Anthem is set to become a new online shooter for PC, PS4, and Xbox One. For the first time, there was uninterrupted gameplay to see. What does the trailer reveal about the game that we didn’t already know?
Anthem – sounded kind of generic in theory: Skeptics see Anthem as a mix of familiar sci-fi tropes that Destiny has already explored. They accused BioWare of developing a generic shooter that did not convince in its presentation – especially RPG fans felt the story has been lacking so far.
Even some fans who wanted to love Anthem were rather skeptical. They were indifferent to what they had seen so far. They particularly missed gameplay in the previous trailers. What could be seen consisted mostly of pre-made scenes.
Does Anthem play better than it looks?
But still won awards: The vibe around Anthem is quite positive. Many who got to play Anthem at E3 rave about the gameplay. As a result, Anthem has also won two E3 awards: Once for best action game and once for best PC game. These awards are given by gaming journalists.
BioWare delivers gameplay: The message “Show more gameplay – it’s really good” seems to have been understood by BioWare. In a new gameplay demo they presented a mission, as if the players had completed a dungeon. Some things stood out: We picked 5 things that were shown in the gameplay demo.
1. You can also play with Level 1 among your Level 30 friends
Everyone plays together: In the gameplay, there is a moment where a low-level player, Level 1, joins the max-level players, Level 30. What’s interesting here is:
- that the newcomer can apparently join an ongoing mission through a drop-in mechanic
- And it is said that everyone in Anthem can play together for experience and rewards – whether at level 1 or 30. It is conceivable that the lowest level will be scaled to that of the highest.
2. Damage dealers beware
Storm is a glass cannon: We already knew about 2 of the 4 classes. Now there’s information about the 3rd class, Storm. It is a “glass cannon”: it deals a lot of damage but can take very little. Thus, it corresponds to a mage in other games. Storm relies on storms and skill abilities. What is still open is what the Interceptor will be. It could probably be a fast “rogue-” or “hunter-like” class.
It’s also interesting to see 2 Colossi in a group that apparently complement each other and are played differently.
3. Teamplay makes an impact
Combos deal bonus damage: It is interesting to note that Anthem, like some role-playing games, has “combo abilities”. When multiple classes use specific abilities in coordination, they deal bonus damage. This could be important for team play and gives Anthem a strategic component in group gameplay.
4. Up into the skies
Everyone is Iron Man and that plays a role: Anthem is often described as the game where everyone can be Iron Man. This is not only visually evident in the armor of the Javelins but also in the gameplay: it is significantly more vertical than other comparable shooters. Enemies can not only be attacked from the front, but Javelins can fly around enemies to attack them from behind. Movement often involves going into the air or through underwater tunnels.
5. Ghost, is it you?
Mission flow resembles Destiny, but players speak themselves: What happens during a mission is strongly reminiscent of Destiny. Although you do not talk to a ghost, but to an “Owen.” This is a character described as a “cypher.” He strongly resembles the ghost. However, an important difference is that your player character can speak for themselves.
Mood is improving: Overall, the gameplay is well-received by many observers. However, some criticize the rather sluggish pace and want to play themselves first before getting carried away by one of those terrible hype trains that so often end in disappointment.
What do you think about the Anthem gameplay?
Everything important about the release of Anthem can be found here: All we know about Anthem: Release, Beta, Purchase, Features
