View source for Brink (video game)

{{Redirect|BRINK|other uses|Brink (disambiguation){{!}}Brink}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Brink
| image = BRINK (game box art).jpg
| developer = [[Splash Damage]]{{efn|Additional work by [[Human Head Studios]]<ref>{{cite news |last=Conklin |first=Aaron R. |date=24 July 2014 |url=https://isthmus.com/screens/games/inside-the-minds-of-human-head-studios/ |title=Inside the minds of Human Head Studios |newspaper=[[Isthmus (newspaper)|Isthmus]] |publisher=Isthmus Community Media, Inc. |access-date=24 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170414224524/https://isthmus.com/screens/games/inside-the-minds-of-human-head-studios/ |archive-date=14 April 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>}}
| publisher = [[Bethesda Softworks]]
| director = {{Unbulleted list|Paul Wedgwood|Richard Ham}}
| producer = {{Unbulleted list|Stephen Gaffney|Griff Jenkins|Chris Dawson}}
| designer = {{plainlist|
* Neil Alphonso
* Paul Saunders
}}
| artist = Olivier Leonardi
| programmer = Arnout van Meer
| writer = Ed Stern
| engine = [[id Tech 4]]
| platforms = {{plainlist|
* [[Microsoft Windows]]
* [[PlayStation 3]]
* [[Xbox 360]]
}}
| released = {{vgrelease|NA|10 May 2011|AUS|12 May 2011|EU|13 May 2011}}
| genre = [[First-person shooter]]
| modes = {{plainlist|
* [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
}}
}}

'''''Brink''''' (stylised as '''''BRINK''''') is a [[first-person shooter]] video game developed by [[Splash Damage]] and published by [[Bethesda Softworks]] for [[Microsoft Windows]], [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]] in May 2011.<ref>{{cite web |date=27 January 2011 |url=https://www.newgamenetwork.com/news/2290/bethesda-softworks-details-2011-schedule/ |title=Bethesda Softworks details 2011 schedule |website=New Game Network |access-date=27 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009031521/https://www.newgamenetwork.com/news/2290/bethesda-softworks-details-2011-schedule/ |archive-date=9 October 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> In ''Brink'', two factions, Resistance and Security, battle in a once-[[utopia]]n city called The Ark, a [[Seasteading|floating city]] above the waters of a flooded [[Earth]].<ref name="preview_rpsSep09" /><ref name="splash_damage">{{cite web |url=https://www.splashdamage.com/brink |title=Brink |website=[[Splash Damage]] |access-date=31 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100103123833/https://splashdamage.com/brink |archive-date=3 January 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>

''Brink'' has [[Steamworks]] integration, including [[Valve Anti-Cheat]].<ref name="interview_gamesonnetApr10">{{cite web |last=Ring |first=Bennett |date=23 April 2010 |url=http://games.on.net/article/8733/Community_Interview_-_Richard_Ham_Creative_Director_Brink |title=Community Interview - Richard Ham, Creative Director, Brink |website=Games On Net |access-date=25 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100425061630/http://games.on.net/article/8733/Community_Interview_-_Richard_Ham_Creative_Director_Brink |archive-date=25 April 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> It runs on [[id Tech 4]] and has an updated rendering framework with improved support for multiple CPU cores.<ref name="post_id4-upgrades">{{cite web |date=3 June 2009 |url=http://www.splashdamage.com/forums/showpost.php?p=191939&postcount=13 |title=Technology? |website=Splash Damage |access-date=31 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716144520/http://www.splashdamage.com/forums/showpost.php?p=191939&postcount=13 |archive-date=16 July 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Brink'' is a first-person shooter with a strong focus on [[parkour]]-style movement. Online multiplayer servers hold up to 16 players; players can play cooperatively or competitively, or against artificially-intelligent [[Video game bot|bots]].

