BioWareâs upcoming action RPG, Anthem, seeks to restore the developerâs reputation after Mass Effect Andromedaâs mediocrity. As Freelancers, players are tasked with exploring Fort Tarsisâ surrounding environments via customizable exosuits called Javelins. These open world areas are supposedly riddled with savage beasts and lost ruins to keep players invested, regardless if theyâre playing solo or experiencing Anthem with a group of friends. Though the game holds a lot of promise, there are a few reasons why fans should keep their expectations in check.
Reasons to worry about Anthem | Absence of PVP
The absence of a player-versus-player (PVP) mode in Anthem is surprising, considering how most popular titles today feature some spin on Team Deathmatch or the battle royale genre. The gameâs executive producer confirmed that the option would not be available at launch in June 2018. This past January, however, producer Scylla Costa stated that the inclusion of PVP depends on the communityâs feedback. It seems as though BioWare itself is a bit unsure if PVP will be the right fit.
Though the studio deserves merit for sticking with its original vision, the lack of player-versus-player firefights may disinterest fans that are accustomed to sprawling battlefields. Seeing as how Anthem touts itself as a multiplayer-centric experience, it seems odd that it limits itself solely to cooperative missions. Users may not stick with the title long after its release, as there are few competitive elements to keep them invested. These fans may play Apex Legends instead, and EA could cannibalize its product offerings for the second time in recent memory.
Reasons to worry about Anthem | Destiny and Warframe similarities
Since Anthemâs official reveal in 2017, many fans have pointed out the gameâs similarities to other popular third-person shooters on the market. The most obvious is Bungieâs Destiny, as the two properties share class-based structures that include mage, tank, and support roles. A lot of emphasis is also placed on player-versus-environment (PVE) experiences in each title, specifically in the form of enemy wave onslaughts.
Though the likenesses donât end there, Anthem may benefit from its similarities to Destiny now that Bungieâs franchise is in-between major releases. After all, Destiny players on the lookout for something new may find BioWareâs title to be right up their alley. On the other hand, video game fans who are disinterested in Destiny may dismiss Anthem without giving it a proper chance.
Arguably, a bigger threat lies in Digital Extremesâ Warframe, the likes of which still boasts an impressive player base nearly six years after its debut. Users who are curious about the loot shooter genre may prefer to try this free-to-play title rather than purchase something they may not even like for $60. Free is a hard option to pass by on, especially when the situation comes down to two games revolving around the same gameplay premise.
Reasons to worry about Anthem | EA is publishing it
After poor sales of Battlefield 5, EA is looking to establish a revenue source that will consistently pay its bills going forward. Itâs obvious that both EA and BioWare are hoping that Anthem will mark the start of a new, profitable franchise. The latter has said that the game could be part of a 10-year journey if all goes well.
If all doesnât go exactly as planned and players donât flock to the game, trouble may lie ahead. EA doesnât have the best reputation when it comes to keeping studios open, and BioWare may be on thin ice if Anthem ends up being a commercial failure. Of course, itâs unlikely that the studio will shutter immediately, as the company has already announced another Dragon Age game to be in development. BioWareâs closure will be more plausible if this title doesnât do well, as itâll mark the developerâs third consecutive failure within a few short years.
On a similar note, EA isnât well known for its excellent public relations team either. The publisher and BioWare should communicate among themselves before attempting to pacify any heated situations that may arise. It goes without saying that none of the parties would like to be reminded of the controversy surrounding Star Wars Battlefront 2.
Reasons to worry about Anthem | Microtransactions
Fans whoâve played Anthemâs open beta have already reported ridiculous prices for skins, emotes, and other cosmetic items. Though BioWare has stated that these numbers are not final, many are worried that the game will charge hefty premiums for innocuous materials that could be offered for little or no money. A controversy could arise thatâs similar in vein to that involving Star Wars Battlefront 2, which incentivised players to spend more of their real-life money at release with low open rates for rare items. Itâs unlikely that any debate that arises from Anthem will draw the same level of ire, however, as thereâll be no loot boxes this time around.
Perhaps EA and BioWare have learned enough from the past to not repeat the same mistakes going forward. It remains to be seen how drastically these early prices will change once the final version of Anthem is released. Though thereâs probably DLC planned in the form of story expansions or new features, BioWareâs treatment of additional content in the past has usually been fair. Should the studio ever want to introduce a PVP mode, for instance, itâs likely that it will offer it to fans for free.
Of course, the reasons above shouldnât completely deter fans from anticipating BioWareâs latest release. The studioâs pedigree alone warrants attention, as this is the company that crafted critical and commercial hits like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Jade Empire, and the Mass Effect trilogy. Anthem could prove to be a breath of fresh air in a market oversaturated with battle royale games. Ultimately, fans will have to wait to discover whether or not the title defies the cynicism leveled at it so far. If all turns out well, itâll surpass naysayer expectations.
