“Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach” brings fresh frights
On Dec. 16 and 17, the highly anticipated video game, “Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach” was released in the United States and worldwide. Created by Steel Wool Studios, Five Nights at Freddy’s, commonly known as FNAF, is a survival horror video game that is famous for its frightening jumpscares, eerie animatronics and rich lore.
Unlike the other games in the FNAF series, “Security Breach” breaks traditions with a fully explorable environment. This is a fresh take on the low-budget, static gameplays from the earlier games of the series. In addition to the game’s new fresh look, boss battles have been added. Instead of taking place over five nights, “Security Breach” takes place over one haunted night.
In the game, players find themselves in the shoes of a young protagonist named Gregory, who winds up trapped inside Freddy Fazbear’s Mega Pizzaplex. With the help of Glamrock Freddy, Gregory must survive the near-unstoppable hunt of threatening animatronics. After Glamrock Freddy gives Gregory a novelty watch that grants him surveillance camera access, players must use it to safely navigate the Pizzaplex’s main exit. After failing to escape, the doors lock, trapping Gregory inside. Once nighttime protocols begin, the vicious animatronics at the Pizzaplex will relentlessly pursue all intruders. It then becomes the player’s job to complete numerous missions and uncover the truth about the Pizzaplex before it’s too late.
After the release of the video game, many fans were upset with the new installment’s changes, and even made “Security Breach” the lowest rated game in the series. Many veteran fans were caught off guard with Freddy’s supporting role, as he has always been the franchise’s main antagonist. On top of Freddy himself, the glossy look of the once ominous-looking characters remove the frightening element and make them appear more decent. As for the gameplay itself, players are getting frustrated with various bugs, lags and feel overwhelmed with the large map, leading to unwanted enemy encounters and even elimination.
As a follower of the franchise since 2014, I personally like the new, fresh look of the animatronics. When I played some of the earlier games, I did not like the beat up look of the animatronics, and always wanted to see them look “repaired” and even have a personality. Although I do feel that the fright element of “Security Breach” has reduced, the aesthetics compensate for it. The amazing graphics and audio are a huge step for FNAF and its community, and “Security Breach” may be one of the most beautiful games yet. On top of the stunning graphics, the new free roam mechanic is something fresh that hasn’t been in the franchise until now. “Security Breach” does a fantastic job at continuing the FNAF legacy, and is the perfect game for players with an open mind.