The game received mixed reviews but was commercially successful. {{As of|2012}}, ''Brink'' had sold over 2.5 million units and generated around $120{{ndash}}140 million in revenue.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=May |first=Chris |date=20 April 2012 |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2012/04/20/brink-sold-2-5-million-copies.aspx |title=Brink Sold 2.5 Million Copies |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |publisher=[[GameStop]] |access-date=31 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425133845/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2012/04/20/brink-sold-2-5-million-copies.aspx?PageIndex=2 |archive-date=25 April 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The PC version of ''Brink'' became [[free-to-play]] on 22 August 2017.<ref>{{cite web |date=22 August 2017 |url=https://store.steampowered.com/oldnews/31896 |title=Now Free to Play on Steam - BRINK |website=[[Steam (service)|Steam]] |publisher=[[Valve Corporation]] |access-date=5 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825115521/http://store.steampowered.com/news/31896 |archive-date=25 August 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Gameplay==
[[File:Brink game.jpg|thumb|right|Two Resistance characters in the docks area, looking out to The Ark]]
Splash Damage developed the SMART (Smooth Movement Across Random Terrain) System.<ref>{{cite web |date=6 October 2010|url=http://www.brinkthegame.com/community/blogs/detail/?id=4/ |title=Brink Developer Diary No. 4 - Aubrey Hesselgren |website=BRINK |publisher=Splash Damage}}{{Dead link|date=November 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> By noting a player's position and predicting what they are trying to do, the system automatically navigates complex environments without interaction. By holding down the SMART button, a player will automatically clear obstacles without the need of complex button input from the player, like in ''[[Mirror's Edge]]''. SMART automatically mimics adaptive parkour, similar to ''[[Prototype (video game)|Prototype]]''.

There are four [[character class]]es: Soldier, Medic, Engineer, and Operative.<ref>{{cite web |last=Goodhead |first=Paul |date=10 March 2011 |url=https://www.bit-tech.net/previews/gaming/brink-preview/2/ |title=Brink Hands-On (Page 2) |website=[[Bit-Tech]] |publisher=The Media Team Ltd. |access-date=5 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110314012726/http://www.bit-tech.net/gaming/2011/03/10/brink-preview/2 |archive-date=14 March 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> Similar class systems could also be found Splash Damage's previous titles ''[[Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory]]'' and ''[[Enemy Territory: Quake Wars]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Battersby |first1=Charles |last2=Runanin-Telle |first2=Ari |date=9 May 2011 |url=http://playeraffinity.com/pc-featured/can-t-wait-for-brink-try-these-games-instead.html |title=Can't Wait For Brink? Try These Games Instead |website=Player Affinity |publisher=Player Affinity |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111013120420/http://playeraffinity.com/pc-featured/can-t-wait-for-brink-try-these-games-instead.html |archive-date=13 October 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

* '''Soldiers''': Soldiers are primarily concerned with destroying important objects with explosives. They are also in charge of resupplying their teammates with ammo. Soldiers can also throw damaging speciality grenades, such as molotov cocktails, flashbang, and plant satchel charges similar to C4. With the proper abilities equipped and utilized (Scavenger), they are the only class that have access to a potentially unlimited supply of ammunition. Heavy or medium body types are recommended for this class (see "Body Types" below).
* '''Engineers''': The Engineer is concerned primarily with building, repairing, and upgrading things on the battlefield. Engineers must also disarm enemy explosives and landmines. They can also upgrade the weapons and body armor of themselves and their teammates, and plant hidden landmines and turrets. Heavy or medium body types are recommended for this class.
* '''Medics''': Medics revive downed teammates and buff their teammates' health.  They also have special health buffs they can dispense to their teammates, such as improving their teammates' metabolism (how fast they heal on the battlefield) or temporarily boosting their sprint speed. They are the only class that can buff their own health or self-resurrect themselves when downed. Medium or light body types are recommended for this class.
* '''Operatives''': Operatives are the spies of ''Brink''. They can hack computers to complete certain Mission Objectives and can also disguise themselves as the enemy. They are the only class that can spot hidden landmines. Medium or light body types are recommended for this class.

