Bioware had their flop with the disastrous launch of Mass Effect: Andromeda but now the company goes all in on its latest project, Anthem. A lot of hype and skepticism rides on this game’s shoulders, so before anyone spends their money, this is what needs to be known about this sci-fi adventure.
Gameplay
Besides the obsession with battle royal games, the other dominant genre that has risen are multiplayer “MMO-light” styled games like Destiny and The Division. A shared-world that can be played alone, with friends, or strangers, that focuses on significant loot findings, shooting giant monsters, completing quests, and completing other side activities like events.
A hub world called Fort Tarsis allows for players to accept missions and interact with both NPCs and other players in a safe zone away from all of the dangerous creatures.
Customization will ride in the front seat for Anthem. Everything about your character will have options to alter for your liking. Javelins, robotic suits similar to Iron Man, get piloted for traversal and combat. Each class has been designed to suit different play styles and strategies.
Combat will be solely PvE, battling against various creatures found in the world. As of launch, PvP will not be a feature. The main focus of the game is all about teamwork to complete raids and other activities.
Javelin Classes
Ranger: Players wanting a smooth transition into this new experience might go with the Ranger. A balanced class that focuses on every aspect of a Javelin from far and close range combat to traversal.
Colossus: The tank of the group, meet the Colossus. A heavy duty exosuit that holds heavy weaponry and a shield to plow through enemies. Players who don’t mind slower movement and want to deal as much damage as possible will fall in love with this one.
Interceptor: Interceptor focuses on support, agility, and close combat. A faster-moving suit that will damage enemies while providing support and balance to the heavier classes.
Storm: A piece of gear that might be more susceptible to damage, but has a card up its sleeve. Elemental damage defines Storm, hence the name. Burning, electrifying, and other brutal ways to tear through enemies will leave this exosuit perfect for players looking for a challenge.
Loot
Loot can make games like Anthem thrive or die an excruciating death. Thankfully the game appears to have systems in place to prepare for a user-friendly system. All gear earned maintains at your level, so no worry for getting a weapon that you have to carry around for 40 levels until you can use it. No matter what level the other three people in your party are at, they will not mess up your chance to get better equipment.
Another worry from plenty of games in the genre tends to stem from whether or not other players can steal loot, therefore everything is instanced.
The rarity of items ranges from common, uncommon, rare, epic, legendary, and masterwork.
Endgame
Similar to Destiny, completing the main story and hitting the level 30 cap does not mean the end of the game. Bioware plans to support Anthem for a decade, so they have plans for players in the endgame.
Not much has been announced, but typical activities such as dungeons (Strongholds) and contracts allow for challenging things to do once finishing the base game.
Microtransaction
While no loot boxes will be present, but cosmetic microtransactions will be available. Hard to know how the prices will look, but a $20 option was seen, but Bioware affirms players the prices will adjust at launch.
Release
Anthem launches on Feb. 22 for Xbox One, PS4, and PC
Now that you know about Anthem, will you pick it up? Comment what you think of Bioware’s anticipated title. You can pre-order it and support the blog* below:
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All images via Bioware
Tristan Zelden 