You may have been fortunate enough to have had a taste of Anthem during its Beta a few weeks ago, but now it is here to enjoy in all its glory – for EA Access members at least.
The mightily anticipated looter-shooter from the minds of Bioware, Anthem, is now available to all subscribers to EA Access, EA’s ‘access all areas’ type deal on Xbox One and PC, for a total of 10 hours. All your progress that you make in these ten hours will carry over if you wish to purchase the game when it releases to all on Friday 22nd February – so get that game time in now!
But what is Anthem? Well, to put an extremely long story short, Anthem takes place in a futuristic, untapped world that is being slowly corrupted by an evil faction – it is in typical video-game fashion that it falls upon you and your merry band of exo-suit toting friends to put this terrifying threat down for good. The main way you seem to go about this is to venture out into the hugely expansive game-world and take on all manner of quests on the search for one thing – loot!
Almost everything you kill, open up or break apart will spurt out some form of usable loot, from new weapons to additional skills for your Javelin, the customisable exoskeleton that you will do your flying, shooting and general traversal in. Much like looter-shooters of recent times (Destiny obviously springs to mind), aside from the story your primary goal is to take down swathes of enemies and powerful bosses, constantly level up,and acquire more powerful weapons until you become an omnipotent force to be reckoned with during the ‘endgame’.
But of course more fun is to be had with friends, and while each mission can be completed as the solo player, Anthem should really be played with a group of mates to provide support, or indeed a band of randoms if necessary. Combining together the skills of each Javelin can result in some pretty spectacular and decestating moves! Also on the online side of things are in-world event that happen occasionally across the game world which, you guessed it, offer up yet another chance to get those grubby mits on some flashy gear.
Anthem is, and has been for a while, shaping up to be the ultimate in loot-em-ups, all whilst still being a more than decent third-person shooter in its own right. For EA Access members the full game is now available to download and play for 10 hours, however for everyone else, including those on PS4, Friday the 22nd Feb will be the day you can get in on the action. It is on this day which Anthem will launch at £53.99 for EA Access members, and £59.99 for other Xbox players or, if you want the added skins, weapons and digital soundtrack that come with the Legion of Dawn Edition then that will cost you £71.99 for EA Access users and £79.99 normally. Oh, and if you make a pre-order of either the Standard or Legion of Dawn Edition before launch on the 22nd February there will be some pre-order cosmetic and weapon goodies waiting for you. Is that it? Yes? Good!
It’s finally time to see what all the hype was all about – maybe we will see you out on the battlefields!
Game Description:
On a world left unfinished by the gods, a shadowy faction threatens all of humankind. The only thing that stands between these villains and the ancient technology they covet are the Freelancers. Join with up to three other players and assemble high-tech, hand-crafted, uniquely powerful suits of armor. Explore vast ruins, battle deadly enemies, and claim otherworldly artifacts. With every mission, you and your Javelin grow in power. Fight the dangers of an ever-changing world. Rise united to defeat evil. Triumph as one. Anthem™ invites you to experience a co-operative Action-RPG set in a new and mysterious world from BioWare™ and EA. KEY FEATURES Individual heroes unite to triumph as one: The heart of Anthem is a connected, social experience. Join with up to three other players in cooperative adventures that reward both teamwork and individual skill. Each player’s choice of Javelin exosuit will shape their contribution and strategic role on the team. Set out together on an expedition, or drop a contract to call in friends to assist with difficult challenges. As you explore, you will discover a gripping story filled with unique and memorable characters. Seamless and intelligent matchmaking will ensure you can quickly and easily find other players to adventure alongside. Choose from an arsenal of customizable exosuits: Every time you enter the world as a Freelancer, you will access your collection and select a powerful Javelin exosuit – armor designed to provide its pilot with incredible offensive and defensive capabilities. Use massive weaponry and devastating powers. Shrug off blows that would shatter bones. Move at incredible speed, rocket across the skies, or safely roam watery depths. As you play, you will constantly progress both your own abilities as a Javelin pilot and the combat and traversal capabilities of your exosuits. Personalize your Javelins to showcase your accomplishments: As you rank up and defeat powerful foes, you’ll gather loot and complete milestones in the game, unlocking amazing personalization options that turn your Javelins into visual testaments to your ability and achievement. Explore an ever-changing world of danger and mystery: Powered by Frostbite, Anthem’s visually spectacular, evolving, and open world features unpredictable conditions, hazards, and enemies. As a live service experience, Anthem will change and grow over time – introducing new stories, challenges, and events. This world is both beautiful and deadly – and will strategically challenge you with each new expedition you embark on with your Freelancer team.
