the finals season 4 check in: quick TAKE #2
Platform: ps5
hours played: 227
Also available on pc and xbox x|s
Seasons 1, 2, and 3 of THE FINALS have all been really solid, with Embark Studios consistently adding new elements to keep the experience fun and wacky. They've carried that consistency into season 4 with a refreshed battle pass chock full of new rewards, a refreshed world tour circuit, and the introduction of a new map. New to THE FINALS this season, however, and perhaps the most creative addition to the game as a whole, are sponsorship signings for every player. With all these updates, season 4 may have introduced the most significant upgrade to the game yet!
If you didn't know, THE FINALS is a competition game show where you compete for fame and stardom. I say "if you didn't know" because up until now, Embark hasn't done much to lean into that gameshow premise. In season 4, all of that changes with the introduction of the sponsorship signings and fan points.
When you boot into season 4, you'll be prompted to sign with one of three companies (Engino, Holtow, or Iseul-T) who sponsor the "game show" competition you compete in when you play THE FINALS. Once you sign with a sponsor, you'll participate in a season-wide competition with your fellow signees as teammates to earn the most fans on behalf of your sponsor. Like with battle pass points, you'll earn fans and sponsorship points for performing well in a match, providing even more incentive to bring your A game. This is exactly the shot in the arm the game show aspect of THE FINALS needed, as this welcome creative addition makes the vision for the game feel more realized.
Also new to season 4 is Fortune Stadium, a fresh arena that holds a lot of similarities to Seoul, one of the game's original high-rise maps. I'm sad to say that Fortune Stadium, while a very fun map, isn't hitting for me as hard as I would've liked. Compared to the highly stylized Kyoto and SYS$HORIZON arenas introduced in season 3, Fortune Stadium doesn't feel quite as inspired. However, I am happy to see that Embark have created yet another fun playground to run around in with this new map, so at least there's that to look forward to!
This season also sees the return of the World Tour. As of writing, we're currently in opening week, sponsored by Engimo! The circuit opens in Fortune Stadium, allowing players to get intimately familiar with season 4's new playground arena. Following the Engimo open, we'll move into the Holtow classic, then the Iseul-t Cup, and finally, a final circuit that has yet to be announced. This is such a cool and creative way to lean into the sponsorship idea -- hats off to Embark Studios for nailing this implementation!
Three new weapons have entered the arena for season 4. Introduced to the light class is the M26 Matter, a pump action shotgun acting as a nice complement for the hit and run tactics designed for light runners. The medium class has been introduced to the Pike-556, a medium-range, single-shot rifle -- great for mid-range scout sniping to support your teammates with. The heavies get the .50 akimbo, a dual-wielding pistol set that sacrifices accuracy for hard-hitting shots. All of these weapons are solid and complement their classes nicely; I highly recommend giving them a shot!
When it comes to the battle pass, Embark have once again brought the heat, as the 106-level cap introduced in season 3 has returned. They've leaned further into their vision of self-expression, as the emotes and cosmetics are as cool and wacky as ever. The two bonus reward levels are also a homerun, featuring sleek black and gold weapon skins paired with covert glitchy apparel aimed to help you outdo your opponents -- brightly.
It's safe to say that Embark Studios have knocked it out of the park with all of the new season 4 updates. The gameplay has always been tight and very well done, and now it feels like the outer aspects of the game are becoming more and more realized. So, if you've been waiting to jump in, there's never been a better time than now!