Category: First Contact Entertainment

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Play Firewall Zero Hour For Free And Earn Double XP On PSVR This Weekend

Play Firewall Zero Hour For Free And Earn Double XP On PSVR This Weekend

Firewall Zero Hour is an excellent game. We awarded it our Game of the Year for 2018 and consider it one of the very best PSVR games to date and easily one of the best VR shooters so far. When played with the PS Aim controller it offers an immense amount of depth and tactics with an active and deeply passionate community. And it looks like Sony is deciding to start promoting it once again now that the Operation Nightfall update is fully functional.

Earlier this week Damoun Shabestari, Game Director at First Contact Entertainment, announced via a PlayStation Blog post that Firewall Zero Hour would be enjoying a free trial weekend starting today (June 28) and lasting until Sunday (June 30) for anyone with a PSVR headset and PS Plus subscription. This weekend will also offer double XP across the board for all players. With this free trial it’s a great opportunity to test the game out if you’ve been wary or to invite friends into the fold that haven’t tried it yet.

In the same blog post, Shabestari also broke down the intricate design principles and ideas that went into the creation of the game’s latest free map addition, Hangar. The map was introduced in the Operation Nightfall update (there’s one more coming too) and it features some of the most complex designs in the whole game to date.

During our E3 VR Showcase, First Contact Entertainment also announced their next game dubbed Solaris: Offworld Combat, which is coming to both Oculus Quest and Rift later this year.

If you’re new to Firewall Zero Hour, don’t forget to read our review, check out our full guide to all weapons and equipment, and scan the new player intel we’ve published previously to get up to speed. And let us know what you think of the game down in the comments below!

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The post Play Firewall Zero Hour For Free And Earn Double XP On PSVR This Weekend appeared first on UploadVR.

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Play ‘Firewall Zero Hour’ for Free This Weekend, Double XP for Current Owners

Got a PSVR and a PS Plus account? Then you’ll be able to play the tactical team shooter Firewall Zero Hour (2018) for free this weekend, going from June 28th to 30th.

For users that already own the game, developing studio First Contact Entertainment is also simultaneously holding a Double XP weekend, giving pretty much everyone an incentive to jump in and fill up the servers.

There’s a good reason too: ever since the game’s ‘Nightfall’ update, which brought a number of critical changes to the game including microtransactions and weekly challenges, some users have probably fallen off the wagon due to the new multiplayer implementation that requires individual users to strive after their own set of goals.

First Contact Entertainment game director Damoun Shabestari says in a PS blog post that many of the issues experienced in squad and matchmaking have been solved in the 1.26 Patch, and that the studio hopes to keep users engaged.

“It has been a process, this buildout of a reliable and robust platform — one that will set us up for future growth, improvements, and content rollouts,” Shabestari says. “We hope where we take the game from here exceeds your expectations and rewards your continued commitment.”

If you haven’t had a chance to play, Firewall Zero Hour was released in August 2018 to much fanfare; it not only drummed up strong support with PSVR owners by offering one of the first classic team-based shooters on the platform, but also took a prime spot in a PS Aim hardware bundle at the time too. It also supports PS Move, and boasts a continuously growing number of maps that 4v4 teams can duke it out in—one team defends while the other infiltrates. The game typically costs $40, so it’s definitely worth jumping in for free while you can.

The post Play ‘Firewall Zero Hour’ for Free This Weekend, Double XP for Current Owners appeared first on Road to VR.

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‘Firewall Zero Hour’ Studio Teases Multiplayer VR Shooter ‘Solaris Offworld Combat’

First Contact Entertainment, the studio behind Firewall Zero Hour (2018) and Rom Extraction (2016), teased a new multiplayer shooter today called Solaris Offworld Combat.

The title was quickly mentioned during UploadVR’s E3 VR showcase, although there currently isn’t much to go on outside of what First Contact game director Damoun Shabs calls in the showcase clip a “fast-paced multiplayer shooter in VR,” so we’re still waiting on a trailer and screenshots of the game to see just what the studio has in store.

The game is set to be released “soon” on Quest and Rift (S). While not apparent from the announcement, the game’s website also indicates it will be available on PSVR.

Given the studio is targeting Quest and Rift S, both of which feature inside-out tracking, it will be interesting to see whether the game makes use of the headsets’ out-of-the-box 360 tracking volume, or include some of the standard locomotion methods more common to games seen on Rift. Seeing as PSVR is also supported, standard methods may apply, at least for that particular version.

We don’t know enough yet even to delve any further (speculatively speaking), although the game is coming soon, we should hopefully know more in the coming weeks.

The post ‘Firewall Zero Hour’ Studio Teases Multiplayer VR Shooter ‘Solaris Offworld Combat’ appeared first on Road to VR.

