Microsoft’s E3 presser closed with a first look at the new game from Bioware, Anthem, today. Story continues after the gameplay reveal below.
In Anthem, the Mass Effect studio puts you and your friends in the role of Freelancers- explorers of the post-apocalyptic world in search of adventure and loot. Use exo-suits called Javelins to traverse land, sea and sky as well as fight monsters to be rewarded with more loot and bragging rights. Two of these Javelins were shown off, the Ranger, a more agile suit, and the Colossus, which is basically a mecha. The gameplay trailer above features examples of how the game handles mobility, combat and some of the gorgeous creature animations as well as the game’s frontier-like world.
Combat appears to be standard over-the-person fare- take cover and shoot enemies, using bumper buttons for upgrade abilities (the demo showed off a Mortar cannon). The appeal of this seems to be the Halo-esque openness- you’re free to avoid any unnecessary encounter how you deem fit, be it by diving into the water or simply running past enemies.
The game draws a lot of comparisons to similar games of recent years like Destiny and The Division. It’s important to note that the game’s core gameplay loop can make or break this game, but initial impressions have us excited.
Anthem will release “Early 2018”. Saddle up, boys.
Are you excited for Anthem? Is it just Destiny but Mass Effect? Leave a comment below!