Anthem, the highly anticipated multiplayer action RPG from BioWare, has finally arrived. Players eager to explore the vast world of Bastion and unravel its secrets have been eagerly awaiting its release. This gameplay review will delve into the core aspects of Anthem, providing an in-depth analysis of its gameplay mechanics, world design, and overall experience.

Gameplay Mechanics

Javelin Suits

The core of Anthem’s gameplay lies in its innovative Javelin suits. These exosuits provide unparalleled mobility and devastating firepower, each with unique abilities and playstyles. Players can choose from four Javelins: the Ranger, Colossus, Interceptor, and Storm. Each suit excels in different combat roles, from close-range brawling to long-range bombardment.

Combat System

Anthem’s combat system is a blend of fast-paced action and tactical strategy. Players must master the art of combining melee attacks, ranged weapons, and Javelin abilities to overcome formidable enemies. The combat is fluid and dynamic, allowing for creative combinations and innovative strategies.

Looting and Progression

As players progress through Anthem, they will encounter a wealth of loot, including weapons, armor, and components. These items can be used to enhance Javelins’ abilities and stats, allowing players to customize their suits to suit their preferred playstyle. The loot system provides a steady stream of rewards, encouraging exploration and replayability.

World Design

Bastion and Freeplay

Anthem’s setting, Bastion, is a vast and immersive world filled with breathtaking landscapes, ancient ruins, and hidden secrets. Players can explore Bastion in Freeplay mode, undertaking missions, discovering hidden areas, and interacting with the Freelancers’ hub, Fort Tarsis.

Strongholds and Missions

In addition to Freeplay, Anthem features a variety of missions and strongholds. Strongholds are large-scale cooperative dungeons that require teamwork and strategy to complete. Missions are smaller, story-driven quests that provide insight into Anthem’s world and characters.

Overall Experience

Narrative and Characters

Anthem’s narrative revolves around the Freelancers, a group of elite pilots fighting to protect Bastion from a cataclysmic threat. While the story may not be groundbreaking, it provides enough intrigue and character development to keep players engaged.

Social Aspects

Anthem is designed as a cooperative experience, encouraging players to team up and conquer challenges together. The game features a robust social system, allowing players to form guilds, join forces with friends, and connect with other Freelancers.

Technical Performance

Anthem’s technical performance has been a mixed bag on release. While the game boasts stunning graphics and fluid gameplay, some players have encountered stability issues and glitches. BioWare is actively addressing these issues with patches and updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the recommended level cap in Anthem?
A: The current level cap in Anthem is 30.

Q: Can I play Anthem solo?
A: While Anthem is primarily designed as a cooperative experience, it does support some solo play in Freeplay mode.

Q: How many Javelin suits are there in Anthem?
A: There are four Javelin suits in Anthem: the Ranger, Colossus, Interceptor, and Storm.

Q: Are there any microtransactions in Anthem?
A: Yes, Anthem features cosmetic microtransactions, such as skins, emotes, and vanity items.

Q: What is the endgame content like in Anthem?
A: Anthem’s endgame content includes Strongholds, Legendary Contracts, and Freeplay challenges.

Conclusion

Anthem offers an engaging and immersive experience for fans of action RPGs and cooperative gameplay. Its innovative Javelin suits, dynamic combat system, and vast world provide hours of exploration and challenge. Despite some technical issues at launch, Anthem has the potential to become a long-lasting and beloved multiplayer game.

Additional Resources:

BioWare Open-World Games

BioWare, a renowned video game developer, has crafted several critically acclaimed open-world role-playing games (RPGs) that have captivated players worldwide. These sprawling adventures feature intricate storylines, immersive environments, and compelling characters.

Some of the most notable BioWare open-world games include:

Balduri’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn (1999): Set in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting, this classic RPG offers a memorable main storyline and exceptional companions.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003): A thrilling space opera set in the Star Wars universe, featuring customizable characters and epic battles.
Dragon Age: Origins (2009): An immersive fantasy RPG with a complex storyline, strategic combat, and diverse characters and races.
Dragon Age: Inquisition (2014): The third installment in the Dragon Age series, featuring a vast open world, deep character customization, and a compelling narrative.
Anthem (2019): A looter-shooter set in a futuristic sci-fi world with a focus on cooperative multiplayer and customizable exosuits.

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Anthem Character Builds

Anthem offers four different javelin exosuits, each with unique abilities and playstyles:

Ranger: Versatile all-rounder with balanced offensive and defensive capabilities. Builds focus on assault rifles, grenade launchers, and swarm missiles.
Colossus: Heavy tank with powerful weapons and strong shields. Builds prioritize heavy weapons, flamethrowers, and earthshakers for maximum damage and crowd control.
Interceptor: Agile assassin with high mobility and melee prowess. Builds enhance chain blades, twin pistols, and acid bombs for burst damage and quick kills.
Storm: Elemental spellcaster with lightning, ice, and fire abilities. Builds focus on area-of-effect attacks, CC, and shield regeneration for support and damage.