Players can customize their loadouts and buy special abilities with [[experience point]]s, which are earned by completing objectives. The abilities that the player can buy for their character are either "universal" (abilities that the player will be able to use regardless of their class during a mission) and class-specific (abilities that the player can use only when they are in that class). All characters in the beginning will have the "basic kits" of each class so that they can perform the essential objectives only. The class-specific abilities that they buy, however, can enhance their ability and their role in a certain class, potentially making objectives easier to complete and allowing for a greater gain in experience points.<ref name="preview_rpsSep09">{{cite web |last=Meer |first=Alec |date=18 September 2009 |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/splash-damages-brink-this-is-how-it-is |title=Splash Damage's Brink: This Is How It Is |website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |access-date=5 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090922212541/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2009/09/18/splash-damages-brink-this-is-how-it-is/ |archive-date=22 September 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> The same experience points can be earned in both single-player and multiplayer, adding a special "online bonus" to the player's experience points after completing a mission online. Bethesda claims that players can create a total of 102 quadrillion unique character combinations, if minor variations are factored in.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sterling |first=Jim |date=6 May 2011 |url=https://www.destructoid.com/bethesda-breaks-down-brink-by-crazy-numbers/ |title=Bethesda breaks down Brink by crazy numbers |website=[[Destructoid]] |publisher=[[Gamurs]] |access-date=5 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624190936/https://www.destructoid.com/bethesda-breaks-down-brink-by-crazy-numbers-200544.phtml |archive-date=24 June 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>

There are several appearance combinations that a character can have. One of the most significant appearance categories is body type. There are three distinct body types in ''Brink'': heavy, medium, and light, and each have their own positive and negative qualities.

* '''Heavy body types''' are very bulky and have significant muscle mass. They can handle all weapons in the game. Their primary weapon can be as powerful as a heavy machine or gatling gun, and their backup weapon can be as powerful as an automatic rifle. Heavy body types also have the highest health. However, they have slowest sprint speed, and their parkour abilities are limited to vaulting over small obstacles that are at waist height or below. This body type is best suited to the soldier and engineer classes.
* '''Medium body types''' have less muscle mass and are thinner than heavies. They can handle most weapons. Their primary weapon is limited to an automatic rifle, and their backup weapon is limited to a sub-machine gun. A medium's health is lower than heavy body types, but their sprint speeds are much faster and their parkour abilities allow them to clear most obstacles at head height or below. This body type is balanced enough for all classes.
* '''Light body types''' have even less muscle mass and are thinner than mediums. They are also very limited in the weapons they can handle. They are limited to a sub-machine gun for their primary weapon, and their backup weapon is strictly limited to a pistol (however, handling a pistol, regardless of body type or class, will allow the player to use a knife as a far more damaging melee attack). They also have the lowest health. However, they have the fastest sprint speed, and their parkour abilities allow them to wall-hop so that they can clear obstacles at greater speed and reach areas that other body types cannot. This body type is best suited for operatives and medics.

The Squad Commander system gives players context-sensitive objectives. A variety of factors—where the player is, how skilled they are, their overall mission progress, etc.—determine what objectives will be available. During both on- and offline play, the player can defend one of their faction's command posts or capture an enemy's command post.

There are two types of command posts: health and supply. Each team will have a central command post where reinforcements will start. That command post cannot be captured by the other team and any enemy that tries will be killed by indestructible turrets. However, there will be a few health and supply command posts that can be captured. If a player captures a command post, it will buff all of their teammates' health or supplies. If a player buys certain abilities for their character, then upon capture they can upgrade the command post (an engineer's special ability) or firewall it (an operative's special ability).

An Objective Wheel shows the main objective in yellow and will show a checkpoint which the player will need to go {{not a typo|to to}} achieve that primary objective. The primary objectives are essential to completing the mission. Depending on what side the player is on and what mission the player is doing, there are only a certain amount of primary objectives that you can allow the opposing team to complete before you fail the mission. There are also secondary objectives. Secondary objectives are non-essential to the mission but can make the mission easier to complete. These include capturing an enemy's command post, constructing/destroying a barricade, hacking a door to flank the enemy, or repairing a lift to provide an alternative route. Each player has an objective wheel in their inventory and will, on certain missions, be timed to achieve the goal that must be completed. Each Objective gives experience points upon completion. During Game play the player earns experience and unlocks new abilities/custom gear to put on their custom character.

