What is Anthem? We have gathered all the known information about the new game from BioWare – release, trailer, PS4, Xbox One, PC. This article will be continuously updated.
At E3 2017, EA revealed the mystery: The elusive game that had been circulating in the media as “Project Dylan” is called Anthem and is a new IP from BioWare – the development studio behind the “Mass Effect” franchise.
There were rumors beforehand that Anthem would be a “semi-MMO” similar to Destiny. Therefore, many predicted: This will be a mix of Mass Effect and Destiny!
In the meantime, some information about Anthem has come to light that supports this assumption. Time to organize the information.
Anthem – What kind of game is this?
BioWare Edmonton has been working on Anthem for over four years. According to the official EA website, it will be a “shared-world action RPG” – so indeed a semi-MMO that follows the same vein as Destiny or The Division. You can explore a strange world with friends, face dangers together, and upgrade and strengthen your character with loot.
In terms of setting, BioWare is creating an entirely new world. In Anthem, civilization is protected by a massive wall. Inside the wall lies Fort Tarsus, where humanity survives. Beyond the wall is a primitive world filled with gigantic monsters and nasty raiders.
In the world of Anthem, you are freelancers. These are the daring heroes who leave the safety of the wall to explore “a landscape of prehistoric beauty” and face the dangers that lurk out there. In Anthem, there are forces that want to conquer humanity.
Anthem is meant to be a game that will be expanded with updates and DLCs over months and years. There are talks of a journey over 10 years. It will be played in the third-person perspective.
What features does Anthem have?
These features have been mentioned by EA and discovered in the shown material:
- You can team up with your friends: Squads of up to four players are possible.
- Javelin Exosuits: The freelancers use combat suits called Javelins that are equipped with weapons and special abilities. On your journey, you can find and craft equipment to customize your “Javelin Exosuits.” The Javelins help you navigate the world of Anthem. You can fly, jump, climb, and even dive.
- There are several classes of Javelins: So far, the Ranger (balanced class) and the Colossus (a tank) are known. These likely have different elements.
- Open World: Anthem features a vast open world to explore. It is designed in a prehistoric style, which starkly contrasts with the highly advanced Javelins.
It is described as a dynamic, interconnected world that will continue to change over the next few years. According to a statement by EA Vice President Patrick Soderlund, the open world will set new standards with its level of detail. - Your base is Fort Tarsus – a kind of social hub from where you prepare for your adventures, customize your Javelins, and obtain quests.
- There are loot and EXP: A weapon has already been seen – a “legendary Volt Rifle” at level 35. The stats include damage, precision, range, fire rate, and ammunition. There are supposed to be “a lot of weapons” in the game.
- Extreme, world-changing events: “Shaper Storms” are mentioned as an example.
With each step into the unknown, you will grow stronger. There is supposed to be a “great BioWare story” – but your choices should also change your character as well as the world around you, so that everyone experiences their own story.
Information on Co-op, Multiplayer, and Singleplayer – Will Anthem have PvP?
Anthem has been presented as a co-op game: In a squad with your friends, you can explore the world together. It aims at the same target audience as Destiny or The Division.
You can also play Anthem completely solo. It is suitable for solo players. Single and multiplayer are supposed to be seamless.
It is not yet known if Anthem will have PvP. The developers have so far evaded this question.
Release – When does Anthem come out?
Anthem will be released in Q1 2019. A specific release date is still pending.
PS4, Xbox One, PC – On which platforms will Anthem be released?
Anthem will be released on PS4, Xbox One, and PC. The lead platform is the Xbox, particularly the Xbox One X.
Since it was prominently showcased during Microsoft’s E3 press conference, many players worried that Anthem might be exclusive to Xbox. However, EA has since clarified that it will also be released on PC and Sony’s PlayStation.
Trailer for Anthem – Gameplay in Video
Here is the teaser trailer from E3 2017:
Here is the gameplay trailer from E3 2017:
By the way: The name “Anthem” was chosen because an anthem unites a group of people. This is what they also want to achieve with the game. It should foster a sense of camaraderie among players.
