Fans with Unexpected Feature

Home Games Reviews Games

Firewall Ultra Review: A Cautious Recommendation for VR Fans

Strategic Teamwork Creates Unparalleled Multiplayer Thrills, But Limited Content Underwhelms

Arash Nahandian by Arash Nahandian
2 years ago
in Games, PlayStation, Reviews Games
Reading Time: 7 mins read
A A
0
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on PinterestShare on WhatsAppShare on Telegram

Back in 2018, PlayStation VR players were treated to an unprecedented tactical shooter experience with Firewall Zero Hour. Developer First Contact Entertainment expertly crafted tense 4v4 matches that relied on coordination and cunning use of gadgets. It stood tall as a killer app for PSVR, receiving years of post-launch support.

Naturally, expectations were sky high when the studio announced a follow-up, Firewall Ultra, designed exclusively for PlayStation VR2. Sony’s latest virtual reality headset boasts cutting-edge upgrades like foveated rendering, eye tracking, 3D spatial audio and adaptive triggers. Firewall Ultra seemed poised to set a new bar for immersive multiplayer shooters.

Now that the sequel has arrived, does it live up to the pedigree of its predecessor and fully capitalize on next-gen VR technology? In this review, we’ll analyze where Firewall Ultra succeeds in bringing tactical combat to life, and where it falls short of expectations. From visual polish to progression systems, content depth to control schemes, we’ll provide a comprehensive evaluation of this PSVR2 exclusive. While the original Firewall was a revelation in its time, does Ultra move the needle for virtual reality shooters in 2023? Read on to find out.

Strategic Combat with Mixed Controls

One of the most controversial changes from Zero Hour is Firewall Ultra’s control scheme. The original supported DualShock controllers or the immersive Aim gun peripheral. Now on PSVR2, you’re restricted to the Sense controllers. This provides greater motion tracking but also some limitations.

Most actions like reloading or swapping weapons are now button presses rather than physical motions. While convenient, this diminishes immersion. The lack of manual reloading in particular feels like a step back for veterans. The developer promises a future “Ultra Mode” with enhanced controls, but for now interactions are simplified.

Aim-down-sights snaps to your gaze instantly when left trigger is pressed. This allows quick target acquisition but the unnatural motion may be jarring. Eye tracking helps lob explosives and flashbangs with precision, though having grenades launch from your eye-line is odd. Overall the controls are functional if inelegant. Streamlining helps accessibility but hardcore fans may want more simulation.

Firewall Ultra Review

Despite control quibbles, Firewall Ultra’s two modes provide engaging tactical play. Contracts returns as the marquee 4v4 competitive mode, with teams alternating between hacking and protecting an objective. The new Exfil PvE mode has four players capturing points while battling AI foes.

Both require slow, coordinated gameplay akin to Rainbow Six. Charging ahead solo means a quick death. Teams must communicate to flank enemies and create chokepoints. Patience and gadget use trumps pure aggression. This creates palpable tension where every bullet matters.

Weapons feel weighty, with detailed recoil effects based on real-world firearms. Shotguns, pistols, SMGs and assault rifles each fill distinct combat roles. attachments like scopes and grips offer further customization. Flashbangs, mines and barricades provide invaluable tactical opportunities when used well.

Map design also facilitates strategy, with areas of light and darkness. Clever players manipulate these sightlines and shadows to ambush foes. Verticality and multiple access points give both teams flexibility in approach. Overall the action rewards smarts over reflexes, keeping players on edge.

Though control quirks exist, Firewall Ultra’s core gameplay delivers heart-pounding squad-based combat. Players must out-think opponents and work together to overcome the odds. When tactics align and team chemistry thrives, few multiplayer experiences are more rewarding.

Audiovisual Immersion

Firewall Ultra leverages the PS5 and PSVR2 to deliver a significant graphical leap over Zero Hour’s PS4 origins. Environments are far more detailed, using high-quality textures and geometry. Weapon models showcase intricate parts and attachments up close. Characters still appear somewhat stiff, but overall assets are vastly improved.

This visual overhaul truly shines in the lighting department. Dark areas are pitch black, creating tension and encouraging flashlight and lamp use. Muzzle flashes and explosions cast dynamic light during hectic firefights. Fluorescent bulbs contrast vividly against shadowy corners. This nuanced lighting boosts realism exponentially.

Overall, Firewall Ultra is one of the best looking titles on PSVR2 so far. While not quite reaching Horizon Call of the Mountain’s visual splendor, it comes respectably close for a multiplayer shooter. The game runs smoothly with foveated rendering reducing overhead. This polish helps gameplay feel seamless and increases immersion.

Firewall Ultra Review

Audio design completes the sensory experience, using PSVR2’s 3D spatial surround sound. Weapon firing, reloads and movements sound lifelike emanating from your virtual hands. Nearby footsteps and gunfire clearly telegraph enemy locations based on precise distance and direction. This grants keen tactical awareness and heightens tension dramatically.

