Links

Amazon

Twitch

CRITIK

Anthem

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Anthem
Item: Anthem
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2019

GenresAdventure, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Open World, RPG, Multiplayer

AvailableFeb 22, 2019

PlatformPC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4

DeveloperBioWare

Overview

Anthem is a shared-world action RPG, where players can delve into a vast landscape teeming with amazing technology and forgotten treasures. This is a world where Freelancers are called upon to defeat savage beasts, ruthless marauders, and forces plotting to conquer humanity.

Elsewhere

5.5

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

66%

Negative (0-49)

31%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Anthem are quite mixed. Some critics, such as Cheat Code Central and Post Arcade, appreciate the game's lore and interesting characters, with Cheat Code Central even praising the large mythology and top-notch voice acting. These positive aspects contribute to a mildly compelling and comprehensible narrative with a sense of history. IGN Italia also acknowledges that the story and dialogue in Anthem can become more interesting and engaging with patience and exploration, appreciating the contribution of BioWare. However, the majority of critics express negative opinions about the story of Anthem. Many critics, including DarkStation, GameSpew, Slant Magazine, TrueAchievements, Guardian, GamesRadar++, GameWatcher, Attack of the Fanboy, The Escapist, New York Daily News, Push Square, Gameplanet, VideoGamer, Gaming Age, GameStar, and Worth Playing, criticize the story for lacking depth, nuance, and meaningful character development. They mention that the plot is generic, convoluted, and confusing, with a lack of compelling hooks and character motivations. The storytelling is often described as disappointing, forgettable, and lacking in world-building. The dialogue choices are also criticized for being superficial and not impactful. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Anthem falls short of expectations. While there are some positive elements, such as the lore and interesting characters, the negative aspects outweigh them. The lack of depth, meaningful character development, and compelling narrative are major criticisms raised by multiple critics, including DarkStation, GameSpew, Slant Magazine, TrueAchievements, Guardian, GamesRadar++, GameWatcher, Attack of the Fanboy, The Escapist, New York Daily News, Push Square, Gameplanet, VideoGamer, Gaming Age, GameStar, and Worth Playing. The story is often described as generic, convoluted, and lacking in world-building. The dialogue choices are also seen as lacking impact. These criticisms indicate that the story of Anthem fails to deliver a satisfying narrative experience, especially in comparison to BioWare's previous games.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on Anthem's story. Some praise its lore and characters, but many criticize it for lacking depth, character development, and a compelling narrative. The majority of critics find the plot generic, convoluted, and forgettable, with disappointing world-building and superficial dialogue choices. Overall, the consensus is that Anthem's story falls short of expectations and fails to deliver a satisfying narrative experience.

Gameplay Mechanics

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

41%

Mixed (50-79)

55%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

Anthem's gameplay received mixed reviews from critics, with both positive and negative aspects highlighted. The positive aspects of the gameplay include the flying mechanics and combat abilities of the Javelin suits. Critics such as Gaming Nexus, TrueAchievements, and TheSixthAxis praised the flying mechanics, describing them as innovative and enjoyable. The sense of power and the thrill of flying in the Javelin suits were also mentioned as standout features by critics like Post Arcade and New York Daily News. The combat itself was generally well-received, with critics like Attack of the Fanboy and GameStar appreciating the unique abilities and combo system available for each Javelin suit. The tight and precise gunplay, as mentioned by Gaming Age and Destructoid, added to the overall enjoyment of the combat experience. However, there were several negative aspects of the gameplay that critics pointed out. Repetitiveness was a common criticism, with critics like DarkStation, GameSpew, Cheat Code Central, and Easy Allies mentioning the repetitive nature of missions and combat encounters. The lack of mission variety and minimal content were also mentioned by critics such as GameWatcher and The Escapist. Some critics, like Slant Magazine and Push Square, criticized the gameplay loops and mechanics for being banal, lacking innovation, and feeling half-baked or poorly implemented. The lack of enemy variety and tactical nuance in combat, as noted by VideoGamer, also contributed to the negative sentiment towards the gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Anthem's gameplay has its strengths and weaknesses. The flying mechanics and combat abilities of the Javelin suits were generally praised, with critics appreciating the sense of power and enjoyment they provided. However, the repetitive nature of missions and combat encounters, along with the lack of variety and innovation in gameplay loops and mechanics, were significant drawbacks. The mixed opinions on the gameplay of Anthem highlight the game's potential and standout features, but also point out areas where improvements could have been made to enhance the overall gameplay experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Anthem's gameplay received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for the flying mechanics and combat abilities of the Javelin suits, highlighting innovation and enjoyment. However, criticisms included repetitiveness in missions and combat encounters, lack of variety, and perceived shortcomings in gameplay loops and mechanics. While some lauded the sense of power and tight gunplay, others found the lack of enemy variety and tactical depth disappointing. Overall, critics acknowledged both strengths and weaknesses in Anthem's gameplay, emphasizing potential standout features alongside areas for improvement.

