Introduction
Finals Week is a chaotic cooperative stealth and party game developed by DESTINYbit and published by Pretty Soon. Set in a nostalgic 1990s-style school, the game puts players in the role of unprepared students who must survive a series of increasingly difficult final exams without actually studying.
Instead of relying on textbooks and classroom lessons, players must use unconventional methods to find and share answers. Sneak around the classroom, steal information from other students, search through textbooks, and use tools such as walkie-talkies, cellphones, and binoculars to help your teammates.
However, getting the answers is only half the challenge. A strict teacher constantly patrols the classroom, watching for suspicious behavior and punishing anyone caught cheating. Players must coordinate their movements, distract the teacher, and complete each exam without getting into trouble.
With online co-op for up to four players, humorous physics-based interactions, and plenty of opportunities for teamwork, Finals Week turns the stress of school exams into a ridiculous multiplayer adventure.
Core Features
- Cooperative Exam Challenges: Work together with up to four players to complete increasingly difficult exams and graduate without studying.
- Stealth-Based Gameplay: Avoid a strict teacher who patrols the classroom and catches students attempting to cheat.
- Creative Cheating Tools: Use walkie-talkies, cellphones, binoculars, and other equipment to find and share answers with teammates.
- Steal and Share Answers: Copy answers from other students, search for textbooks, and exchange information with your squad.
- Interactive School Environment: Explore a nostalgic 1990s-style school filled with classrooms, hallways, and interactive objects.
- Physics-Based Interactions: Knock out uncooperative students, distract others, and use the environment to create opportunities.
- Draw on Everything: Write answers on paper, classroom walls, and even your friends' faces.
- Hallway Activities: Between exams, relax by playing basketball, throwing baseballs, decorating statues, and planning your next strategy.
- Character Customization: Pass exams to unlock new outfits and accessories for your student character.
- Single-Player Mode: Play alone or team up with friends through online cooperative gameplay.
Strengths
- Original Gameplay Concept: Turning exam cheating into a cooperative stealth challenge creates a funny and memorable experience.
- Excellent Multiplayer Potential: Coordinating with friends to find answers and avoid the teacher produces entertaining situations.
- Creative Tools: Different cheating equipment encourages players to experiment with strategies.
- Humorous Physics: Unexpected interactions and funny punishments add personality to the gameplay.
- Interactive Environment: The ability to interact with objects and draw on different surfaces makes the school feel more playful.
- Variety of Challenges: The game features 12 different exams, each presenting new obstacles and challenges.
- Rewarding Customization: Unlockable outfits and accessories give players additional goals beyond passing exams.
Weaknesses
- Limited Lobby Options at Launch: Players initially need lobby codes or external communities to find teammates because a public lobby browser is not available.
- Requires Communication: The cooperative experience can become more difficult when teammates do not communicate or coordinate effectively.
- Potentially Repetitive Gameplay: Players who repeat the same exams may eventually become familiar with the available challenges.
- Limited Replayability: Completing all 12 exams may leave players wanting additional levels and game modes.
- Solo Experience Can Differ: Some challenges may be less entertaining without friends to coordinate with.
- Performance Considerations: Busy environments and visual effects may affect performance on less powerful computers.
Conclusion
Finals Week transforms the pressure of final exams into a hilarious cooperative adventure. Its creative cheating mechanics, stealth challenges, and multiplayer interactions make it a great choice for players looking for a fun game to enjoy with friends.