Together, the visual polish and realistic audio make Firewall Ultra an incredibly immersive experience while in the heat of battle. Clever lighting keeps you on edge, while spatialized sound provides an acute combat edge. These technical achievements support the gameplay beautifully.

Some visual glitches do occur, particularly in lobby areas. These are annoying but rarely disrupt actual matches. Overall Firewall Ultra sets a new bar for VR shooters through audiovisual mastery. The PS5 hardware sings, delivering breakthrough levels of immersion. This technical prowess combined with strong art direction makes gameplay even more pulse-pounding.

  • Also Read: Shotgun King: The Final Checkmate Review – A Bold Twist on Chess

Grinding Gears

On paper, Firewall Ultra has a solid progression system. Players earn XP to rank up, unlocking new weapons and equipment to purchase with currency. Completing daily assignments provides bonus progress. Unfortunately, progression feels excruciatingly slow at launch.

XP accrues at a glacial pace. Getting a few kills or completing objectives nets minimal rewards post-match. Reaching higher ranks where the best gear unlocks could take casual players weeks. This sluggish pace diminishes motivation and enjoyment.

Earning currency to actually buy new weapons and items also requires immense grinding. Payouts from matches and assignments are miniscule compared to item costs. Again, this means substantial playtime to gain access to desired gear.

Firewall Ultra Review

Assignments should help by offering big XP bonuses for completing combat challenges. However, only one assignment unlocks per day at launch. This staggered rollout minimizes impact. Assignments feel more like routine chores than exciting progression avenues.

Microtransactions are coming which may allow paying to shortcut the grind. Hopefully these will stay cosmetic-only, rather than becoming “pay to win” elements. Regardless, the glacial earn rates feel designed to push spending.

Content also feels thin currently. Firewall Ultra only has the returning Contracts PvP mode and new Exfil PVE mode. A proper sequel after five years could have provided more variety like new competitive formats. Solo and co-op offerings are limited as well.

The developers promise robust post-launch support as a live service game. But players should not have to wait months after launch for fundamental progression improvements and new modes. Firewall Ultra feels barebones rather than fully-featured out of the gate.

Sluggish leveling, minimal content and heavy grinding seriously undermine the experience. Players need more modes, assignments and reasonable earn rates to stay engaged long-term. Firewall Ultra has solid foundations but lacks the content and progression depth expected from a premium PSVR2 release. These issues must be addressed quickly.

Accessible Action

A major pitfall of many VR titles is motion sickness, but Firewall Ultra provides extensive options to maximize accessibility and comfort. Settings allow tweaking vignettes, blinders, turning speed and more. With the right settings, even those prone to simulation sickness can play comfortably.

In terms of general comfort, Firewall Ultra is one of the most enjoyable PSVR2 shooters yet. Movement speed stays at an easy walking pace rather than intense running and jumping. The tactical pace also avoids excessive high-speed motion. Sessions can last easily over an hour without fatigue setting in.

Of course personal tolerance varies, so mileage may differ. But Firewall Ultra’s focus on grounded movement and strategy over fast-paced action gives it surprisingly high accessibility. Both veterans and VR newcomers can ease into the experience.

Firewall Ultra Review

Visually, some odd glitches do occur at times. Teammate models may contort into unnatural poses momentarily. Menu navigation can also be buggy. Thankfully these issues rarely impact actual matches. But the glitches undermine polish in lobby areas.

Overall Firewall Ultra deserves praise for its comfort and accessibility. A wide spectrum of players can seamlessly enjoy the tactical gameplay thanks to smart VR design choices. Options to tweak movement settings abound as well. And the moderate pacing avoids overtly inducing motion sickness. While visual bugs do pop up, they get overshadowed by the comfort-first approach.

For those seeking strategic VR action without sacrificing comfort, Firewall Ultra delivers. The experience remains tense yet playable for extended sessions compared to quicker shooters. This accessibility expands its audience while retaining depth. Striking this balance highlights the team’s VR development expertise.

Final Thoughts on Firewall Ultra

Firewall Ultra is a tricky game to pass final judgement on. At its best, the tactical gameplay provides heart-pounding VR combat. Coordinating with teammates to outwit opponents delivers immense satisfaction. The expanded toolset thanks to PlayStation VR2 features also improves immersion and tactics. However, a number of design missteps hold Firewall Ultra back from realizing its full potential.

On the positive side, utilizing PS VR2’s enhanced audiovisual capabilities was a huge boon for the experience. The team at First Contact Entertainment did an excellent job leveraging new tech like eye tracking and 3D audio for gameplay improvements rather than just novelty. Clever uses of shadows and lighting also ratchet up tension effectively. Add rock-solid performance and you have a visually impressive testament to the hardware’s power.

