Square Enix’s upcoming 4v4 foam shooter game FOAMSTARS is set to launch globally on February 6 for PlayStation 4 and 5, and will be included in that month’s PlayStation Plus lineup, the developer has announced. They aim to introduce the game to as many players as possible.
Set in Bath Vegas, FOAMSTARS pits two teams of four players against each other. It uses colorful foam as its main mechanic, and it can be used for attacking and defending. Players can select an athlete from a cast of six characters, and from there they can participate in three PVP game modes or solo and co-op PVE missions.
FOAMSTARS Launch Details
The game’s global launch next month on PlayStation Plus allows players to try the game for a month with little to no cost. Additionally, players who downloaded the game during the first month can keep the game in their library as long as their PlayStation Plus subscription is active.
Those who are interested in the game but don’t have a current PlayStation Plus subscription have until March 5 to take advantage of this offer. Once FOAMSTARS is no longer in the PlayStation Plus lineup, the game will cost $29.99 and will require an active PlayStation Plus subscription to play.
Right on launch, FOAMSTARS players will get three PVP modes: Smash the Star, Happy Bath Survival, and Rubber Duck Party. Maps will be randomized per game to keep things fun and interesting. And if you want a break from the PVP action, the PVE modes Foamstar and Squad Missions will let you work by yourself or with other players instead. You can also work towards any of the three challenges available – Anytime, Limited Time, and Weekly – to unlock special rewards.
Square Enix also promised free, themed seasonal updates for one year, with each season offering new cosmetics, maps, game modes, and playable characters. Players can buy a premium season pass for $5.99 each season, which immediately grants them special characters and cosmetics. It’s currently unknown what Square Enix is planning for updates past the game’s first year.
While you wait for the game’s release, you can watch its trailer below.
Current FOAMSTARS Impressions
FOAMSTARS had an open beta for PlayStation 5 users last year, which ran from September 29 to October 1. Although most reports discuss how fun and chaotic the game is, the common consensus is that it’s very much like Nintendo’s Splatoon. After all, both games pit two teams of four against each other, use colors for battle (ink for Splatoon vs foam for FOAMSTARS), focus heavily on catchy music, and have similarly structured PVP and PVE game modes.
However, FOAMSTARS sets out to differentiate itself by focusing on hero abilities instead, much like Overwatch. Unlike in Splatoon where battles are decided by skill and player load-outs, FOAMSTARS battles depend on how each team member uses their unique skills to work with their teammates. There’s no doubt that certain characters will shine more in one game mode than the other.
Although Square Enix has promised one year of updates for the game, it remains to be seen whether FOAMSTARS will enjoy the same dedicated player base and longevity as Splatoon and other similar games.
