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Dirty Bomb

Dirty Bomb is a solid shooter, but it’s not much more than that. The free to play shooter market has seen many titles come and go in the past few years and though the zero cost entry always guarantees a player-base, it tends to take something truly remarkable to hold that audience.
Dirty Bomb Game Cover
76%Game Brain Score
gameplay, graphics
grinding, monetization
81% User Score Based on 34,428 reviews
Critic Score 68%Based on 5 reviews

Platforms

PCCloudWindows
Dirty Bomb Game Cover

About

Dirty Bomb is a multiplayer shooter game with a science fiction theme. It was developed by Splash Damage and was released on June 2, 2015. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and positive reviews from players.

"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.

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81%
Audience ScoreBased on 34,428 reviews
gameplay1.7k positive mentions
grinding550 negative mentions

  • The gameplay is fast-paced and engaging, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and unique character abilities.
  • The monetization model has shifted to a player-friendly approach, allowing all content to be unlocked through in-game credits earned by playing.
  • The humor and character design are widely praised, contributing to an entertaining and enjoyable experience.
  • The game suffers from a lack of a cohesive storyline and minimal narrative, leaving players wanting a more developed single-player campaign.
  • Many players report significant performance issues, including bugs, crashes, and poor optimization, detracting from the overall experience.
  • The grinding required to unlock characters and loadouts is often criticized as tedious and excessively time-consuming.
  • gameplay
    3,675 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of Dirty Bomb is characterized by its fast-paced, team-oriented mechanics that blend elements from various popular shooters like Team Fortress 2 and Call of Duty. Players appreciate the unique mercenary system, which encourages strategic teamwork and offers diverse gameplay styles, although some criticize the balance issues and the grind required to unlock characters and loadouts. Overall, while the game has its flaws, many find the core gameplay engaging and addictive, making it a notable entry in the free-to-play FPS genre.

    • “The movement, the characters, the overall gameplay feels amazing.”
    • “A fast-paced team shooter with unique characters and strong class-based gameplay.”
    • “I love this game, very fast gameplay but at the same time very tactical; you need to work with your teammates to get a win or you get clapped.”
    • “This game has terrible graphics and closes randomly; better off getting TF2, which is better in every way including tactical gameplay.”
    • “The game also has a lot of annoying and overpowered mechanics.”
    • “The gameplay is fast-paced and chaotic, with the amount of players coupled with low cooldowns and instant kill abilities making for a very chaotic gameplay flow.”
  • graphics
    1,466 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players praising the high-quality visuals and unique art style, while others criticize them as outdated or bland. Many users appreciate the game's ability to run smoothly on lower-end PCs, but some report performance issues and lag, particularly in menus and during gameplay. Overall, while the graphics are generally considered decent for a free-to-play title, there are calls for improvements and updates to enhance the visual experience.

    • “The game's aesthetic is modern and stylized, with an attention to detail that contributes to an immersive and engaging experience.”
    • “The graphics are stunning, and the gameplay is smooth and intuitive.”
    • “Dirty Bomb is a superb modern game with excellent fast-paced, objective-oriented gameplay, and realistic graphics without being overly harsh on lesser PCs.”
    • “This game has terrible graphics and closes randomly; better off getting TF2, which is better in every way including tactical gameplay.”
    • “We are unlikely to ever see another update to the game, so we're stuck with 2017 graphics and Unreal Engine 3 for a game that deserved a whole lot more.”
    • “The graphics look like something from the PS3 era, so it wasn't a great surprise when I noticed it's running in DX9.”
  • story
    690 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its minimal narrative, with many players noting the lack of a cohesive storyline or single-player campaign. While some appreciate the character backstories and the lore behind the mercenaries, the overall consensus is that the game feels more focused on gameplay mechanics and mission objectives rather than a compelling narrative. Players express a desire for a more developed story or campaign mode to enhance the experience.

    • “The story mode is hands down 10/10 and the multiplayer is outstanding. This is one of my top 3 looter shooters at the moment.”
    • “The characters are great with unique abilities and amazing maps and mission objectives.”
    • “☑️ no story”
    • “The fact it had a bit of a story building up with each new map release was also a thing of interest, but unfortunately development stopped before the last two maps could reach a playable state.”
    • “If they could just add a storyline or a single-player story that would make this game the best game on the internet.”
  • grinding
    564 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game is frequently criticized for being excessively time-consuming and tedious, with many players reporting that unlocking new characters (mercs) and loadout cards requires a significant investment of hours, often described as needing a "second life" to achieve. While some players find the grind rewarding and enjoyable, especially when it leads to unlocking desired content, others feel it detracts from the overall experience, making it feel more like a chore than fun. The game does offer options to bypass grinding through microtransactions, but this has led to concerns about a pay-to-win dynamic, despite many asserting that everything can ultimately be obtained through gameplay.