Within these classes, players can customize their javelins with different components, weapons, and abilities to create specialized builds tailored to their playstyle and team needs. Optimal builds combine synergies and suit the player’s comfort level with different combat roles.

BioWare Mass Effect

BioWare’s Mass Effect is an epic role-playing game series set in a vast and detailed science fiction universe. Players take on the role of Commander Shepard, a highly customizable character who leads a team of elite operatives on a mission to save the galaxy from a relentless alien threat known as the Reapers.

The series features non-linear storytelling, allowing players to make choices that shape the story’s progression and its many possible endings. It also boasts intense combat, a complex morality system, and a diverse cast of memorable characters. Over the course of three main games, Mass Effect has been praised for its immersive world-building, engaging gameplay, and thought-provoking themes of ethics, identity, and sacrifice.

Anthem Loot System

The loot system in Anthem is designed to reward players for completing missions and activities. Players can earn loot in various ways, including:

Completing missions: Each mission has a chance of dropping loot, including weapons, armor, and components.
Defeating enemies: Enemies can drop loot, including weapons, armor, and components.
Opening chests: Chests can be found throughout the game world, and they contain loot.
Purchasing loot from vendors: Vendors sell loot, including weapons, armor, and components.

Loot is divided into different tiers, with each having a different level of quality and rarity:

Common: The most common type of loot, which is typically of low quality.
Uncommon: A more rare type of loot, which is typically of better quality than common loot.
Rare: A rare type of loot, which is typically of high quality.
Epic: A very rare type of loot, which is typically of the highest quality.

In addition to the loot tiers, there are also different types of loot, including:

Weapons: Weapons are used to attack enemies.
Armor: Armor is used to protect the player from enemy attacks.
Components: Components can be equipped to enhance the player’s abilities.

Electronic Arts Multiplayer Games

Electronic Arts (EA) is a leading publisher and developer of multiplayer video games. The company’s extensive portfolio includes a wide range of popular titles across various platforms, from console and PC to mobile devices. Here’s a summary of some of EA’s notable multiplayer games:

Battlefield Series: The Battlefield series is a renowned first-person shooter franchise known for its large-scale multiplayer battles with up to 128 players. The games feature a variety of maps, modes, and customizable weapons and vehicles, providing intense and strategic gameplay.
Apex Legends: Apex Legends is a free-to-play battle royale shooter that has gained immense popularity. It offers squad-based gameplay with unique characters and abilities, allowing players to team up and outplay their opponents to achieve victory.
FIFA Series: The FIFA series is the undisputed leader in football simulation games. It includes online multiplayer modes that allow players to compete against each other in matches, tournaments, and multiplayer seasons, offering a realistic and immersive experience.
Madden NFL Series: Madden NFL is the official video game of the National Football League (NFL). It features online multiplayer modes where players can challenge others in online head-to-head matches or engage in multiplayer leagues and tournaments.
Star Wars Battlefront Series: The Star Wars Battlefront series captures the epic battles and iconic characters from the Star Wars universe. It offers multiplayer modes that allow players to engage in large-scale battles as various factions, utilizing iconic vehicles and characters.

These are just a few of the many multiplayer games developed and published by Electronic Arts. The company continuously strives to create engaging and competitive multiplayer experiences that bring players together to enjoy thrilling and memorable gaming sessions.

Anthem PC Requirements

Minimum:

OS: Windows 7/8.1/10 64-bit (with Updates)
Processor: Intel Core i5 3570 or AMD FX-6350
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 or AMD Radeon 7970
Storage: 50 GB available space
DirectX: Version 11

Recommended:

OS: Windows 10 64-bit
Processor: Intel Core i7-4790 or AMD FX-8350
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 480
Storage: 50 GB available space
DirectX: Version 11

BioWare Star Wars Games

BioWare, a renowned video game developer, has been responsible for creating several highly acclaimed Star Wars titles. Notable games include:

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003): A critically acclaimed RPG set thousands of years before the films, offering a compelling story and memorable characters.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords (2004): A direct sequel to KOTOR, expanding on the lore and introducing new allies and adversaries.
Star Wars: The Old Republic (2011): A massively multiplayer online role-playing game set during the Old Republic era, offering a vast universe to explore and multiple class stories.
Star Wars: The Old Republic – Knights of the Fallen Empire (2015): An expansion that introduced a new story arc, introducing new companions and a choice-driven narrative.
Star Wars: The Old Republic – Knights of the Eternal Throne (2016): A sequel expansion to KOTFE, concluding the storylines and continuing the epic saga.

Anthem Beta Impressions

The Anthem beta provided a glimpse into the upcoming action RPG from BioWare. Impressions from the beta were generally positive, with praise for the game’s visuals, combat system, and co-op gameplay. However, concerns were also raised about the game’s potential for repetition and lack of endgame content.

