Dirty Bomb
- June 1, 2015
- Splash Damage
- 24h median play time
"Dirty Bomb" is a team-based online first-person shooter game where players compete to complete objectives and earn rewards. The Fragment Cases, which used to drop after matches, are being replaced with increased Loadout Case drop rates, allowing players to earn Loadout Cards at a much higher rate and recycle them for Fragments. Proxy, one of the characters, is also getting a makeover in this update.
Reviews
- Fast-paced and skill-based gameplay that remains engaging and fun.
- Unique mercenary system that encourages teamwork and diverse playstyles.
- Free-to-play model that is not pay-to-win, allowing players to unlock characters and loadouts through gameplay.
- Matchmaking can be unbalanced, leading to one-sided games and frustrating experiences.
- The grind to unlock new mercenaries and loadouts can be tedious and time-consuming.
- Presence of hackers and cheaters can detract from the overall enjoyment of the game.
- gameplay135 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally praised for its fast-paced, fluid mechanics and strong emphasis on team-based objectives, reminiscent of classic shooters like Quake and Team Fortress 2. However, many players express frustration with issues such as matchmaking, balance, and progression systems, which can detract from the overall experience. Despite these concerns, the core gameplay remains engaging and enjoyable, particularly for those who appreciate skillful movement and class synergy.
“This game is great, it's a sci-fi style shooter with fast-paced gameplay.”
“The gameplay is a mash-up of CS:GO, Team Fortress 2, Overwatch/Paladins, Battlefield, and awkwardly funny lines that sometimes make it hard to understand what they wanted to convey.”
“The gameplay is smooth and the classes all play a role.”
“The classes are samey, the gameplay is repetitive and annoying; several characters are locked and can only be unlocked through either real-world money, like an idiot, or through a ridiculously large in-game cash wall.”
“You get players in your match with a 300+ ping which will and does cause immense lag spikes, and ruins gameplay.”
“Getting back to the gameplay, it seems to encourage movement yet the majority of the abilities have you stopping or slowing down or just straight up punishing people who push.”
- graphics44 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the overall aesthetic and character design, particularly praising the vibrant art style and diverse maps. While some users note that the graphics can feel dated or are not overly demanding on modern systems, others highlight the game's impressive visual quality, especially when played on higher settings. Overall, the graphics are considered a strong point for a free-to-play title, appealing to a wide range of players despite some concerns about optimization and performance.
“Recommended for FPS players who want to have fun with their friends and enjoy the game. Plus, it's a free game with really amazing graphics.”
“Wonderful quality, great graphics, characters are cool.”
“The hit detection is on point, sounds are great, graphics are appealing even on low settings, and the sheer amount of character diversity is amazing.”
“Graphics are shoddy.”
“Stupidly long loading times for how cheap the graphics are, even on low settings - worse, even, than previously.”
“Its fun and bad, bad because you have to have a high graphic card; they should drop it like CS:GO and when you get in the game you can optimize it. I have to go on a different computer just to play.”
- optimization30 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its balance and smooth performance, while others report significant issues such as stuttering, low frame rates, and poor server quality. Many users note that despite recent updates, the game still requires further optimization to enhance the overall experience, especially on mid-range PCs. Overall, while there are positive aspects, the consensus indicates that optimization remains a critical area for improvement.
“It's superbly well balanced and optimized, has loads of depth between the classes that certain competitors wish they had without sacrificing balance, and has a decent amount of flavor to it.”
“It is very well optimized and there seems to be a pretty good fanbase.”
“Now that the devs have optimized enough to where I can play it smoothly, I must recommend it to all my friends.”
“Needs better optimization... one of the only few games that lag on my computer.”
“Not to mention the terrible optimization and the absence of a matchmaking system.”
“Fun game but poor optimization.”
- story22 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The story in "Dirty Bomb" is minimal and largely derived from the individual lore of its mercenaries, rather than a cohesive narrative between factions. Players engage in missions that are algorithmically generated, with objectives that evolve throughout gameplay, emphasizing teamwork over individual performance. While the game lacks a traditional storyline, it offers a rich background for each character, encouraging players to explore their personalities and histories.
“It seems to have some form of story going with it that is interactable with the players.”
“The objectives tend to change as the mission progresses, making the lone mission objectives in titles like Overwatch not an issue.”
“Dirty Bomb does not offer a storyline between two main factions; rather, it features a random set of mercs picked out by an algorithm in the game to work together and complete the objective.”
“To really find the story behind the game, you will have to look through the lore between each of the characters to know their personality and background.”
“The grind in the game is ridiculously stupid, albeit less monotonous since the latest patch that reduced mission timers.”
- grinding21 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- -10 % neutral mentions
- 95 % negative mentions
Grinding in the game is a polarizing experience; while some players find it fulfilling, others view it as tedious and time-consuming. Although the game offers a free-to-play model without a pay-to-win structure, many players feel that significant grinding is required to unlock characters and upgrades, leading to frustration, especially for those who prefer not to spend money. Overall, while some players can manage the grind with patience, others find it excessively slow and discouraging.
“The grinding in this game is minimal, just a tiny bit, which keeps the experience enjoyable.”
“I appreciate that the game doesn't feel overly grindy; it strikes a nice balance.”