==Plot==
''Brink'' takes place in the near future during the mid-21st century on an artificial floating island called the Ark. Built during the 2010s, it was conceived as an environmentally and economically self-sustainable city. However, [[global warming]] lead to a dramatic rise in sea levels around the world, causing most of the known land masses to disappear and civilization to collapse. Decades later, the Ark has become a place for refugees coming from all around the world as they view the innovative island as the only suitable place to survive. The Ark is now home to tens of thousands more people than it was originally meant to sustain, and its supposedly renewable resources and technologies are being drained to the limit. Now, the Ark exists in total isolation and has lost contact with the outside world, with many people believing that the entire planet has been completely submerged. Most of the refugees live in tight spaces arranged from wreckage, dealing with extreme poverty and degradation while the original inhabitants of the Ark, the Founders, reside in its luxury districts. These frictions have caused a civil war to begin, between the revolutionary forces of the Resistance and the military troops of the Ark Security.

===Factions===
The Resistance is led by Brother Chen, a name that the Resistance affectionately uses for him. Joseph Chen played a significant part in the Ark's design and construction. However, he became angry at the Founders' and Security's decision to ration water and isolate the Ark's refugees from the rest of the island while Security and the Founders live in relative wealth. Chen armed and founded The Resistance, a group of well-trained refugees, and demanded that the Founders share the Ark's resources, and water, equally. The Resistance's goal is to protect refugees from Security forces, distribute Ark's resources to those in need, and to establish contact with the outside world. The Resistance agrees with Chen that the Founders and Ark Security are corrupt and oppressive, and that only the people from the outside world can help them overcome the ever increasing hardships of the Ark's situation.

Ark Security is led by Captain Clinton Mokoena. Security's point of view is very different from that of the Resistance, whom they view as terrorists with dangerous ideas and goals that could eventually destroy the Ark. Ark Security's goals are to stop Chen and his terrorist plots, protect the Ark's remaining resources (and maintain control over them), and to preserve the Founders' vision of a self-sustaining island. Captain Mokoena believes that the rest of the world is in far worse shape than the Ark, and that it would be too dangerous to establish contact with them. At one point in the game, he tells "classified" information to Ark Security, revealing that there is an outside world, and that years ago the Founders sent out Ark representatives to try to make contact with it, only for them to be captured and tortured to death by the outsiders, who wanted to know the Ark's location to raid it.

The player will choose one of these two factions. While each level is the same regardless of the factions for which the player fights, the goals of each side will be different, and the plot-point revolving around each level will be different. For example, in one level, if the player fights for Security, the goal will be to break into a bio-weapons lab and steal a viral bomb that could infect the Ark's inhabitants so that they can launch a counter measure. However, if playing for the Resistance, the goal will be to procure a vaccine from the greedy Founders and Security so that it can distributed fairly among all of the Ark's inhabitants.

Regardless of the player's allegiance, the ending shows the smoking aftermath of the battle between the two factions. Spotting the carnage, a boat driven by outsiders head towards the Ark, as the narrator (revealed to be on the boat, scoping the Ark with a model city), who appeared in the introduction, speaks about the uncertain future of the Ark.

==Release and marketing==
Bethesda and Splash Damage originally planned to release the game sometime in spring 2009, but pushed it back to fall 2010,<ref>{{cite web |last=Klepek |first=Patrick |date=30 November 2009 |url=http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/701011/bethesda-softworks-quietly-delays-brink-from-busy-spring-2010-to-fall/ |title=Bethesda Softworks Quietly Delays Brink from Busy Spring 2010 to Fall |website=[[G4 (American TV network)|G4TV]] |publisher=[[G4 Media (TV company)|G4 Media]] |access-date=9 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130112102016/http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/701011/bethesda-softworks-quietly-delays-brink-from-busy-spring-2010-to-fall/ |archive-date=12 January 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> before delaying it again. They later announced a release date of 17 May 2011.<ref>{{cite web |last=Grandstaff |first=Matt |date=27 January 2011 |url=http://www.bethblog.com/2011/01/27/release-dates-announced-for-brink-hunted/ |title=Release Dates announced for Brink, Hunted |website=[[Bethesda Softworks]] |access-date=5 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151108221318/http://www.bethblog.com/2011/01/27/release-dates-announced-for-brink-hunted/ |archive-date=8 November 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In April, a month before release, they pulled the release forward a week to 10 May,<ref>{{cite web |last=Grandstaff |first=Matt |date=11 April 2011 |url=http://www.bethblog.com/2011/04/11/brink-it-forward-release-date-moved-up-one-week/ |title=Brink it forward: Release date moved up one week |website=Bethesda Softworks |access-date=5 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151027200323/http://www.bethblog.com/2011/04/11/brink-it-forward-release-date-moved-up-one-week/ |archive-date=27 October 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> citing early completion of the game and a desire to get it in players' hands as soon as possible.

