Five Nights at Freddy's: Security Breach Review
Sneak, solve, and survive till dawn in Freddy Fazbear’s Mega Pizzaplex
last updated Dec 13, 2023
Exploring the Pizzaplex brings a unique blend of awe and anxiety, embellished with top-notch audio and a compelling, albeit sometimes solitary, adventure.
Pizzaplex Pandemonium
Handling the controls of Gregory, our pint-sized hero in 'Five Nights at Freddy's: Security Breach', feels like being dropped into a shiny, albeit sometimes glitchy, pizza-scented labyrinth. The constant urgency pushes you from one nerve-wracking scenario to the next, with puzzles that strike a decent balance between challenging and satisfying. Our mechanical mates show quirks, occasionally forgetting they're in a horror game and not hide-and-seek, but it's excusable considering the size of the Pizzaplex playground. A sense of unpredictability in the AI adds spice to the mix; it's like Schrödinger's animatronic - they exist in all states until spotted. However, repeated defense of the security office, though initially thrilling, wears out its welcome like an overplayed pop hit on the pizza parlor jukebox.
Aural Animatronics
If the animatronics' looming presence didn't already have your nerves strung up, the spot-on audio design will. Ears prickle with the finely tuned mechanical whirrs and sinister arcade bleeps, which build an atmosphere thick enough to slice with a pizza cutter. The aural assault complements the hide-and-seek gameplay perfectly, with suspenseful tracks that crescendo like a chase scene in a slasher flick. Voice acting deserves a special shout-out; it gives our metallic antagonists a lively (ironically) spark, making each one as charming as they are terrifying. Whether you wince at the scrape of a claw against a vent or giggle at Freddy's well-meaned advice, it's a treat for the ears and a terror for the heart.
Visual Delight or Fright?
With its lavish neon glow and diligently detailed environments, 'Security Breach' tries hard to impress visually — and often succeeds. There's a wow factor to the Pizzaplex that's undeniable, radiating the garish charm of a casino crossed with a child's wildest dreams. But this comes with an unfortunate side dish of performance hiccups and the occasional texture that hasn't quite finished its makeup. While ray tracing gives the sheen of a freshly waxed showroom floor, the optimization sometimes feels like the game's running on a potato — a high-end potato, but a spud nonetheless. If you've got a rig that's more beast than bargain bin, you'll be treated to a visual experience that's mostly unburdened by the specter of lag and glitches.
From Humble Pie to Main Course
When it comes to heart, 'Security Breach' feels like it has loads of it. The passion put into this installment shines clearer than the Pizzaplex's neon signs, anywhere from its ambitious free-roaming design to the attention lavished onto every mechanic smile and sneer. The developers have clearly listened to the community, adding polish to previously blemished spots and expanding the game's universe with free DLC that doesn't just reheat the same experience but serves up something fresh. The title offers a sprawling, vibrant world that both honors the franchise's roots and plants seeds for future growth, even if the fruits of their labor suffer from sporadic bugs — not the insect kind, though those would make for a great horror addition.
Solo Vigil in the Vast Pizzaplex
Taking a moment apart from running in terror, it's important to acknowledge the game's lonelier aspects. The vastness of the Pizzaplex is impressive, no doubt, but sometimes feels like wandering an empty mall after hours — which, to be fair, is pretty much what you're doing. The lack of NPC interaction can make certain stretches feel like less of a thrilling escape and more like a post-apocalyptic sightseeing tour. This isn't helped by signage that seems to have taken tips in clarity from a corn maze. Experienced players may adjust to this faster, but newcomers might be left scratching their heads, wondering if Freddy ditched the pizzeria business for the road-sign industry.
STEAM RATING
Developer
Steel Wool Studios
Publisher
ScottGames
Release Date
December 16, 2021
The Verdict
Five Nights at Freddy's: Security Breach takes a slice of terror and wraps it in a cloak of intrigue and charm. While the gameplay features a few too many bugs for an entirely smooth run, and the fear factor might not be up to the standards of its forbearers, the game's dedicated developers have served up patches and DLCs that add significant value. Exploring the Pizzaplex brings a unique blend of awe and anxiety, embellished with top-notch audio and a compelling, albeit sometimes solitary, adventure. If you're up for a horror game that's more about atmospheric peril and less outright nightmare fuel, grab your flashlight and prepare for animatronic antics that deliver fun and frights in almost equal measure.
