The case for Bethesda to reinvent Brink as a modern shooter

Technically speaking, Stripe isn't even dead actually. The servers are still live. It has only died down significantly since 2011. As of this writing, there are still 10 dedicated players in the game. There are many younger players right now who are not even aware of what Stripe is. Developed by Splash Damage, this first-person shooter had the potential to be a hit. However, a combination of poor timing and feeling unfinished compared to the surrounding competition put out the game's fire. Stripethe failure to meet expectations made it one of the most disappointing games of the 2010s. Despite this, there is still a chance for Bethesda and Splash Damage to breathe new life into FPS by capitalizing on modern genre trends.

Family

Almost a month after Marathon's release, how has it affected ARC Raiders?

While Marathon hasn't had a huge effect on ARC Raiders' player count, both titles are still navigating the growing extraction shooter genre.

Brink has the potential to come back from the brink of extinction

For those who don't remember, Stripe promised to be a revolutionary new take on the FPS genre. It actually was in a few ways. One of the most influential features that Stripe boasted its Smooth Movement Across Random Terrain (SMART) system. This was a one-button parkour mechanic that helped players move more smoothly through maps. Parkour or fluid movements like vaulting isn't exactly new anymore. Games like Titanfall 2, Fortniteand The finals all have some sort of twist on movement-focused controls, but Stripe was a pioneer in this specific function.

Find all 10 pairs

Start

Restart
Back

Find all 10 pairs

Start

RestartBack

Brink's other key features

• Mixes single player and multiplayer, with the former's squad filled with bots.

• Much heavier focus on classes with four different options: soldiers, engineers, medics and operatives.

• Three different body types to choose from.

• Emphasis on goals and teamwork instead of dead reckoning.

Some of the most influential games of the 21st century still receive accolades, but Stripe is one that unfortunately seems to be forgotten. These listed features can be found in a variety of shooters now, but one of Stripes standout was how it handled body type in a similar way to Team Fortress 2. Characters can have either heavy, medium, or light bodies, and that would affect gameplay. Heavy characters were slower but could handle all weapon types. Light bodied characters had less health and were limited in the weapons they could carry, but this build was much faster and better for parkour. Medium served as a balance between the two. Splash Damage played with some good concepts, though Stripes groundbreaking approach isn't the only reason why the game is worth a comeback.

Brink's story and setting could be the perfect foundation to build an extraction game on

Loren behind Stripes world is one of the main aspects that helped make the game so interesting. It wasn't a deep story, but it has a lot of potential to explore further. The game takes place on an artificial island called the Ark that was created as a self-sufficient and environmentally conscious community. But worsening global warming caused the majority of Earth's continents to be overtaken by the sea, leaving the Ark as one of the last safe havens for humanity. Surviving refugees flocked to the ark, quickly causing tension between the original inhabitants and the newcomers. Overpopulation took a toll on resources, and class divisions between the refugees and the Ark's founders pushed the man-made island into a civil war between two factions, the Resistance and Ark Security. Post-apocalyptic games may struggle to have a unique identity, though Stripes take on the downfall of mankind had its own voice.

Stripe would probably still work well reworked as a battle royale, but that genre's reign is coming to an end. Even the recent dismissal of Epic Games claimed that it fell Fortnite commitment led to the decision to cut 20% of the workforce. The industry looks to be moving more into the extractive shooting space as the next big trend. ARC Raiders was one of last year's biggest hits, and Marathon finally launched and raking in pretty solid numbers.

There are a few options to choose from in addition ARC Raiders and Marathonbut many players are still warming up to extraction games. The genre hasn't become oversaturated yet, which could leave Bethesda and Splash Damage with the perfect opening to get in on the trend early. Of course, this would require some significant gameplay adjustments that would take time. However, it is not impossible.

Brink Getting a new life is ultimately a dream

The game may have been divisive, though Stripe had some great features that informed future games. As interesting as it would be to see it return in a new and improved state, that's an unlikely scenario. Splash Damage is busy with his secret project Astrid at the moment. Not much is known about the game except that it is an open world survival title developed in collaboration with popular streamers Sacriel and Shroud. Splash Damage has been tight ever since the announcement. The studio faced layoffs last year, but it's unclear if this has affected the game's development.

There is always the possibility that Project Astrid could be a new variant Stripes history, but only time will tell. Splash Damage has teased intense gameplay combined with immersion and storytelling, which is definitely something extraction shooters like ARC Raiders and Marathon have in spades. However, this is probably wishful thinking. As it says, Stripe will continue to be an FPS that had a lot of great ideas that suffered from not being fully realized. On the bright side, the game is still fully active and free to play as long as you don't mind playing with bots.