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E3 2019 – Solaris: Offworld Combat Is The Next Multiplayer VR FPS From The Creators Of Firewall Zero Hour

damoun shabs first contact solaris firewall

First Contact Entertainment, the developers behind PSVR-exclusive Firewall Zero Hour, are back with a brand new multiplayer VR FPS called Solaris: Offworld Combat. The new game was announced for the first time today during our first-ever E3 VR Showcase.

Solaris is slated to release for Oculus Quest and Oculus Rift headsets later this year and is a brand new IP unrelated to both of their two previous VR games: Firewall Zero Hour and ROM: Extraction. Watch the (painfully brief) announcement below:

From what we’ve heard, Solaris sounds a bit like Halo in that it offers a much faster-paced competitive sci-fi shooter experience with intense firefights, respawning, and varied combat situations. This is a stark contrast to the slow-paced, grounded realism of Firewall Zero Hour, which takes a page out of the Rainbow Six book by not even allowing players to respawn once they die in a match.

Details are still extremely scarce on Solaris, but you can find out more about the game from the super quick video (embedded above) we showed during the E3 VR Showcase this morning. Since Solaris is being built specifically for inside-out tracked headsets first, it will be interesting to see how the mechanics hold up versus games like Onward and Pavlov that have had to adapt to the new tracking systems.

Since this is the next major release from First Contact Entertainment, a studio founded by veteran AAA game developers, you can expect to learn more about Solaris as the year goes on. As of now it’s planned specifically for Quest and Rift, but there’s potential for a SteamVR release later on.

Let us know what you think so far down in the comments below!

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The post E3 2019 – Solaris: Offworld Combat Is The Next Multiplayer VR FPS From The Creators Of Firewall Zero Hour appeared first on UploadVR.

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‘Firewall Zero Hour’ to Get Biggest Update Yet with ‘Operation: Nightfall’

First Contact Entertainment announced that Firewall Zero Hour (2018), the tactical team shooter for PSVR, is getting what they call their “biggest update yet” next week.

One of the main changes coming is a new system of time-limited progression taking the form of missions, tasks, and cosmetic rewards.

First Contact says that each week you’ll be assigned a new mission to complete, which in turn will grant you new rewards. There’s also set to be new optional daily tasks that can net you XP and Crypto.

Image courtesy First Contact Entertainment

As for missions, you’ll find one free mission available every week, although more can be accessed through the paid ‘Op-Pass’, which lets you unlock additional premium and bonus missions in order to earn seasonal cosmetic rewards.

The Op-Pass will cost $10, and is supposedly works like the Battle Pass in Fortnite. And there’s another microtransaction type too on the way called ‘Hack Keys’ that let you auto-complete missions.

Here’s how it breaks down:

  • Operation: Nightfall update: Free update for all owners of Firewall Zero Hour-featuring new in-game UI, new Maps, and more. This update is viewable as soon as players load up Firewall Zero Hour.
  • Nightfall Op-Pass ($9.99 USD): Obtain the Op-Pass, which allows access to all Operation: Nightfall Missions, Tasks, and Rewards.
  • Hack Key x5 Pack ($4.99 USD): Each Hack Key will instantly complete one Operational Mission. You will not gain any XP for Missions completed this way, but you will be instantly awarded full Crypto, in addition to the Mission Reward (cosmetics only). Hack Keys are a great option for players who don’t have as much time to play as they would like.
  • Nightfall Op-Pass + 25 Hack Keys Bundle: Includes access to Operation: Nightfall, in addition to 25 hack keys to be used on any Operational Mission. You will not gain any XP for Missions Completed this way, but you will instantly be awarded full Crypto, in addition to the Mission Reward (cosmetics only). Another great option for players who don’t have as much time to play as they would like.

If microtransactions have you bummed out, First Contact has at least sandwiched them with a number of updates including a new map called ‘Hangar’, a new contractor type called Ruby (‘Thief’ type can steal Crypto), new weapons, better AI behavior, and a refreshed UI.

Another map and contractor is planned for later release during the season. To learn more about the specifics, take a look at First Contact’s blogpost.

The post ‘Firewall Zero Hour’ to Get Biggest Update Yet with ‘Operation: Nightfall’ appeared first on Road to VR.

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PlayStation VR Exclusive Firewall Zero Hour Latest Update is Operation: Nightfall

Ever since F8 2019, there’s been a particular focus towards 21st May due to the launch of a VR headset of some sort. In fact, there has been a number of announcements today concerning that date, such as one for Beat Saber and Moss. If you’re not after the latest standalone headset and happen to own a PlayStation VR then you’ll be more interested to hear that First Contact Entertainment will be releasing a big content for its first-person shooter (FPS) Firewall Zero Hour on that date. 