===Pre-order bonuses===
At [[QuakeCon]] 2010, Splash Damage announced Brink's digital pre-order bonuses for several [[Online distribution|digital retailers]] in North America as well as Asia. These bonuses will help expand the players starting customization options, with the ''[[Doom (series)|Doom]]'' ([[GameStop]]), ''[[Fallout (franchise)|Fallout]]'' ([[Best Buy]]), ''Psycho'' ([[Amazon.com]] and [[Direct2Drive]]) and ''Spec Ops'' ([[Walmart]] and [[Steam (service)|Steam]]) packs. The "Doom" and "Spec Ops" packs are both available in Nordic retailers.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}} All the pre-order bonuses were later made available to purchase. In the United Kingdom, GAME released a "special edition" which, while costing more than the normal edition, included the Spec Ops and DOOM packs.<ref>{{cite web |last=Purchese |first=Robert |date=15 March 2011 |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/brink-uk-pre-order-deals-revealed |title=Brink UK pre-order deals revealed |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=Gamer Network |access-date=5 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402172318/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-03-15-brink-uk-pre-order-deals-revealed |archive-date=2 April 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Anyone who bought Brink on [[Steam (service)|Steam]] prior to August 8, 2011 received a cosmetic item based on a character's hood for ''[[Team Fortress 2]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wiki.teamfortress.com/wiki/Anger|title=Anger on Team Fortress 2 Wiki}}</ref>

===''Agents of Change''===
The first and only [[downloadable content]] (DLC) for ''Brink'', released on 3 August 2011 for the Xbox via Xbox Live and 4 August 2011 for the PlayStation 3.<ref>{{cite web |last=Russell |first=Joe |date=4 August 2011 |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/brink-agents-of-change-dlc-arrives-on-steam-free-for-a-fortnight/ |title=Brink: Agents of Change DLC arrives on Steam, free for a fortnight |website=[[PC Gamer]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |access-date=19 May 2021}}</ref> The Agents of Change DLC was free on all platforms for the first two weeks of release to stimulate more players into the online servers. After that period, the DLC's price was adjusted to $9.99. The pack contains additional content for the game, including two new maps (along with the relative campaign missions), abilities, attachments for weapons, clothing, and a raised level cap.

===Free-to-play===
Six years after its release, ''Brink'' became free-to-play on Steam on 22 August 2017.

