Concord, developed by Firewalk Studios, is a 5v5 team-based first-person hero shooter that recently launched on PS5 and PC on August 24, 2024. This game, reminiscent of Overwatch 2, features unique characters, each equipped with their own abilities and weapons. After spending some time with Concord, here’s my take on this long-awaited but somewhat underwhelming entry into the hero shooter genre.

Story and Setting

Concord is set in a vast sci-fi universe, focusing on a group known as the “Free Soldiers,” interstellar mercenaries who take on high-risk missions across the galaxy. Each character comes with a rich backstory, giving depth to the game’s narrative.

The game kicks off with an opening cinematic featuring the five crew members of the Polaris—Lennox, Haymar, Star Child, 1-Off, and Vale—on a mission in Crater City. They’re chased by a mysterious organization while trying to retrieve a robotic device named “Blue Buddy.” Although they temporarily lose “Blue Buddy,” they eventually succeed in recovering it and return safely to the Polaris.

One of the game’s highlights is the Galactic Guide, a feature that lets players dive deep into the game’s lore. For a sci-fi enthusiast like me, the detailed world-building, such as the history of planets like “Silo,” was a nice touch and showed the developers’ dedication to crafting a believable universe.

Gameplay

When it comes to gameplay, Concord feels slower-paced compared to modern shooters like Apex Legends or Overwatch. It leans more towards the strategic and precise combat seen in games like Destiny. Each character in the game has the ability to dodge or double jump, adding tactical depth to the battles.

The game’s 5v5 format allows players to choose from 16 distinct heroes, each with their own set of skills designed to cater to different playstyles. For instance, “Roka” wields a powerful missile launcher and boasts impressive mobility with her triple jump, while “Emari” serves as a defensive character, moving slowly but capable of deploying shields on the battlefield.

However, during my time with the game, I noticed that the roles of characters—whether DPS, support, or tank—didn’t feel as impactful as they should. The healing abilities seemed underwhelming, as the abundance of healing points on the map made it easy for characters to get killed. Tanks also felt less useful due to their slower movement speed.

Most players gravitated towards DPS characters, which appeared to be the most effective choice. Despite some attempts to innovate, such as FragPunk‘s “Shard Cards System,” Concord lacks a distinctive edge that sets it apart from other hero shooters on the market.

Game Modes

Concord offers three main game modes: Brawl, Overrun, and Rivalry. For players looking to sharpen their skills, the game also includes three training modes: Practice Range, Training, and Time Trials.

• Brawl: A fast-paced respawn mode similar to traditional deathmatch. Teams of five face off, with the goal of reaching a set score first. This mode is great for players who want to have fun, experiment with different hero abilities, and compete against players from around the globe.
• Overrun: This mode requires players to capture and defend objectives on the map, much like a classic capture-the-flag mode. There are three objectives on the map, and the more objectives your team controls, the faster your team scores. The first team to reach the target score wins.
• Rivalry: A high-stakes mode where players compete without the chance to respawn. Similar to capture-the-flag but with only one objective, players must win the most rounds out of four to claim victory.

Characters and Visuals

While Concord‘s variety of modes offers a broad range of gameplay experiences, its character design is perhaps its biggest letdown. Each character feels lacking in charisma, and their designs fail to capture the imagination. The developers aimed for “uniqueness” in character design, but the result is characters that come across as bland and somewhat odd.

Take “Roka” for example—she’s a highly mobile character with a triple jump, yet her primary weapon is a high-speed rocket launcher. This combination feels mismatched and a bit illogical. If you’re a fan of anime-style characters, you might find Concord‘s roster underwhelming.

Despite the shortcomings in character design, Concord excels in visual presentation. The graphics are smooth and fluid, both in cutscenes and gameplay. The UI is clean and well-optimized, and the map designs are appealing, with a space-themed aesthetic that’s both engaging and fun to explore.

Conclusion

Concord is a mixed bag. While the game shines in terms of visuals and world-building, it falters in gameplay and character design. The slow pace and lack of distinct roles make it hard for Concord to stand out in the crowded hero shooter market. If you’re a die-hard fan of the genre, you might find some enjoyment here, but for most players, Concord is likely to be a forgettable experience.

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