“Five Nights at Freddy’s Security Breach” Review

By Ryan Bright

“Five Nights at Freddy's Security Breach,” By Scott Cawthon/Steel Wool Studios

“Five Nights at Freddy’s” is a nostalgic horror franchise that has once again released another incredible game, “Five Nights at Freddy’s (FNAF) Security Breach”. A lot of people have heard about or played the renowned FNAF games. From the start, they were always filled with spooky fun and hidden mysteries. The newest entry follows in its predecessor's footsteps with an interesting twist. This installment introduces an open world mechanic, choosing to establish its horror through exploration and mobile mechanical monstrosities rather than the more common immoble/reactive gameplay of the past games. There is a lot to analyze, from the animatronics to player gameplay and even the intertwined story.

When Fear Takes Hold and Reality Fails, the Stage Is Set, and Insanity Prevails.

With a series that continues to produce so many entries, it can be hard to find variety within the themes of the FNAF world. In Security Breach, they took the open ended role-playing game (RPG) approach, where the player is able to roam freely around the Pizzaplex, the game’s main setting. Throughout the player’s exploration, they’ll solve puzzles, escape enemies and locate the many different forms of loot drops.

Overall, these gameplay elements are fresh and well executed. The open world allows for a more diverse player experience, as each player will have their own unique play-path and ending according to their choices. 

“Five Nights at Freddy's Security Breach,” By Scott Cawthon/Steel Wool Studios

Although the overworld provides many good additions to the player experience, it doesn’t come without its problems. “Security Breach” suffers from overworld and AI glitches, something that have never been experienced before due to the nature of the other games. Most of these events are unnoticeable but can often cause problems. For example, many people have been dealing with the animatronics Moon and Sun malfunctioning and failing to properly chase the player. Likewise, if caught, the player would be stuck and unable to move unless they restart the save file again. These issues can lead to an exhausting and irritating experience, rather than the thrilling and entertaining angle Security Breach was going for. Additionally, the more plastic environment is often unsatisfying when put into the context of the horror genre. Instead of the Sci-fi horror many are used to from entries like “Sister Location,” “Security Breach” has many moments that feel just plain out of character.

It’s A Crappy Mr. Hippo Fridge Magnet? Lame.

“Security Breach” provides tons of lore and hidden story items scattered throughout item descriptions, audio tapes, as well as the player driven story. Each item leads the player to uncovering more about the secrets hidden below and what awaits them if they choose to confront it.

Most of the collectable items, though they are rich with lore, feel underwhelming. Most would think they were a last minute add on rather than an integrated part of the game. Of course, this may be due to the fact that the creator of the FNAF series did not create this game himself, rather it was made by another corporate entity, explaining why there is such a difference in how the story of the game is presented. On top of that, the main plot itself leaves much to be desired. Without spoiling the game, it can be said that many of the ending features and player advancement points are unsatisfying or just disappointing. For example, this entry features a known villain from other FNAF games, but his return is poorly integrated, ruining much of the climactic buildup that has occurred over years of game releases.

Security Alert! Security Alert!

Even with such high hopes for “FNAF Security Breach” before release, the game turned out to be in need of a lot of fixes and changes. Plagued by bad writing, poor design choices, and glitchy gameplay, the rating 7/10 fits the game perfectly. Many fans still enjoy the game, yet it is hard to ignore the many issues this game presents. Is it worth a buy? Still, yes, just be aware that your game may have some… unintended, spooky surprises.