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| PC = true
| PS3 = true
| X360 = true
| na = true
| MC_PC = 70/100<ref name=MCPC>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/brink/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Brink for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[Fandom (website)|Fandom]] |access-date=10 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519092645/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/brink |archive-date=19 May 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| MC_PS3 = 72/100<ref name=MCPS3>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/brink/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=Brink for PlayStation 3 Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=Fandom |access-date=10 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514162052/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/brink |archive-date=14 May 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| MC_X360 = 68/100<ref name=MCX360>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/brink/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=Brink for Xbox 360 Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=Fandom |access-date=10 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514162235/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/brink |archive-date=14 May 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| Destruct_X360 = 7.5/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Sterling |first=Jim |date=9 May 2011 |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-brink/ |title=Review: Brink (X360) |website=Destructoid |publisher=Gamurs |access-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423165548/https://www.destructoid.com/review-brink-200746.phtml |archive-date=23 April 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| EuroG_X360 = 8/10<ref name=EuroG>{{cite web |last=Parkin |first=Simon |date=10 May 2011 |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/brink-review |title=Brink Review (Xbox 360) [date mislabeled as "11 May 2011"] |website=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network |access-date=5 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140216015924/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-05-10-brink-review |archive-date=16 February 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| Fam_PS3 = 30/40<ref name=FamPS3>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=8375&redirect=no |title=BRINK(ブリンク) [PS3] |language=ja |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |access-date=5 November 2022}}</ref>
| Fam_X360 = (360) 33/40<ref name=FamX360>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=5962&redirect=no |title=BRINK(ブリンク) [Xbox 360] |language=ja |magazine=Famitsu |publisher=Enterbrain |access-date=5 November 2022}}</ref><br />30/40<ref name=FamX360 />
| GI_PC = 6.75/10<ref name=GI />
| GI_PS3 = 6.75/10<ref name=GI />
| GI_X360 = 6.75/10<ref name=GI>{{cite magazine |last=Bertz |first=Matt |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/brink/b/xbox360/archive/2011/05/12/brink-review-a-multiplayer-shooter-suffering-an-identity-crisis.aspx |title=Brink Review |magazine=Game Informer |publisher=GameStop |issue=219 |date=July 2011 |page=86 |access-date=12 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515081957/https://www.gameinformer.com/games/brink/b/xbox360/archive/2011/05/12/brink-review-a-multiplayer-shooter-suffering-an-identity-crisis.aspx |archive-date=15 May 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GameRev_PC = B<ref name=GameRev>{{cite web |last=Bischoff |first=Daniel R. |date=10 May 2011 |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/51369-brink-review-2 |title=Brink Review |website=[[GameRevolution]] |publisher=[[CraveOnline]] |access-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919090037/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/brink |archive-date=19 September 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| GameRev_PS3 = B<ref name=GameRev />
| GameRev_X360 = B<ref name=GameRev />
| GSpot_PC = 6/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Watters |first=Chris |date=11 May 2011 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/brink-review/1900-6313381/ |title=Brink Review (PC) |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=Fandom |access-date=5 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920124216/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/brink-review/1900-6313381/ |archive-date=20 September 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpot_PS3 = 6/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Watters |first=Chris |date=16 May 2011 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/brink-review/1900-6313947/ |title=Brink Review (PS3) |website=GameSpot |publisher=Fandom |access-date=5 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808032740/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/brink-review/1900-6313947/ |archive-date=8 August 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpot_X360 = 6/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Watters |first=Chris |date=10 May 2011 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/brink-review/1900-6313099/ |title=Brink Review (X360) |website=GameSpot |publisher=Fandom |access-date=5 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921132039/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/brink-review/1900-6313099/ |archive-date=21 September 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpy_PC = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=GSpy>{{cite web |last=Sharkey |first=Mike |date=10 May 2011 |url=http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/splash-damage-project-untitled/1167152p1.html |title=Brink Review |website=[[GameSpy]] |publisher=IGN Entertainment |access-date=5 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110516144825/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/splash-damage-project/1168264p1.html |archive-date=16 May 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpy_PS3 = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=GSpy />
| GSpy_X360 = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=GSpy />
| GT_X360 = 7.9/10<ref>{{cite web |date=10 May 2011 |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/rt2jzq/brink-review |title=Brink (X360) |website=[[GameTrailers]] |publisher=[[Viacom (2005–2019)|Viacom]] |access-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324045427/http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/rt2jzq/brink-review |archive-date=24 March 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GB_X360 = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref name="gbomb review">{{cite web |last=Gerstmann |first=Jeff|authorlink=Jeff Gerstmann |date=10 May 2011 |url=https://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/brink-review/1900-379/ |title=Brink Review (X360) |website=[[Giant Bomb]] |publisher=Fandom}}</ref>
| IGN_PC = 6/10<ref name=IGN>{{cite web |last=Eykemans |first=Peter |date=16 May 2011 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/05/16/brink-review-2 |title=Brink Review (PS3, Xbox 360) |website=[[IGN]]] |publisher=Ziff Davis |access-date=5 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025174119/https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/05/16/brink-review-2 |archive-date=25 October 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| IGN_PS3 = 6/10<ref name=IGN />
| IGN_X360 = 6/10<ref name=IGN />
| Joystiq_X360 = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref name=Joystiq>{{cite web |last=McElroy |first=Griffin |date=10 May 2011 |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011-05-10-brink-review.html |title=Brink review: Jumping high and falling flat (X360) |website=[[Engadget]] ([[Joystiq]]) |publisher=[[Yahoo (2017–present)|Yahoo]] |access-date=5 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106184855/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/brink-review|archive-date=6 January 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| OXM_X360 = 4.5/10<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Lewis |first=Cameron |url=http://www.oxmonline.com/brink-review |title=Brink review |magazine=[[Official Xbox Magazine]] |publisher=[[Future US]] |date=August 2011 |page=77 |access-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025003619/http://www.oxmonline.com/brink-review |archive-date=25 October 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| PCGUS_PC = 60%<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Brink |magazine=PC Gamer |publisher=Future US |volume=18 |issue=8 |date=August 2011 |page=70}}</ref>
| PSM_PS3 = 6/10<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Review: Brink |magazine=[[PlayStation: The Official Magazine]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |issue=48 |date=August 2011 |page=86}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]''
| rev1_X360 = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=Escapist>{{cite web |last=Butts |first=Steve |date=17 May 2011 |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/brink-review/ |title=Brink Review (X360) |website=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] |publisher=Gamurs |access-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520011500/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/reviews/8882-Brink-Review |archive-date=20 May 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]]''
| rev2_X360 = 5/10<ref name=Metro>{{cite news |last=Hargreaves |first=Roger |date=10 May 2011 |url=https://metro.co.uk/2011/05/10/brink-review-6662/ |title=Brink review – raiders of the lost Ark (X360) |newspaper=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]] |publisher=[[DMG Media]] |access-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230034619/https://metro.co.uk/2011/05/10/brink-review-6662/ |archive-date=30 December 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>
}}