    • “The game is awesome, the learning curve is comprehensive and easy to master. The game modes are fun, and leveling is rewarding, not tedious.”
    • “The real trick isn't grinding to get all the mercs, but knowing which ones not to unlock because they don't suit your playstyle or you just won't find them fun.”
    • “The in-game currency is really easy to get, so no grinding for too long to unlock one character.”
    • “The grinding is exhausting, but that I understand as we live in a capitalist society.”
    • “It's boring, repetitive, and very, very grindy.”
    • “The grinding was always brutal in this game and they even increased some mercs from 30k credits to 40-50k credits.”
  • optimization
    476 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews from players. While some commend its ability to run smoothly on low-end PCs and appreciate recent performance improvements, many others report significant issues such as lag, stuttering, and poor performance even on higher-end systems. Overall, the game appears to require further optimization to enhance the experience for a broader range of hardware configurations.

    • “I've been playing since 2014 and this version 1.0 nails the optimization that I've been waiting for years; it's finally here.”
    • “The game is very dynamic, has good optimization, but the community of the Russian population does not behave very ethically.”
    • “The game is fun and well optimized, but grinding for XP is tough.”
    • “Very poorly optimized, full of cheaters, not friendly to lower-end PCs, very dead with a minimalist player count, full of free-to-play garbage, only a handful of mercs at the start, weapons that spray wildly at anything and everything, gameplay too fast-paced and enemy players too good for you to take your time, crouch and aim to actually hit anything.”
    • “Fps drops with any movement, stuttering like crazy, menu even stutters and lags takes the game an extra 15 seconds to catch up to what I'm trying to click, unplayable in the state it's in.”
    • “The optimization on this game is downright deplorable, the assets, textures etc. load well but the game lags on Vsync on a PC which runs FIFA on medium-high graphics at 60+ fps.”
  • monetization
    410 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization model of the game has undergone significant changes, transitioning from a heavily criticized system with microtransactions and pay-to-win elements to a more player-friendly approach where all content can now be unlocked through in-game credits earned by playing. While many players appreciate the removal of microtransactions and the ability to access everything for free, some express concerns about the game's lack of content and the tediousness of credit grinding. Overall, the current monetization strategy is viewed as fair, with no significant advantages for paying players, but the game's past issues with monetization have left a lasting negative impression on some of the community.

    • “There's no more microtransactions and you can get everything in the game with only credits, which you gain by playing over time.”
    • “You get everything in the game from loadouts to skins just from playing the game; there are no microtransactions.”
    • “Everything in the game can be unlocked by simply playing it, and there are virtually no microtransactions: anything you can purchase is cosmetic and you have no obligation.”
    • “The gameplay was there, but the monetization and pure greed on display that bled the community of players faster than you can say 'Did EA publish this?' made me drop it.”
    • “The monetization scheme is just too predatory, and I don't want any part of it.”
    • “This game had a lot of potential, but sadly microtransactions took over.”
  • stability
    332 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting frequent bugs, glitches, and crashes that detract from the overall experience. While some users note that the game runs well and is mostly enjoyable, others highlight persistent issues such as freezing during matches, laggy menus, and unbalanced gameplay. Overall, the game is considered to be in a buggy state, particularly as it remains in beta, with ongoing concerns about performance and stability.

    • “It is complete and compared to many other games that are discontinued, it is for the most part mostly a bug-free experience.”
    • “I have encountered no glitches, making it hard to believe that this is, in fact, still in beta.”
    • “The game runs great and wouldn't have trouble running on a lower-end PC, which is great for everyone!”
    • “This game is currently a buggy, poorly optimized piece of trash that also has several issues with matchmaking and character balancing.”
    • “The game freezes every time I try to find a match.”
    • “It crashes more often than it works, it deleted my loadout cards, the game usually just freezes and stops responding.”
  • humor
    268 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is widely praised, with players enjoying the diverse and quirky character voices, funny one-liners, and humorous interactions during gameplay. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to blend fast-paced action with comedic elements, making for a fun and entertaining experience, especially when playing with friends. Overall, the humor is seen as a significant strength, contributing to the game's charm and appeal.

    • “The characters are diverse in a natural feeling way, and very interesting for the most part - as well as the voice acting being funny yet not annoyingly quirky.”
    • “Phantom is wise cracking, sarcastic, and hilarious, basically Cayde from Destiny mixed with a little bit of Deadpool.”
    • “The characters are all unique, funny, and diverse.”
    • “This feels like some unfunny joke.”
    • “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.”
    • “I like the game but in most games I will join and I will die to a level 44 or higher, then I get called a noob for dying, so that is the only point that bugs me. I find this funny; on the trailer it says (don't be a dick), but no one follows that.”
  • music
    65 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in "Dirty Bomb" receives mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the dynamic soundtrack that enhances the game's immersive atmosphere, while others criticize it for being bland and repetitive. Sound effects, including gunshots and explosions, are generally well-received, contributing to the game's intensity. Overall, while some players find the music enjoyable and fitting, others feel it lacks a distinct identity and could benefit from improvement.

