BioWare’s new online shooter Anthem is often compared to Bungie’s Destiny 2 in early playtests. But is there any truth to this? And how does Anthem fare according to first impressions?
Some gaming journalists had the opportunity to play Anthem for a longer period (according to PC World 8 hours) and are now also comparing it to Destiny 2.
Why is Anthem compared to Destiny? Both games are known as “loot shooters”. Together in a group, you fight enemies in missions, collect loot, and upgrade your hero or the Javelin.
Anthem and Destiny are online games that focus on cooperation. Additionally, both take place in a science fiction scenario. Thus, comparisons between Anthem and Destiny are quite natural.
How does Anthem fare against Destiny? The testers have differing opinions. The general sentiment is that Anthem is a solid online shooter that will certainly find its audience.
However, those expecting a new Mass Effect are likely to be disappointed. And as for Destiny, Anthem might not take enough risks to stand out.
Nevertheless, there is much potential in BioWare’s action game and the testers were enthusiastic about the gameplay.
- Polygon states that the story feels very familiar. The missions are relatively linear, but the combat, the world, and the development of the Javelins are a lot of fun.
- Gamesradar mentions that the similarities to Destiny are quite noticeable, especially during the missions. As a result, Anthem lacks a bit of its own identity, but is still enjoyable as an online shooter.
- According to PC World, the similarities to Destiny are palpable. Anthem is said to play fantastically, but particularly regarding depth and story, it seems to lack what one expects from a BioWare game after playing.
- Gamecrate believes that while the parallels to Destiny exist, Anthem still plays independently and quite well. The landscapes and the action-packed gameplay are especially convincing.
- WCCFTech praises the fast-paced gameplay, which is especially fun when playing with friends. However, beyond the action, Anthem feels somewhat unpolished. Nevertheless, according to the tester, it will find its audience.
- As Gamespot reports, Anthem plays similarly to online shooters already known. However, the game possesses its own elements that will need to show whether Anthem can truly distinguish itself with them in the endgame.
Light and Shadow – How Anthem Performs
What are the positive aspects? The testers generally agree that particularly the gameplay in Anthem is fun.
- This means that the battles are fast and require teamwork, tactics, and a smart approach. Defeating enemies is enjoyable.
- Moreover, the vast landscapes are impressive and worth exploring.
- Flying is also something that receives praise, as it offers a sense of freedom that is lacking in Destiny.
- Collecting loot and expanding the Javelin are well-received.
What is criticized? However, the testers also discovered a few negative points after their play session.
- They primarily criticize that the story in Anthem doesn’t feel like something that one expects from BioWare. The narrative lacks depth and intrigue.
- Furthermore, the missions are said to feel too familiar, as if seen too often in other games.
- Another point of criticism is that BioWare talks too little about the endgame, and one simply does not know how Anthem will hold up against the competition in the long run.
- The comparison to Destiny will likely always stick to Anthem as well. BioWare’s game must prove its independence.
Why you should play the demo: Every player approaches a game with different expectations. Some enjoy experiencing an exciting story, while others are not interested in the narrative at all. Hence, the gameplay becomes all the more important. Therefore, you should check out the demo for Anthem to see whether the online game meets your expectations.
The VIP demo starts on January 25, and the open demo on February 1.
