Concord is Fantastic, But It May Have an Uphill Battle Ahead of It

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Concord is Fantastic, But It May Have an Uphill Battle Ahead of It

Highlights

  • Early skepticism of Concord was quickly overturned by its impressive visuals, fast-paced action, and unique character abilities.
  • The game’s polished gameplay and gorgeous maps make it stand out in the crowded hero shooter genre.
  • Concord has the potential to become a beloved multiplayer experience and one of the year’s best games.

As a long-time fan of first-person shooters and someone who has been following the development of Concord since its announcement, I have to say that my experience with the early access beta was absolutely thrilling. The game’s unique art style may not be for everyone, but for me, it added an immediate identity that set Concord apart from other games in the genre.

Initially, when Concord was introduced to the public, it faced strong opposition and disapproval from the gaming world. Some accused it of following popular trends by being a live-service hero shooter game, while others belittled its character designs. I approached Concord‘s early access beta with deep skepticism, but after completing it, I’m eagerly anticipating the open beta this weekend. Surprisingly, my experience with the game has surpassed my initial expectations and made it one of the most enjoyable new releases for me in 2021.

In its early beta stage, Concord stands out with its high level of finish and stunning graphics, a rarity in comparable games. The characters are intricately designed, while the maps take your breath away with their breathtaking beauty. From the undulating green waters of Water Hazard to the radiant crystals of Star Chamber, Concord is a visual feast. Gameplay is smooth and swift, offering fast-paced, pulse-racing battles that distinguish it from the more leisurely paced gameplay in Overwatch 2. Instead, Concord‘s combat feels akin to the intense, action-packed experiences found in games like Call of Duty, Halo, or even Destiny‘s PvP. With its captivating minute-to-minute gameplay, Concord is one of the most exhilarating first-person shooter games in recent memory.

In the beta version of Concord, there are sixteen characters for players to select from in each battle, providing a diverse set of skills. The right combination of these abilities can significantly influence the outcome of any firefight. The game doesn’t necessitate the same level of synchronization as advanced versions of Overwatch 2. However, teams that collaborate and manage their cool-downs effectively tend to win more often. Some skills mirror those in Overwatch 2, such as Kyps’ Disruption Grenade which resembles Sombra’s hacking capability or Star Child’s Rage Rush and Power Slam sequence, reminiscent of Mauga’s Overrun. Yet, there are numerous original concepts as well.

Concord Character Abilities Are a Ton of Fun

I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing Concord’s unique roster during the early access beta. One of Concord’s most remarkable characters is 1-Off, a massive robot that vacuums up enemy projectiles and retaliates with trash grenades. Then there’s Lark, an endearing humanoid mushroom who can deploy pods granting damage resistance and a speed boost to teammates. Lastly, we have the colossal, heavily-armored woman wielding a mini-gun named… I forget her name, but she moves at a snail’s pace, yet bolsters her team with shields and can even sacrifice her plasma shield for a quick armor enhancement.

Firewalk Studios has truly excelled in the mechanics and unique abilities of Concord’s playable characters, even if some may find their designs unpleasant or strange. The game draws clear influences from Guardians of the Galaxy with its eclectic cast of sci-fi beings. However, it’s important to acknowledge that certain character designs within Concord are downright ugly – and for some, unappetizing might even be an understatement. Nonetheless, these outrageous designs contribute significantly to Concord’s distinct personality.

At the Concord early access beta testing phase, we were given the opportunity to explore and experiment with four distinct maps and game modes. These modes included Brawl, a Team Deathmatch; Cargo Run, where players must secure cargo on designated areas while defending against opponents; Clash Point, featuring intense battles for control of a single point on the map; and Trophy Hunt, a mode similar to Kill Confirmed in Concord. I thoroughly enjoyed my time playing on all Concord maps and modes, but I found myself particularly drawn to those under the Rivalry playlist. This more competitive and serious playlist offers a unique experience as players are granted only one life per round, forcing them to think strategically and adapt quickly. Additionally, characters must switch after winning a round, promoting diversity and potentially addressing balance issues without requiring drastic hero adjustments.

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience in Concord’s early access beta and am excitedly counting down the days to the open beta, taking place from July 12 to July 21. This upcoming event will introduce the Bone Mines map and Arena Control game mode, which I can’t wait to explore. However, as much as I’ve appreciated my time with Concord, there are a few enhancements that could significantly elevate the gameplay experience for me.

During the character selection process in “Concord”‘s Rivalry matches, you’re unable to check the scoreboard or modify character customization. The game only allows you to view it during rounds or after a match has ended. Given that character selection can be quite lengthy, having the option to glance at the scoreboard or fine-tune character settings during this period would be beneficial.

Concord is Great, But Could Still Struggle to Find an Audience

If I haven’t expressed any significant issues with the gameplay of Concord so far, there are nonetheless concerns about its potential success. The game’s unique art style has been a turnoff for some players, and pricing it as a $40 live-service title might deter others. The early access beta attracted only around 1,000 PC gamers, which is not an encouraging number. Additionally, the requirement of a PSN account for those playing on PC could negatively impact Concord’s audience, as seen in other similar games. However, for those brave enough to give it a try, Concord may turn out to be a delightful surprise and one of my most eagerly awaited games of the year.

The essence of Concord‘s gameplay is engaging and enjoyable, boasting an impressive visual appeal. On the final night of the beta testing, a brief maintenance halt led us to play Overwatch 2 as an alternative. Despite some current issues with community feedback over mode changes and hero balancing in Overwatch 2, having a change of pace is refreshing. With the scarcity of exceptional hero-shooters beyond Overwatch 2 and Valorant, the full release of Concord could become a top contender in this genre, provided it avoids excessive microtransactions or exploitative monetization. Devotees of multiplayer PvP and hero shooters will find much to appreciate, while those preferring Sony’s focus on large-scale single-player productions may continue to be indifferent.

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2024-07-15 22:24