Firewall Zero Hour

Called Firewall Zero Hour – Operation: Nightfall, the team-based tactical multiplayer will be getting new maps, Contractors, missions and rewards for players. The update isn’t simply adding a few extras for fans to play with, the studio is making some significant changes, introducing a whole new system of time-limited progression taking the form of missions, tasks, and cosmetic rewards.

“Each week your Contract Handler will assign a new Mission to complete, yielding new rewards. You will notice new optional daily Tasks presented to you as well, which reward you with XP and Crypto,” states Damoun Shabestari, Game Director, First Contact Entertainment on PlayStation Blog.

Also available for free to begin with is the new Hanger map, set around a large military transport aircraft in a Malaysian hanger. Then in Operation: Nightfall’s mid-season update new map (F.O.B.) will be released. Players will also be able to unlock three new weapons; the Richardson SG12, Sarge, and Raptor after completing certain weekly missions.

Firewall Zero Hour

New Contractors like Ruby and Lynx, a Legendary Weapon Skin – Okoro’s Volkov, and bonus mission rewards will only be accessible via the new purchasable Op-Pass, which allows access to all Operation: Nightfall missions, tasks, and rewards. Players can also obtain Hack Keys to complete Operational missions. They won’t gain any XP but will be instantly awarded full Crypto, in addition to the Mission Reward (cosmetics only).

Firewall Zero Hour – Operation: Nightfall will be released next Tuesday 21st May. As First Contact Entertainment continues to roll out additional content for the popular team shooter, VRFocus will keep you updated.

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Firewall Zero Hour’s Fourth DLC Introduces Two New Contractors

firewall zero hour jag

Today the trailer dropped for First Contact Entertainment’s fourth DLC pack for its tactical squad-based first-person VR shooter, Firewall Zero Hour. In the DLC pack there are two brand new contractors, each bringing a new skill to the table, as well as a slew of weapons, trinkets, and camo skins for clothing and weapons. This new DLC pack releases on February 26th.

Firewall Zero Hour released late last year and we loved it in our review, stating: “If you don’t have a PSVR headset yet, then you should buy one for this game.”

In this DLC the two new contractors are Jag and Node. As a person with the last name Jagneaux I can honestly say that Jag is the coolest name for a video game character ever. Hands down. Her ability is “Ambush” which allows her to bring three mines instead of just two on missions, which is great as a defender. It can also be unlocked at level 31 or for 25,000 Crypto if you buy the DLC.

Node is also a defense-focused contractor with the Afterlife skill that lets you remotely detonate your C4 charges even after you’ve died. Since you can still monitor the cameras even in death to give your teammates intel, this could be a very useful skill. This skill can also be unlocked at level 43 or 35,000 Crypto if you buy the DLC.

This DLC pack also contains three new weapons:

  • The 9MM Stinger (SMG) (Unlocked at Level 24 / Crypto 24,000)
  • The JA-300 (AR) (Unlocked at Level 42 / Crypto 42,000)
  • The H5 Hornet (AR) (Unlocked at Level 50 / Crypto 42,000)

And finally you can grab the Lil’ Diaz trinket for free for all PS Plus subscribers (until March 14th) or a handful of brand new paid trinkets and camo skins. For more details you can read all of the details on the official blog post. Let us know what you think of the game and new DLC down in the comments below!

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Firewall Zero Hour’s Fourth DLC Adds new Contractors and Guns

For fans of team-based multiplayer shooter Firewall Zero Hour on PlayStation VR, it’s time for a new DLC to drop in from First Contact Entertainment. This new add-on includes two new contractors, weapons and lots of ancillary items to choose from. 

Firewall Zero Hour

First up are your new contractors Jag and Node. Jag is an ambush expert whose skill allows her to bring three mines into battle – great for defending. Plus, the Ambush skill can be equipped to any Contractor once you’ve reached level 31 and for 25,000 Crypto. Then there’s Node, who has the Afterlife skill giving you the ability to detonate your planted C4 from the support feed. Another great character when defending, you can still cause carnage even after you’ve died. The Afterlife skill can be equipped to any Contractor once you’ve reached level 43 and for 35,000 Crypto.

As for guns, First Contact Entertainment has added three new weapons to unlock:

  • The 9MM Stinger (SMG) (Unlocked at Level 24 / Crypto 24,000)
  • The JA-300 (AR) (Unlocked at Level 42 / Crypto 42,000)
  • The H5 Hornet (AR) (Unlocked at Level 50 / Crypto 42,000)

When it comes to the little trinkets, there are a number of new face paints, clothing camos and weapon camos coming to PlayStation Store. New face paints: Kiwi, Eagle, Spider and Janus, new clothing and weapon camo patterns: Geometric, Lava, Circuit and Splinter. Plus Lil’ Nala, Lil’ Okoro, Lil’ Skip and Lil’ Diaz as a trinket pack. And free for all active PS Plus members is the Lil’ Diaz Trinket. Available until 14th March, this mini version of Diaz will class up any weapon you equip.