Visuals: Anthem’s visuals are impressive, with lush environments and detailed character models. The game’s use of Frostbite technology creates a stunning world that is both immersive and believable.

Combat System: The combat system in Anthem is fast-paced and action-packed. Players can use a variety of weapons and abilities to take down enemies, and the game’s verticality allows for creative combat strategies.

Co-op Gameplay: Anthem is designed to be played cooperatively, and the beta showcased the game’s potential for teamwork and synergy. Players can team up to complete missions, defeat bosses, and explore the game’s world.

Repetition: Some players expressed concerns about the potential for repetition in Anthem’s gameplay. The beta featured a limited number of missions, and it remains to be seen whether the full game will offer enough variety to keep players engaged for long periods of time.

Endgame Content: Another concern raised by players was the lack of endgame content in the beta. The beta only featured a few endgame activities, and it is unclear how much additional content will be available in the full game.

Electronic Arts First-Person Shooter Games

Electronic Arts (EA) has a rich history in the development and publishing of first-person shooter (FPS) video games. These games have gained immense popularity and critical acclaim over the years, and continue to be among the best-selling and most-played titles in the industry.

Some notable EA FPS franchises include:

Battlefield: A highly successful series known for its large-scale multiplayer battles with vehicles, helicopters, and infantry combat.
Apex Legends: A free-to-play battle royale game set in the Titanfall universe, featuring team-based combat and unique character abilities.
Medal of Honor: A critically acclaimed series based on real-world military conflicts, known for its immersive and realistic gameplay.
Unreal Tournament: A fast-paced and action-packed series focusing on competitive multiplayer matches and weapon customization.

Anthem Story Spoilers

Anthem’s story follows the Freelancers, elite warriors tasked with protecting humanity from the dangers of a cataclysmic event known as the "Shaper Storm."

Prologue: The story begins with the Freelancers fighting off a horde of Scars, corrupted creatures created by the Shaper Storm.
Chapter 1: The Freelancers are summoned to Fort Tarsis, the last remaining human stronghold. They meet Owen, the Ranger General, and Haluk, the Monitor General.
Chapter 2: The Freelancers investigate a mysterious artifact that could potentially control the Shapers. They encounter the Dominion, a rival faction seeking to control the artifact.
Chapter 3: The Freelancers delve deeper into the artifact’s secrets, uncovering a plot by the Dominion to use it to enslave humanity.
Epilogue: The Freelancers confront the Dominion and the artifact’s true nature. They must make a choice that will shape the future of humanity, either confronting the true threat or succumbing to chaos.

BioWare’s Dragon Age

BioWare’s Dragon Age is a dark fantasy video game series that follows the adventures of characters in the fictional realm of Thedas. Players assume the role of customizable protagonists who embark on epic quests, make difficult choices, and battle fearsome creatures. The series has been praised for its rich storytelling, diverse characters, and complex morality system.

Key features of the Dragon Age series include:

Exploration of a vast and immersive world with sprawling landscapes, ancient ruins, and bustling cities.
A cast of memorable and well-developed characters with distinct personalities and backstories.
A deep and branching narrative where player choices impact the story’s outcome and relationships.
Customizable characters with diverse classes, abilities, and backgrounds.
Epic battles against a variety of enemies, including dragons, demons, and monstrous creatures.

Anthem PC Performance

Anthem’s PC performance is generally good, with most players reporting smooth gameplay at high settings. However, some users have experienced performance issues, such as stuttering, frame drops, and crashes.

The minimum system requirements for Anthem are:

OS: Windows 10 64-bit (1809)
Processor: Intel Core i5-3570 or AMD FX-6350
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 or AMD Radeon HD 7970
DirectX: Version 12
Network: Broadband Internet connection
Storage: 50 GB available space

The recommended system requirements for Anthem are:

OS: Windows 10 64-bit (1809)
Processor: Intel Core i7-4790 or AMD Ryzen 5 1600X
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 480
DirectX: Version 12
Network: Broadband Internet connection
Storage: 50 GB available space

If you are experiencing performance issues with Anthem, there are a few things you can try:

Update your graphics drivers.
Close any unnecessary programs.
Lower your graphics settings.
Enable Vsync.
Reinstall the game.

If you are still having performance issues, you can contact EA Support for help.

Electronic Arts Looter Shooters

Electronic Arts (EA) has developed several looter shooter video games, characterized by their focus on collecting loot while engaging in cooperative or competitive gunplay.

Anthem: Set in a post-apocalyptic world, players control Freelancers equipped with exosuits and explore the ruins of an ancient civilization, gathering loot and battling enemies.
Apex Legends: A free-to-play battle royale game where players form squads of three and fight against other teams to be the last ones standing. Players collect loot and use unique abilities to outmaneuver and defeat their opponents.
Mass Effect: Andromeda: An action RPG that takes place in the Mass Effect universe. Players explore a new galaxy, encountering alien races, and collecting resources and equipment to upgrade their ship and team.