    • “The soundtrack of 'Dirty Bomb®' is effective in creating an immersive and energetic atmosphere.”
    • “The background music is dynamic and fits the pace of the battles, while the sound effects, such as gunshots, explosions, and character abilities, are well-produced and help convey the intensity of the combat.”
    • “Moving forward though, Dirty Bomb keeps with a good pacing and builds excitement as the clock ticks down on objective completions through tempo change in music.”
    • “Music: 2/10 bad, did Limp Bizkit create this game's soundtrack with a $30 budget?”
    • “The music and intros prior to every match get extremely annoying after the first few times.”
    • “Only real gripes that I have with this game are the long respawn times and its lack of background music; sure would be nice to have a kind of electro-rock soundtrack playing while I'm shooting guys.”
  • character development
    41 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is highlighted by its impressive character design and unique abilities, which many players find engaging and aesthetically pleasing. However, there are mixed feelings regarding balance and gameplay mechanics, with some users expressing frustration over character interactions and overall game balance. While the visuals and lore are praised, concerns about gameplay issues and a lack of new content have led to a decline in player interest.

    • “The character design and their play styles make them really fun.”
    • “Character design is great and unique, with interesting skillsets, appearances, and voice lines.”
    • “This game honestly did so much right; it has interesting character designs and abilities, good and skill-expressive gameplay, well-designed maps and game modes, and most importantly, just good gunplay.”
    • “Horrible balance, weak and uninspired character design, and a distinct lack of passion for the game are what Dirty Bomb has turned into in the past few months, perhaps even the past year.”
    • “The gameplay is poor along with the character ideas and character design.”
    • “Although most of the voice work, character design, and lore is incredibly cringy, the balance and map design along with the team synergy leads to a game that feels like it's bursting with potential for a competitive community.”
  • replayability
    38 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game exhibits high replayability due to its diverse player roles and engaging mechanics, with many players enjoying the variety in gameplay and loadouts. However, some users noted limitations such as a small map pool and a lack of updates, which can diminish long-term interest. Despite these drawbacks, many still find it a fun and rewarding experience, especially for a free-to-play title.

    • “Very fun game with a solid amount of replay value.”
    • “This game has great replay value!”
    • “Extremely fun and large replay value in this free-to-play shooter.”
    • “Seriously good game when it had a pulse, now it's dead (no longer updated). I can only look back at the memes and memories I had during my time played; so much potential, but without the party system, it lost all replay value.”
    • “Replayability is low because of a small map pool.”
    • “Only 2 game modes and 5 maps currently that are playable.”
  • atmosphere
    35 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of "Dirty Bomb®" is widely praised for its immersive and energetic soundtrack, fun character design, and a generally welcoming community, especially in lower-level servers. While many players enjoy the casual and competitive elements, some express concerns about toxicity and imbalance affecting the overall experience. The game's unique setting and visual style contribute to a compelling atmosphere, making it appealing for both casual and competitive players, despite some criticisms regarding map variety and character balance.

    • “The soundtrack of 'Dirty Bomb®' is effective in creating an immersive and energetic atmosphere.”
    • “This game makes you want to come for more not only because of the daily objectives and daily rewards but also because of its competitive and fun atmosphere.”
    • “And the visual style & atmosphere of the game - as is typical of Splash Damage's original output - was second to none.”
    • “The net result typically is a toxic atmosphere, a boring match and wasted time.”
    • “The current atmosphere of the free-to-play model, which inhibits a diversity of characters, is definitely an unappealing concept.”
    • “Classes are unbalanced as hell, making an unbalanced atmosphere for gaming.”
  • emotional
    28 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players express a deep emotional connection to the game, describing it as a heartfelt experience that evokes feelings of nostalgia and heartbreak, especially with its development ceasing. Many reviewers highlight the emotional rollercoaster of gameplay, where moments of joy and frustration coexist, leading to a strong attachment to the game despite its flaws. The sentiment of loss is palpable, as players mourn the game's decline while cherishing the memories it created.

    • “Parting with this game feels like parting with my least toxic, otherwise very wholesome ex-girlfriend.”
    • “It’s truly heartbreaking to see the development stop, but despite that, Dirty Bomb remains an unforgettable experience for me.”
    • “Yes, I did not spend a dime on your game, because it did happen to me and I am sure to many other players with a multiplayer-only game that we loved and spent time and money on it, and after some time it died and it was just simply over, dead, finito, etc. which is sad and many of us feel as we were financially and emotionally ripped.”
    • “The storyline is boring; I don't think it has any emotional depth.”
    • “I felt no connection to the characters or their struggles.”
    • “The game failed to evoke any real emotions; it felt flat and uninspired.”
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68%Critics’ scoreBased on 5 critic reviews
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28h Median play time
120h Average play time
9-150h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 209 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Dirty Bomb is a shooter game with science fiction theme.

Dirty Bomb is available on PC, Windows and Cloud.

On average players spend around 120 hours playing Dirty Bomb.

Dirty Bomb was released on June 2, 2015.

Dirty Bomb was developed by Splash Damage.

Dirty Bomb has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its grinding.

Dirty Bomb is a multiplayer game.

Similar games include Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - First Assault Online, Rogue Company, Ironsight, Blacklight: Retribution, Shatterline and others.