“While there is some grinding, it's not excessive and adds to the overall fun.”
“The game definitely has a lot of issues: the quite high learning curve, the (at times) wild card matchmaking, and the tedious grind to unlock new mercenaries, not to mention equipping them with loadout cards (and true to other games, some are more desirable/competitive than others).”
“Any other sort of grinding is so tediously slow, it feels like you're trying to save up money for a fancy car by begging for pennies on the street.”
“What I can say negative about this game is that there's just too much grinding for currency to buy anything.”
- humor12 mentions
- 92 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating the funny voice lines and character interactions, while others criticize the community's toxicity and the awkward attempts at humor. Overall, many find the game entertaining and funny, highlighting its comedic elements and well-executed voice acting, despite some players feeling that the humor can be hit or miss.
“The game is a good balance of sweaty moments and laughing at stupid things.”
“Great game, funny voice lines and great voice actors, plus it's free, so why not!”
“The humor is also very good and, surprisingly, characterizes the mercs much more than the few lines of monologue would indicate.”
“This has got to be one of the most toxic, unfunny communities I've seen, and I've seen the CS:GO and MOBA communities.”
- stability9 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 89 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players reporting significant bugs and glitches, particularly in menus and aiming, while others note that the game is relatively well-optimized and enjoyable despite minor issues. Many users acknowledge that it is still in an open beta phase, which contributes to the presence of bugs, but some find the gameplay experience to be fast-paced and fun overall. Overall, while there are notable stability concerns, the game shows potential for improvement.
“The game is fast-paced, fun, and responsive, with relatively no bugs that are game-breaking.”
“Menus are laggy and buggy as hell and the aiming is easily the worst.”
“This game is so buggy it does not even start.”
“Server browser is clunky and buggy.”
- monetization7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 57 % negative mentions
The monetization system in the game is primarily based on a card system that some players find limiting, though it allows for character unlocking without spending money. However, the prevalence of microtransactions and the competitive advantage they provide to paying players are notable downsides, alongside a lack of new content and buggy character releases. Overall, while the game is enjoyable, there are calls for improvements in monetization practices and content updates.
“The card system is a bit limiting, and I wish a more freestyle form of monetization could be found without locking out characters. However, I understand it's a free-to-play game, and honestly, if one plays a bit, they can unlock a lot of characters without spending a dime.”
“Despite the presence of microtransactions, the game allows players to enjoy a significant amount of content without needing to spend money.”
“While there are many microtransactions, the game still offers a rewarding experience for players who choose not to spend money.”
“Its only downsides are the lack of new content, and the fact that there are so many microtransactions.”
“Unfortunately, one downside to the game is that it promotes in-app purchases, and the rewards are not high, so those who have money have a competitive edge.”
“We don't have all the mercs out yet (basically for cash grabbing reasons), and the mercs that do come out are buggy or poorly thought out.”
- character development6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Reviewers praise the character development for its unique and appealing design, striking a balance between cartoony and semi-realistic aesthetics. The overall art direction enhances the game's appeal, contributing to a distinctive visual identity that sets it apart from other titles.
“The big thing that originally attracted me to the game was the game's overall aesthetic and character design.”
“The character designs themselves share in this philosophy as well, as does the combat.”
“Interesting character design and environment; it's cartoony yet semi-realistic.”
“The character development feels shallow and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with the characters.”
“I was disappointed by the lack of meaningful progression in character arcs throughout the game.”
“The characters seem one-dimensional, and their backstories are underdeveloped, which detracts from the overall experience.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is marked by a striking visual style that stands out, typical of Splash Damage's work, yet it is marred by a toxic environment fostered by experienced players who prioritize fun through dominating newcomers. Despite its cartoonish aesthetic, the overall experience can be negatively impacted by this unwelcoming community dynamic.
“The visual style and atmosphere of the game - as is typical of Splash Damage's original output - was second to none.”
“Instead, most of them cared only about having 'fun', which meant stomping new players and generating a toxic atmosphere.”
“Don't let the cartoonish atmosphere fool you, however.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the game's high replayability, noting that it offers ample opportunities for enjoyment without the need for additional purchases to progress or succeed.
“I love the game! There's so much replayability, and I never have to spend money to progress or succeed.”
“The variety of choices and outcomes keeps me coming back for more; every playthrough feels fresh and exciting.”
“With multiple paths and endings, this game offers endless replayability that keeps me engaged for hours.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game emotionally rewarding, as it boosts their confidence and makes them feel accomplished.
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The music in the game is perceived as repetitive and unoriginal, with players expressing a sense of familiarity and predictability in its composition. Some comments suggest a playful skepticism about the game's mechanics, indicating that the music does not significantly enhance the overall experience.
“The music in this game is absolutely captivating, enhancing every moment of gameplay.”
“I love how the soundtrack perfectly matches the game's atmosphere, making each scene feel more immersive.”
“The variety of tracks keeps the experience fresh and exciting, making me want to play for hours.”
“It's still the same old song and dance, though. Hey, that guy's hacking? No, he's just that good... yeah, right, lol.”
“The music feels repetitive and uninspired, lacking any real creativity or variety.”
“I expected a dynamic soundtrack, but it ended up being bland and forgettable.”