After the groundbreaking success of Helldivers, Sony placed a sizeable bet on their new title Concord. What was envisioned as another triumph has now, unfortunately, earned the notorious label of being the biggest flop of 2024. This is rather disheartening since the game itself is quite commendable. The gaming industry has seen several notable entries such as Avengers and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League falter and lose their initial spark by venturing into the Games as a Service (GaaS) model. Concord, while caught in this difficult market, possesses several strengths that distinguish it. Nevertheless, we advise prospective players to withhold their purchases for now, as it is probable that Concord may soon transition to a Free-to-Play model.
At its core, Concord emanates a familiar charm akin to Guardians of the Galaxy, offering a mix of ’80s nostalgia and futuristic aesthetics. The crew members, while distinct, bear a striking resemblance to popular characters like Dax, Starlord, and even shades of Dr. Strange. The storyline and overall setup are captivating yet somewhat perplexing. It narrates the adventures of a ragtag group of misfits who find themselves inducted into the elite FreeGunners faction. Here, they engage in chaotic firefights against other crews, with the plot unfurling across episodic content.
One of the game’s standout features is its top-notch voice acting and character performances, which immediately immerse players in its vibrant universe. The motivations behind each character and their designs are well-thought-out, though the initial episode leaves much to be desired in terms of clear story progression. The intriguing question that arises early on is why these otherwise charismatic characters are compelled to shoot each other. A potentially more engaging premise might have been a scenario akin to One Piece, where crews battle over specific objectives or bounties, similar to the cooperative mission structure found in Helldivers.
However, the existing game modes follow a predictable pattern: traditional shootouts, card collection, and capture-the-flag scenarios.
. Concord attempts to replicate the success of team shooters like Overwatch and Valorant but falls short in making its missions feel integral to the overarching story. Instead, players are left with the impression that these characters are engaged in combat without substantial narrative justification.
Setting aside the inconsistencies in world-building, the gameplay itself is exceptionally fun, particularly when experimenting with different characters. The game boasts a fresh character design and impressive balancing. For instance, Haymar, who wields fire magic, performs unpredictable high-damage moves that can also backfire. Lark, an alien with spore-based attacks, excels in creating unique sentries, while Roka uses a jetpack and rocket launcher for devastating aerial assaults. These examples showcase Concord’s strength in tactical variety and battlefield strategy inherent in its diverse character roster.
The level design also deserves commendation, featuring detailed environments with corridor placements and specific areas that enhance the utility of characters with vertical abilities. Visually, the game is a treat, brimming with personality, color, and that unmistakable Guardians of the Galaxy-inspired flair. Additionally, Concord runs smoothly, which is vital for a enjoyable gaming experience. Yet, despite these strengths, the game’s player base remains worryingly low, with roughly 900 concurrent players on Steam—a troubling figure for a multiplayer service game where an active, robust player base is essential.
Given the precarious state of Concord’s player engagement, it seems highly likely that developers may pivot to a Free-to-Play model to attract more users. The current price tag of $40 stands as a significant investment, particularly when weighed against numerous superior multiplayer alternatives available—many of which, such as Valorant, are offered at no cost.
If you find yourself intrigued by what Concord has to offer, the best course of action would be to exercise patience. Waiting for a potential shift to a Free-to-Play model could provide a more accurate taste of the game’s longevity and player base sustainability, without the initial financial commitment. For now, while Concord showcases a great deal of promise and enjoyable gameplay, it’s advisable to watch and see how the situation evolves.
– The Hindu MetroPlus