Graphics and Visual Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

76%

Mixed (50-79)

24%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Anthem are largely positive. Many critics praised the game's visuals, with several describing them as stunning, impressive, and beautiful. The environments in Anthem were particularly highlighted, with critics mentioning lush forests, sparkling waterfalls, and visually appealing alien planets. The graphics were commended for being cutting edge, realistic, and beyond anything seen in the current generation of video games. The Javelin mech suits were also mentioned as visually detailed and appealing. Critics such as Guardian, Gameplanet, and Gaming Age specifically mentioned the impressive graphics and visual design as strong points of the game. However, there were also some negative opinions regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Anthem. Some critics mentioned that while the game had visually stunning environments, the open world felt empty and lacking in life. The terrain was sometimes blocked behind loading screens, which was considered annoying by GameWatcher and The Escapist. CGMagazine mentioned that the world lacked a sense of identity and life, with only one biome to explore at release. Push Square and The Escapist also mentioned that the open world map felt empty and boring. Overall, the majority of the critics had positive opinions about the Graphics and Visual Design of Anthem. The stunning visuals, beautiful environments, and impressive graphics were consistently praised by multiple critics. The detailed Javelin mech suits, vibrant landscapes, and dynamic weather effects were also mentioned as contributing to the visual appeal of the game. While there were some criticisms about the open world feeling empty and lacking in variety, the overall consensus among the critics was that Anthem delivered on its visual design and graphics, making it a visually impressive and appealing game.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics mostly love Anthem's graphics and visual design, praising stunning environments and detailed Javelin suits as impressive and beautiful. However, some critics find the open world lacking in life and variety, feeling empty and boring. Overall, while there are criticisms, most agree that Anthem delivers cutting-edge visuals and graphics that make it visually impressive and appealing.

Music and Sound Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

29%

Mixed (50-79)

57%

Negative (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Anthem are varied. Several critics praised the voice acting in the game, with DarkStation stating that it is often great and Cheat Code Central mentioning the convincing voice acting and pleasant celebrity voice actors. The Washington Post also commended the exuberant voice acting and the little quirks of the characters. These positive reviews indicate that Anthem has a strong voice acting performance, which adds depth and immersion to the game. However, there are also negative opinions regarding the Sound Design and Music of Anthem. Gaming Age expressed disappointment in the sound design, specifically mentioning distracting dialogue in missions and frequent audio dropouts. Slant Magazine criticized the game for the sound and fury of special abilities drowning out voice acting and subtitles. These negative reviews suggest that there are issues with the balance between sound effects and dialogue, which can detract from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed regarding the Sound Design and Music of Anthem. While there are positive remarks about the voice acting, such as it being great and exuberant, there are also negative comments about the sound design, including audio glitches, distracting dialogue, and audio dropouts. However, PlayStation Universe does mention that the sound effects are spatial and crisp, and the soundtrack compliments the game's pace. This indicates that there are some elements of the sound design and music that are well-executed and enhance the gameplay experience. Ultimately, it seems that Anthem's Sound Design and Music have both strengths and weaknesses, resulting in a mixed reception among the critics.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed opinions on Anthem's Sound Design and Music. Positive reviews highlight strong voice acting that adds depth to the game, while negative feedback points out issues like distracting dialogue and audio dropouts. Some praise the spatial sound effects and soundtrack, but overall, the game's sound design has both strengths and weaknesses, leading to a varied reception.