Firewall Zero Hour

On top of all that, there are a number of bug fixes and improvements going live, such as a new set of laptop locations in the Shoothouse map, improved knife hit detection and fine-tuning of matchmaking.

The fourth DLC for Firewall Zero Hour will be available from tomorrow. For any further updates or announcements, keep reading VRFocus.

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The VR Job Hub: Random42, Squanch Games, First Contact Entertainment and More

2019 is moving along quite nicely but that may not be the case for those of you who are disillusioned with your current job, or worst still have recently lost a job due to actions beyond your control. If that’s the case then maybe the following companies and vacancies will offer a chance to start afresh.

Location Company Role Link
London, UK Random42 3D Generalist Click Here to Apply
London, UK Random42 3D Animator Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment Senior Gameplay Programmer Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment Senior Game Server Engineer Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment Lighting Artist Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment IT Systems Administrator Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment Senior Full Stack Engineer Click Here to Apply
Austin, TX Gunfire Games Gameplay Programmer Click Here to Apply
Austin, TX Gunfire Games Senior Concept Artist Click Here to Apply
Austin, TX Gunfire Games Character Artist Click Here to Apply
Austin, TX Gunfire Games Senior Environment Artist Click Here to Apply
Austin, TX Gunfire Games Environment Artist Click Here to Apply
Boston, MA Harmonix Community Manager Click Here to Apply
Austin, TX Phaser Lock Interactive Social Media/Marketing Manager Click Here to Apply
Burbank, CA or Raleigh, NC Squanch Games Senior Designer Click Here to Apply
Raleigh, NC Squanch Games Game Producer Click Here to Apply
Burbank, CA or Raleigh, NC Squanch Games Social Media Manager Click Here to Apply
Burbank, CA or Raleigh, NC Squanch Games Lead Programmer Click Here to Apply
Burbank, CA or Raleigh, NC Squanch Games Systems Programmer Click Here to Apply
Burbank, CA or Raleigh, NC Squanch Games Gameplay Programmer Click Here to Apply

Don’t forget, if there wasn’t anything that took your fancy this week there’s always last week’s listings on The VR Job Hub to check as well.

If you are an employer looking for someone to fill an immersive technology related role – regardless of the industry – don’t forget you can send us the lowdown on the position and we’ll be sure to feature it in that following week’s feature. Details should be sent to Peter Graham (pgraham@vrfocus.com).

We’ll see you next week on VRFocus at the usual time of 3PM (UK) for another selection of jobs from around the world.

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Firewall Zero Hour is Free This Weekend for PlayStation VR PS Plus Members

Last summer First Contact Entertainment (ROM: Extraction) launched its second virtual reality (VR) title, another shooter this time exclusively for PlayStation VR, Firewall Zero Hour. The tactical first-person shooter (FPS) proved to be an instant hit the PlayStation VR owners due to its solid gameplay style. Today, the studio has announced a free weekend for PlayStation Plus members who own the headset but have yet to try the videogame.

Firewall Zero Hour - Screenshot (E3 2018)

The Firewall Zero Hour: Weekend Trial Demo will include all the modes from the full videogame – Single Player Training – Player vs. AI, Multiplayer Training – Co-op vs AI, and Multiplayer Contracts – PVP Players vs Players – as well as the entire roster of maps, including the newly added Containment.

Firewall Zero Hour features four vs four-player action where teamwork and communication is key to winning the multiplayer missions. Players take on the role of a mercenary contractor, charged with protecting sensitive data in a laptop. There are nine map locations spread across Russia, the Middle East and the UK. Players will be able to use in-game currency to upgrade and customise their character.

If you do take part in the free weekend it’s worth noting that any XP/Crypto you earn will carry over should you purchase  Firewall Zero Hour. Paid Firewall Zero Hour DLC items will not be available to demo players, plus any Trophies achieved will not carry over should you buy the videogame.

Firewall Zero Hour - Screenshot (E3 2018)

The FPS has received rave reviews with VRFocus giving the PlayStation VR exclusive a full five-stars, saying: “Firewall Zero Hour has managed to avoid many of the common pitfalls of VR online multiplayers and add its own interesting twist to the military FPS genre. The lobby system could use some improvements, but otherwise its a finely crafted title that will be of great interest to FPS fans.”

While the videogame does support PlayStation’s DualShock 4 controller,  First Contact Entertainment has designed the gameplay to best use the PlayStation Aim controller.

If you live in the EU then don’t forget that the PlayStation VR Demo Collection 3 is now available from the PlayStation Store for more free goodies. VRFocus will continue it’s coverage of Firewall Zero Hour, reporting back with any further updates.