Firewall Ultra Review

The strategic cat-and-mouse gameplay shines as well once you get in the groove with teammates. Outsmarting the opposing squad through coordinated ambushes and gear use provides a uniquely engaging multiplayer dynamic. Pulling off a well-executed victory against the odds is extremely rewarding. Firewall Ultra delivers moments of tactical brilliance other shooters cannot match.

However, the limited weapon selection, clunky controls, and lack of content at launch all undermine the experience. This sequel did not capitalize on years of advancement to provide the revolutionary VR combat experience players anticipated. It feels more like an iterative update rather than a dramatic leap.

Comparisons to Pavlov VR on PSVR2 highlight these shortcomings. Pavlov provides refined action and plenty of modes at launch. Firewall Ultra has polish issues and just two modes to choose from. The progression system is also far more frustrating and convoluted. Overall Pavlov VR simply offers a more complete and accessible package.

Firewall Ultra fails to fully realize its immense potential, but also provides satisfactions unavailable elsewhere. It sits in an awkward middle ground of being both solid and mediocre. Die-hard fans will likely stick around thanks to the strong core gameplay. But more casual players may lose patience with its glaring limitations. For now, it earns a cautious recommendation – let’s hope the developers address its weaknesses swiftly.

The Review

Firewall Ultra

6 Score

Firewall Ultra brings the tactical gameplay of its predecessor into a new generation. Clever use of PS VR2 capabilities enhances immersion, and coordinating with a skilled team provides intense satisfaction. However, clunky controls, a convoluted progression system, and a lack of content at launch keep it from fully delivering on its promise. Die-hard fans will enjoy the strong core gameplay, but the experience still feels undercooked. With time and support it could become a VR shooter masterpiece, but right now it lands as just a decent title that fails to fully capitalize on the capabilities of high-end virtual reality.

PROS

  • Enhanced VR experience using PS VR2 features.
  • Engaging tactical play requiring team coordination.
  • Weapons feel realistic with distinct roles.
  • Attachments offer customization options.
  • Strategic map design facilitates ambushes and strategy.

CONS

  • Limited content at launch.
  • Control scheme changes diminish immersion.
  • Manual reloading absence feels like a setback.
  • Simplified interactions with the Sense controllers.
  • Odd grenade launching mechanics.
  • Visual glitches, especially in lobby areas.

Review Breakdown

  • Score 0
Tags: FeaturedFirewallFirewall UltraFirst Contact Entertainment Inc.PS VR2Shooter Video GameSony Interactive EntertainmentUnreal Engine 5Virtual reality
Previous Post

Gaming Gems: 30 Best Xbox One Games of All Time

Next Post

Cities Skylines 2 May Surprise Fans with Unexpected Feature

Discussion about this post

Try AI Movie Recommender

Gazettely AI Movie Recommender

This Week's Top Reads

  • Jermaine Clement

    Nicola Walker and Jemaine Clement Lead Disney+’s New British Comedy ‘Alice & Steve’

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The Librarians: The Next Chapter Season 1 Review – Bridging Eras with Spellbinding Charm

    24 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • I Only Rest in the Storm Review: When Documentary Meets Fiction

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Pillion Review: A Bold Study in Submissive Self-Discovery

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • A Private Life Review: Jodie Foster’s Bilingual Breakthrough

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Cinematographer Billy Williams, Oscar Winner for Gandhi, Dies at 96

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Nine Puzzles Season 1 Review: Puzzle Pieces, Pain, and Police Procedurals

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Must Read Articles

Marie Antoinette Season 2 Review
Entertainment

Marie Antoinette Season 2 Review: The Queen’s Descent into Chaos

17 hours ago
The Cleaning Lady Season 4 Review
Entertainment

The Cleaning Lady Season 4 Review: Empowerment or Entrapment for Thony?

17 hours ago
The Librarians: The Next Chapter
TV Shows

The Librarians: The Next Chapter Season 1 Review – Bridging Eras with Spellbinding Charm

2 days ago
Palia Review
Reviews Games

Palia Review: Cultivating Community in a Post-Human World

3 days ago
Honey Don’t! Review
Movies

Honey Don’t! Review: Coen’s Femme Fatale, Reimagined

3 days ago
Loading poll ...
Coming Soon
Who is the best director in the horror thriller genre?

Gazettely is your go-to destination for all things gaming, movies, and TV. With fresh reviews, trending articles, and editor picks, we help you stay informed and entertained.

© 2021-2024 All Rights Reserved for Gazettely

What’s Inside

  • Movie & TV Reviews
  • Game Reviews
  • Featured Articles
  • Latest News
  • Editorial Picks

Quick Links

  • Home
  • About US
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise with Us
  • Review Guidelines

Follow Us

Facebook X-twitter Youtube Instagram
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Movies
  • Entertainment News
  • Movie and TV Reviews
  • TV Shows
  • Game News
  • Game Reviews
  • Contact Us

© 2024 All Rights Reserved for Gazettely

Go to mobile version