Voice Acting

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

62%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Anthem are quite varied. Some critics, such as DarkStation and Cheat Code Central, praise the voice acting, describing it as great and topnotch, respectively. They highlight convincing performances from the main protagonists and celebrity voice actors. Additionally, Post Arcade commends Sarah Elmaleh for her terrific voice acting as the female voice for the player's character. These positive reviews suggest that the voice acting in Anthem is of high quality and adds to the overall experience. On the other hand, there are critics who express some negative aspects of the voice acting. GameSpew mentions that while the voice acting is of good quality, they feel that the characters and story feel disconnected from the gameplay. IGN also points out that while the cast of characters is generally charming and well-acted, the optional conversations are tonally out of sync with the main storylines. This suggests that there might be inconsistencies or mismatches in the voice acting that detract from the overall immersion and cohesion of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics seems to be mixed. While there are positive reviews praising the voice acting, there are also negative reviews highlighting certain flaws. Slant Magazine mentions that the voice acting is overshadowed by the sound and fury of special abilities, indicating that it may not receive as much attention or appreciation as other aspects of the game. Washington Post, however, states that the voice acting is exuberant and adds to the solo player experience, implying that it enhances the immersion and enjoyment of playing alone. The varied opinions suggest that while the voice acting in Anthem has its strengths, there are also areas where it falls short or could be improved. In conclusion, the voice acting in Anthem receives both positive and negative feedback from the critics. While some praise the quality and performances of the voice actors, others point out inconsistencies or disconnects with the gameplay and story. The overall consensus is that while the voice acting has its merits, there are also areas that could be improved upon. It is important to note that individual preferences and interpretations may vary, so players may have different experiences and opinions regarding the voice acting in Anthem.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Anthem. Some praise the quality and performances, while others note inconsistencies and disconnects with the gameplay and story. Positive reviews highlight convincing performances, while negative feedback mentions tonal mismatches. Overall, the voice acting in Anthem has strengths but also room for improvement, with varied opinions reflecting the diverse experiences players may have.

Technical Performance

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

42%

Negative (0-49)

58%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on PC, there are a few positive aspects highlighted by some critics. DarkStation mentions the action in Anthem being drained by endless loading screens, indicating that the game does have engaging gameplay. GameWatcher also notes that the game runs well on their system, with occasional slowdowns and loading times. These positive aspects suggest that when the game is running smoothly, it can provide an enjoyable experience on PC. However, the majority of critics point out several negative aspects of Anthem's technical performance on PC. GameSpew encountered bugs and audio issues that required game restarts, while GamesRadar++ mentions the game being riddled with bugs, server errors, and loading screens. IGN adds that the game has numerous bugs, crashes, and disconnects, with some not addressed by the first patch. Gaming Age highlights frequent bugs such as audio dropouts, character breaking, enemies failing to load, and broken load screens, which are described as unstable and immersion-breaking. These negative experiences indicate that the technical performance on PC is plagued by various issues that hinder the gameplay experience. Moving on to Xbox One, TrueAchievements and Cheat Code Central both mention long and frequent load times, which can break up the flow of gameplay. The Washington Post notes flaws in the game that need to be patched, which hobbles the overall experience. These criticisms suggest that the technical performance on Xbox One is also marred by long loading times and other issues that affect the gameplay. For PlayStation 4, The Escapist mentions frequent loading screens, a disorganized interface, and constant server disconnections, indicating technical issues. VideoGamer also highlights obnoxious loading screens and instances of being booted off the servers, further emphasizing technical problems on this platform. Easy Allies adds that Anthem has technical concerns such as crashes, server connection issues, spawning and mission cue problems, glitches, and long loading times. These negative experiences on PlayStation 4 suggest that the technical performance is problematic and can negatively impact the gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Anthem's technical performance is lacking across all gaming platforms. The game is plagued by bugs, glitches, long loading times, server errors, and other technical issues that hinder the gameplay experience. Critics such as Gameplanet and Gaming Age mention poor design decisions and immersion-breaking experiences, further indicating the negative impact of the technical performance. While there are a few positive aspects mentioned by some critics, the overwhelming sentiment is that Anthem's technical performance falls short of expectations.

TL;DR

technical performance

Anthem's technical performance falls short on all platforms, plagued by bugs, long loading times, and server errors. Critics highlight immersion-breaking experiences and poor design decisions, outweighing any positive aspects. Overall, the consensus is that technical issues hinder the gameplay experience across PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.

Replay Value

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

78%

Negative (0-49)

22%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Anthem are quite varied. Some critics, such as Gaming Nexus and TrueAchievements, find that the game offers incentives for replayability through bigger rewards and natural progression. The completion of achievements and the potential for expansion in the endgame, as mentioned by TrueAchievements and Cheat Code Central respectively, also contribute to the positive aspects of replay value. Additionally, the daily, weekly, and monthly challenges mentioned by the Washington Post provide a reason for players to engage with the game over an extended period of time. However, there are several negative aspects mentioned by critics that impact the replay value of Anthem. The lack of variety in goals and objectives, as pointed out by DarkStation, and the limited replay value beyond filler content and rep points, as mentioned by GameSpew, hinder the excitement and longevity of the game. Slant Magazine and GamesRadar++ both criticize the lack of compelling reasons to replay the game due to the lack of narrative and mechanical depth, while IGN and Push Square highlight the frustrating grind for loot and the bare-bones loot system respectively. The repetition and lack of variety mentioned by Worth Playing further diminish the replayability of Anthem. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Anthem falls short in terms of replay value. While there are some positive aspects, such as the potential for expansion and natural progression, the negative aspects, such as the lack of variety, frustrating grind, and limited content, outweigh the positives. Critics like Easy Allies and Gaming Age express disappointment with the endgame loop, despite improvements to the loot system, and suggest that additional modes or more diverse progression systems could enhance the replayability of the game. The general sentiment is that Anthem may not be recommended over other games in the genre due to its repetitive nature and lack of variety.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed opinions on Anthem's replay value. Some praise its incentives like bigger rewards and challenges, while others criticize its lack of variety and repetitive nature. Overall, Anthem falls short in replayability due to limited content, frustrating grind for loot, and lack of compelling reasons to keep playing. Despite some positive aspects, the consensus is that Anthem may not be the top choice for players looking for a game with lasting appeal.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

