Anthem a game that has been mired in controversy for what seems like years now after it was first announced. Nearly all of it for good reason as it was hot off the tails of the Battlefront 2 lootbox controversy and Mass Effect Andromeda being broken upon release. Anthem was a huge project for the legendary developer and has turned its focus towards Anthem.  And that focus is seemingly is on Anthem because it is a live service game that shows promise. However, the game needs more meat to its bones in order to fully justify that 60 dollar price tag.

Solid Foundation in Gameplay Just Needs More…

Anthem shows its highest promise in its almost “Iron-Man” fantasy with friends game it is trying to sell you on. Between the four classes each varying in abilities; Choose from slicing and dicing melee attacks, to calling down a huge mortar strike on your enemies. This loot shooter feels best when you and your squad are facing off against hordes of enemies. In this game, nothing felt more satisfying working with your team. In regards to using the games combo system by yourself or with your team as ice shards freeze your foes leaving them open to a fiery explosion. Just wish there was more diversity to the missions. The mission structure type is usually a rinse and repeat. First, go to point A, defeat waves of enemies, interact with something and do more fighting then complete mission. Bioware has already announced that they plan to release more content. They will release more content in the endgame allowing for more variety in Anthem.

The World of Anthem Is Pretty To Say The Least

Between running around in Fort Tarsis, flying in free roam mode, conducting a co-op mission with your friends or exploring one of the many dungeon areas, the game is certainly gorgeous. Every aspect of the game from flinging spells at your enemies, to just taking in the sights of a waterfall are a wonderful spectacle.  There were a few moments where I had downtime from having to gather resources for a mission or was in Free-Mode and I could truly stop and take in the gorgeous world of Anthem. Combat is more eye candy as pillars of lighting come crashing down upon groups of enemies or explosions that burst apart foes. The game looks good no matter what settings or platform you happen to pick up Anthem on.

A Bioware Game Equals Well Done Storytelling, Right?

You would think being a Bioware game and their past record of games, Stars Wars The Old Republic series, Dragon Age series, and the Mass Effect series, Bioware would have the storytelling in Anthem be top notch. In fact this is probably my biggest complaint about the game so far. Gone are the complex choices the player has to make regarding the path they are taking, along with the great dialogue and complex villains. Characters are sometimes lacking in terms of voice-acting or just not that interesting in general. Even the main character you play as is not given the option to be less snarky and immature.

As of right now, Anthem is a promising looking skeleton but needs love and a lot of attention from Bioware. It will have to compete with its closest in genre competitor, Destiny.