''Brink'' received "mixed or average" reviews on all platforms according to the [[Review aggregator|review aggregation]] website [[Metacritic]].<ref name=MCPC /><ref name=MCPS3 /><ref name=MCX360 /> In Japan, where the Xbox 360 version was ported for release on 16 June 2011, followed by the PlayStation 3 version on 14 July 2011, ''[[Famitsu]]'' gave the game a score of 30 out of 40, while ''Famitsu X360'' gave the former version each a score of two eights, one nine, and one eight.<ref name=FamPS3 /><ref name=FamX360 />

''[[Eurogamer]]'' said the Xbox 360 version was "an exceptional team shooter, smart, supremely well balanced and with a unique, exciting art style."<ref name=EuroG /> ''[[GameSpy]]'' said, "''Brink'' has the potential to become your new favorite FPS."<ref name=GSpy /> ''[[The Guardian]]'' gave the same console version four stars out of five and praised it by saying, "''Brink'' deserves to be ranked among the finest co-op games available."<ref>{{cite news |last=Cowen |first=Nick |date=10 May 2011 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2011/may/10/brink-game-review |title=Brink – review (X360) |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=5 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126033600/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2011/may/10/brink-game-review |archive-date=26 January 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The game was also criticized for being incomplete or unpolished, with ''[[GamePro]]'' giving the Xbox 360 version three-and-a-half stars out of five, saying, "''Brink'' is about two or three updates from being one of my favorite shooters of all time, but I'm not reviewing the game I want it to be. I'm reviewing the game that it is, and what it is something just short of being the awesome experience that I want."<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Price |first=Tom |date=10 May 2011 |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/219317/review-brink/ |title=Review: Brink (X360) |magazine=[[GamePro]] |publisher=GamePro Media |access-date=3 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110816185247/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/219317/review-brink |archive-date=16 August 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[Game Informer]]'' criticized the single-player experience and said, "''Brink'' is not a bad game. If Splash Damage can stabilize the performance and fix some glaring omissions (like a pre-game lobby) with a patch, I’d gladly spend more time with it. But with only eight multiplayer maps, 20 progression levels, no clan support, and average gunplay, it’s not a good value proposition."<ref name=GI />