84%

Negative (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Anthem, the highly anticipated video game developed by BioWare, has received mixed reviews from critics. While some reviewers acknowledge the potential of the game and appreciate certain aspects such as the gameplay and world design, others express disappointment with its lackluster story, repetitive missions, technical issues, and overall lack of polish. Several critics, such as Gaming Nexus, GameSpew, and IGN Italia, highlight the enjoyable gameplay experience offered by Anthem. They praise the solid combat mechanics and the contribution of BioWare in creating a narrative shooter with RPG elements. These critics also mention the potential for improvement through future patch updates, indicating that there are redeeming qualities within the game that can be built upon. However, the negative aspects of Anthem are also emphasized by a significant number of critics. DarkStation, Cheat Code Central, and The Escapist all criticize the game for its lack of originality, uninspired progression system, and tedious gameplay elements. The repetitive quests, lack of meaningful decisions, and technical issues are also mentioned by IGN and Gaming Age as major flaws that hinder the overall experience of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Anthem falls short of its potential. While some reviewers see promise in the game's foundation and hope for future improvements, others suggest waiting for updates and more content before fully recommending it. The lackluster story, repetitive gameplay, and technical issues are recurring criticisms that prevent Anthem from being considered a great game. The mixed opinions indicate that Anthem has divided the gaming community, with some finding enjoyment in its gameplay mechanics, while others are left disappointed by its flaws.

TL;DR

Anthem, the highly anticipated game by BioWare, has received mixed reviews. Critics praise its gameplay and world design but criticize its lackluster story, repetitive missions, and technical issues. Some see potential for improvement, while others highlight its lack of originality and tedious elements. Overall, Anthem falls short of expectations, with divided opinions on its strengths and weaknesses.

CRITIK

Reviews

218 reviews found

IGN Italia

Mar 1, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Anthem is a game with solid and enjoyable gameplay, although it has some less convincing aspects. The contribution of BioWare can be seen and appreciated. It offers a narrative shooter experience with RPG elements. The game's structure can be repetitive, but it still has its moments. Patch updates may improve some of the less convincing aspects.

Read full review

PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 4

Feb 26, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer loves Anthem despite its flaws and hopes that BioWare and gamers will stick with it.

Read full review

Destructoid

Feb 19, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Anthem isn't changing the way the genre operates, but it is fun to play. BioWare will need to build quickly on top of its foundation to hold people's interest. Recommended for those looking for a new neighborhood to move into.

Read full review

Twinfinite

Feb 22, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Anthem has a strong foundation with potential to be a genre leader, but it falls short at launch due to lackluster story, repetitive gameplay, and a need for more variety in the endgame.

Read full review

Attack of the Fanboy

Xbox One

Feb 26, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Anthem has potential to be a better game with updates, but currently falls short due to a lack of diversity and uninspired progression system.

Read full review

CGMagazine

Feb 19, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer recommends waiting for the game to develop more content and events before fully recommending it.

Read full review

Gaming Nexus

PlayStation 4

Mar 7, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game falls short of being a story-focused game with complex, character-driven narrative. It is a fairly empty playground where players can collect things to upgrade their suit and shoot enemies to level up. The writing hasn't motivated any interest in the reviewer.

Read full review

Game Informer

Xbox One

Feb 26, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Anthem frustrates because you can see the greatness within it, but it's always just out of reach.

Read full review

Worth Playing

Mar 4, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Anthem has the potential to be a very fun shooter, especially when playing with friends. However, the game feels far from the polished content for which Bioware is known. It's difficult to recommend it over other games in the genre.

Read full review

GameStar

Feb 21, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Anthem disappoints in many aspects but has potential to appeal to fans in the long run. The gameplay is the strongest aspect, while the story and replayability are lacking.

Read full review