"Anthem" Let's Play: Despite fat mechs, it doesn't really ignite
21.2.2019
Translation: machine translated
Support: Simon Balissat
Powerful robot battle armour, impressive graphics, cooperative gameplay and Bioware storytelling? Sounds like the perfect mix. Simon and I will show you why "Anthem" still didn't turn out to be the smash hit we had hoped for in the livestream on Friday at 3.00 pm.
The reveal trailer at E3 2017 was one of those "fuck, that looks fat" moments. It showed you flying through a lush tropical landscape in an Iron Man-like battle suit and fighting giant monsters. The graphics were breathtaking, the action was intense and the story was exciting and mysterious. The makers of "Dragon Age", "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic" and, yes, "Mass Effect Andromeda". Nevertheless. All in all, everything pointed to the next big hit. Despite this premise, the game falls short of my expectations.
The positives: graphics, action, javelins
"Anthem" is set sometime in the future in a fictional world. This was created by gods, the Shapers. The Shapers used the secret energy source called Anthem. Apparently they lost their appetite in the middle of it, which is why the world is unfinished. The result is a world plagued by storms and dangers with numerous races who want to get their hands on the humans, above all the highly technologised Dominion.
You take on the role of a freelancer who fulfils missions from the settlement of Fort Tarsis. You have four sleek suits of combat armour called Javelins at your disposal. Colossus, the equivalent of a tank, Storm, the glass cannon, Ranger, the all-rounder and Interceptor, the melee ninja.
You can explore the world freely with your Javelin. The verticality of the Bastion region is impressive. Although your suit overheats a little too quickly for my liking, you can at least cool down the machine with swoops or by flying through waterfalls. The world is somewhat lacking in iconic landmarks, but its size and mysterious buildings and creatures make it look imposing.
The action comes first in "Anthem". As you are practically always travelling in a team of four, there is crashing and banging everywhere. With grenade launchers, lightning attacks or walls of fire, you and your comrades beat up your opponents until the sparks literally fly. The game relies on a combo system that can be triggered with the various weapons and abilities. Especially on the difficulty levels above hard, combos become essential.
There is therefore no lack of dynamism in the battles. You have to keep moving if you don't want to be encircled or hit by area attacks. However, the flying ability could be used even more.
While you can initially only control one Javelin, the remaining three are added at levels 8, 16 and 26. You can equip them at any time. The Colossus, for example, can install either mine launchers, flamethrowers or lightning attacks in one slot. There is also a crafting system. One highlight for me is the customisable design of the Javelins. You can really let off steam here. There are different surface materials, colours and wear levels for the armour.
The negative: Where should I start?
Bioware unworthy story
After about 15 hours, I had played through the story and practically all the side missions. The story didn't grab me. I couldn't even explain it properly. To say that about a Bioware game is already a heavy blow. However, due to numerous departures, the company is no longer what it used to be. The story is primarily conveyed through dialogue in Fort Tarsis. They couldn't be more static. The town and its inhabitants seem absolutely lifeless. But the people's stories would be exciting. The way they are presented makes my face fall asleep. I was only impressed by the cutscenes. They come to life. If the game only consisted of missions and cutscenes - I would be happy(er).
Mediocre loot
A bigger failing is the loot. In a game in the same vein as "Destiny", the loot has to be the highlight. In the missions, however, you only collect colourful crystals that symbolise loot. You can only equip them at the end of the mission. That would be just about manageable. However, the variation of weapons and equipment is not very rich. There are only a handful of variations of each weapon type (shotgun, sniper, etc.) and their bonuses seem completely random. Want an example? A shotgun that gives 10 per cent more damage to the sniper. It boils down to the fact that you simply regularly swap weapons and equipment for those with a higher level without paying much attention to them. Iconic weapons are only available from level 25..
Unpompous level progression
I also find it incomprehensible that zero attention is paid to level progression. No fanfare, no effects, nothing. Only when you occasionally unlock a new ability through a new level do you notice that you've grown a few levels again
.
Repetitive missions
The mission design won't blow anyone away either. Practically every mission is the same. Fly to the waypoint, defeat all the enemies, wait until the next waypoint is displayed and the game starts all over again. From time to time you have to collect glowing spheres or solve small picture puzzles. The story missions also rarely deviate from this formula. At least the boss fights, especially in the strongholds, offer some variety.
Loading times
The game is regularly interrupted by loading windows. Starting a mission can take several minutes. And even in the missions, there are always short loading interruptions when you enter a cave or similar. Or let alone if you fall behind your comrades. Then you only have a few seconds before it teleports you to them, which results in a loading screen.
This is said to have been improved with the day one patch. Our colleague Simon Balissat hasn't noticed any changes so far. What's more, the designation Day One is an absolute cheek. The game has been available to Origin Access (or EA Access) users for a week now. So are the players who have paid extra to be able to play earlier just beta testers?
Entertaining, but still disappointing
"Anthem" does a lot of things right. The Javelins look absolutely brilliant and if you ever wanted to feel like Iron Man, there's no better game. When you hit the ground with the Colossus from 50 metres, you feel the weight. Then it bangs. Kaboom. And when you fire a huge lightning storm over enemies with Storm, the air vibrates. Four Javelins pouncing on a group of enemies sets off fireworks like I've never seen before.
The combat system is dynamic and the interplay between the various abilities and combos ensures that I never got bored in the battles despite the lack of enemy variation.
On the other hand, there's the lifeless Fort Tarsis, a bland story that only flares up a little in the cutscenes, repetitive mission design and loot that only provides limited motivation to continue playing.
"Anthem" looks impressive, but Bioware still has a lot to deliver so that players don't lose the fun too quickly. After all, all additional content will be delivered free of charge. The only question is whether EA will support the game for so long if it doesn't become the million-seller it had hoped for.
Get an impression of the game with our Let's Play.
"Anthem" is available for PC, PS4 and Xbox One.
Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chBeing the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.
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