Product test
Sifu on test: Roaringly difficult and so, so motivating
by PC Games
"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 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
Mediocre loot
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
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.chAs a child, I wasn't allowed to have any consoles. It was only with the arrival of the family's 486 PC that the magical world of gaming opened up to me. Today, I'm overcompensating accordingly. Only a lack of time and money prevents me from trying out every game there is and decorating my shelf with rare retro consoles.
Gaming
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
