In 2019, we can expect a lot of game titles vying for our attention. The release of Anthem in February can't come soon enough, says Micha.
At the end of the year, you can take a look over the fence and look forward to the upcoming games. Some titles have already caught my interest: Far Cry: New Dawn, for instance, which continues my beloved Far Cry 5. Or Torchlight Frontiers, as I am always up for a game of Torchlight 2.
However, I am particularly excited about Anthem, with which BioWare wants to enter the “MMO-Shooter” genre.
Why Anthem?
I have had Anthem on my radar since the announcement, but for me, it was more of a game that "we can take a look at when it's out."
I have always enjoyed wandering around in BioWare games and saving the worlds in Knights of the Old Republic, Mass Effect, or Dragon Age countless times.
However, after my last excursions in Mass Effect 3, Dragon Age Inquisition and Mass Effect Andromeda did not appeal to me as much, I am glad that BioWare is trying something completely new again.
Moreover, I take part in almost every shooter that comes out. A shooter in a shared world, where I can go exploring with friends, is even better.
Convincing Argument: The Loot
After we have reported on Anthem at MeinMMO for a while, the concept for the game is starting to sound like a solid thing: A large, new world where players can run, fly, dive, and hover in different suits – the Javelins. A unique story with a character that can also talk. Nice, nice.
However, my ears perked up only when the developers talked about the loot system. It is supposed to resemble Diablo rather than the eternal comparison with Destiny.
You gather various equipment parts for your suit or get weapons that can come in different rarity levels. Additionally, the items have random bonuses, so two weapons with the same name can exhibit differences.
How exciting a hunt for ever better equipment is, I primarily know from Diablo 3. When I get in the mood, I roam through Sanctuary for hours, completing dungeon after dungeon, just for the chance at an item that might be slightly better than what I already own.
Transferring this system to an MMO-Shooter could add even more spice to Anthem. The developers just need to strike a balance between exciting item hunting and lengthy grind.
I am certainly excited as a bowstring and will spend the time until February 22 wondering whether the hunt for loot will be enough for me or if I might still hope for a PvP mode in Anthem.
