Anthem - Before You Buy | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Anthem offers solid gameplay but lacks satisfying progression and engaging content.

Key Insights

• 👏 Anthem's flight and combat mechanics are praised for their fluidity and enjoyment.
• 👾 The game is structured around a traditional games-as-a-service model with plans for future updates.
• 😮 Visually, Anthem impresses with high-quality graphics and engaging cutscenes.
• ❓ The progression system struggles to provide a rewarding and compelling experience for players.
• 👾 Community opinions are polarized, highlighting the game’s strengths and weaknesses unequally.
• 🕴️ Customization options for javelin suits offer creativity but do not fully compensate for other shortcomings.
• ❣️ Critics note that heavy world-building jargon can hinder player immersion within the story.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What gameplay mechanics stand out in Anthem?

Anthem excels in movement and combat mechanics, especially the ability to fly and navigate the environment with ease. The game mimics the feeling of piloting an Ironman suit, with smooth controls and satisfying feedback during aerial maneuvers. Combat feels engaging, particularly when using weapon abilities and creating combos, especially in challenging environments like strongholds with friends.

Q: How does Anthem compare to other games in the genre?

Comparing Anthem to titles such as Destiny, The Division, and Warframe, it shares similar structures and gameplay elements around loot and combat. However, critics argue that while Anthem is a competent shooter, it does not offer the same level of rewarding progression or engagement that players may find in these other games, leading to mixed feelings within the community.

Q: What are the visuals and world-building aspects of Anthem?

Anthem features impressive visual elements and detailed cutscenes that showcase Bioware's signature artistic direction. However, the world-building feels lackluster and uninspired to some players, with a social hub that feels dull and lifeless. While the music and character expressiveness are commendable, the overall execution of the game world may fail to captivate players as expected.

Q: Are there any concerns regarding performance on different consoles?

Performance varies significantly across different hardware. While Anthem runs smoothly on high-end systems like the Xbox One X and PS4 Pro, players using an Xbox One S or base PS4 report subpar frame rates that detract from the overall experience. Stability issues can impact gameplay enjoyment, especially in more demanding environments where smooth performance is crucial.

Q: How does the loot and progression system function in Anthem?

The loot and progression in Anthem focus on continuously earning and crafting weapons with varying stats. However, many players feel that the rewards lack excitement and do not create a satisfying feedback loop compared to other loot-based games. This lack of compelling loot can diminish the motivation to return for weekly updates.

Q: What is the general community reception of Anthem?

The community's reception of Anthem is divisive, with opinions ranging from disappointment to enjoyment. Some players appreciate the game's foundation and are optimistic about future updates, while others express dissatisfaction due to its repetitive nature, lack of engaging content, and perceived shortcomings compared to Bioware's past successes.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Anthem, a games-as-a-service title, provides enjoyable gameplay mechanics, especially flying and combat, but struggles with fulfilling progression systems.

• Despite a promising foundation and visually appealing cutscenes, the game falls flat in terms of world-building and player engagement.

• The loot system and customization options offer some joy, but critics argue the overall experience may not draw players back for more.