Some reviews were very critical. ''[[Joystiq]]'' said of the Xbox 360 version, "''Brink''{{'}}s artistically compelling soldiers can sail effortlessly over obstacles, landing acrobatic maneuvers never before seen in the genre with effortless poise—unfortunately, just about everything else lands flat on its face."<ref name=Joystiq /> ''[[1Up.com]]'' said of the same console version, "''Brink'' is unfinished. And that doesn't mean it's full of technical problems. Well, it's got those too. But mostly, it's just an unpolished, poorly executed mess of ideas."<ref>{{cite web |last=Cocke |first=Taylor |date=9 May 2011 |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/brink-review |title=Brink Review (XBOX 360) |website=1Up.com |publisher=Ziff Davis |access-date=5 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206035049/http://www.1up.com/reviews/brink-review |archive-date=6 February 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[Giant Bomb]]''{{'}}s [[Jeff Gerstmann]] said of the same console version, "Flat combat and a lack of variety are just two of the things that make ''Brink'' such a disappointment."<ref name="gbomb review" />

''GameZone'' gave the game eight out of ten, saying, "''Brink'' is a multiplayer game[,] plain and simple, and going about it solo completely defeats the purpose it was made for. Jump in, meet some people, and work hard to tear apart the mechanics and goals of the game. ''Brink'' offers an incredibly satisfying multiplayer experience. Playing any other way is not worth your time."<ref>{{cite web |last=PerLee |first=Ben |date=10 May 2011 |url=https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/brink-review/ |title=Brink Review |website=GameZone |access-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514133708/http://pc.gamezone.com/reviews/item/brink |archive-date=14 May 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' gave the same console version eight out of ten, saying, "If ''Brink'' grabs you, it'll grab you hard. Even though the lack of polish is at times a disappointment, beneath the occasional annoyance is a fantastic and refreshing shooter that offers something different to the norm. It's standing on the precipice of true brilliance."<ref>{{cite news |last=Raze |first=Ashton |date=13 May 2011 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/8512102/Brink-review.html |title=Brink review (X360) |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |access-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110516082833/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/8512102/Brink-review.html |archive-date=16 May 2011 |url-status=live}}{{subscription required}}</ref> However, ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' gave the same console version six out of ten, saying, "''Brink'' is not revolution. It might not even be evolution of the kind the FPS needs. If anything, it's an ideas board: a fun enough game in the short-term, but more valuable in the long run to better and brighter thieves."<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Edge staff |date=12 May 2011 |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/features/brink-review |title=Brink Review (X360) |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |publisher=Future plc |access-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513183318/http://www.next-gen.biz/features/brink-review |archive-date=13 May 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

''[[The A.V. Club]]'' gave the same Xbox 360 version a B+, saying, "Combat is consistently and gratifyingly chaotic, as the objective system organically builds choke points, and maps reward (or require) a good range of classes. Still, the game isn't frustration-free: Bulk, unlike class, can't be adjusted on the fly, escort missions are ludicrous, and the soldier class is underpowered. But a combination of good looks, heavy customization, and frenetic, fluid gameplay gives ''Brink'' the edge."<ref>{{cite web |last=Williams |first=Christian |date=16 May 2011 |url=https://www.avclub.com/brink-1798225567 |title=Brink (X360) |website=[[The A.V. Club]] |publisher=[[G/O Media]] |access-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519205538/http://www.avclub.com/articles/brink,56081/ |archive-date=19 May 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]'' gave the same console version four stars out of five, saying, "I like ''Brink'' quite a bit, but it's definitely not for everyone. The cumbersome interface is the antithesis of the modern streamlined shooter. If you can get past all the obstacles the game puts in your way, there's a lot of fun to be had here."<ref name=Escapist /> However, ''[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]]'' gave the same console version five out of ten, saying, "There are some innovative ideas here but poor balancing, restrictive matchmaking and too little content overwhelm the positives."<ref name=Metro />

{{clear}}

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.splashdamage.com/brink ''Brink''] at [[Splash Damage]]
* {{moby game|id=/brink}}
* {{IMDb title|tt2057377}}

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