The newly-released FNAF: Security Breach is players' lowest-rated game in the series to date, evidenced by Metacritic user scores. FNAF: Security Breach gives players free movement as they explore Freddy Fazbear’s Mega Pizzaplex, avoiding deadly animatronics with a Glamrock 1980s aesthetic.
The Five Nights at Freddy's series has changed greatly over the years, with creator Scott Cawthon trying out new ways to scare players across the franchise. The games - along with book releases - have weaved a complex web of lore for the series, one that's fascinated players beyond just the scenes shown in the games. The horror franchise has spawned multiple sequels and spin-offs, with eight games in the main series and five spin-off titles. FNAF: Security Breach is the biggest pivot from the series formula to date, barring the controversial FNAF World RPG, giving players the chance to explore the FNAF game world as a AAA horror.
Despite being one of the most anticipated games of the year, FNAF: Security Breach has seemingly failed to deliver on fans' expectations. The title currently has a user score of 5.8 on review aggregator site Metacritic, making it players' lowest-rated FNAF game to date. The new release has even fallen short of fan reviews of FNAF World, which has a Metacritic user score of 5.9, and was removed from sale following its launch due to player backlash. Despite low fan reception on Metacritic, FNAF: Security Breach seems to be a hit on Steam. The game currently has a review score of "Very Positive," with many praising the unique spin on the series. It's worth noting that FNAF: Security Breach currently has no critic reviews on Metacritic at the time of writing, which could deliver a more positive response.
The latest game in the series, developed by Steel Wool Studios, has had a rocky road to release. The title suffered from multiple delays, and an internal shift saw FNAF creator Scott Cawthon retire earlier this year, following backlash over the developer's decision to financially support a number of controversial political parties. Despite the series no longer having Cawthon at the helm, fans were excited to see the first AAA Freddy's adventure, and many are enjoying what the game has to offer.
Metacritic user scores offer a good indication of players' response to a game, but with discrepancies between fans on Steam and Metacritic, it's not clear just why FNAF: Security Breach has been rated the series' most disappointing game. Many are enjoying the 3D visuals, the freedom of play, the scares, and of course, FNAF: Security Breach's multiple endings. With lots of users calling out the game for bugs and performance problems, it's possible that patches from the developer can alleviate some of fans' concerns in time, though nothing has yet been confirmed.