Can You Still Play Anthem? A Deep Dive

by Jhon Lennon 39 views

Hey guys, let's talk about Anthem. Remember that game? It launched with a ton of hype, promising a shared-world action RPG experience with awesome exosuits. The gameplay was genuinely fun, zipping around in those Javelins felt fantastic, and the world looked beautiful. But, as we all know, things didn't exactly go according to plan. So, the big question is: can you still play Anthem? And if so, what's the deal?

Well, buckle up because the answer is a bit complicated. Anthem officially launched in February 2019, and the community was buzzing with excitement. You were able to team up with friends, blast through missions, and customize your Javelin exosuits. The game was initially praised for its stunning visuals and exhilarating flight mechanics. The combat was also pretty unique, offering a blend of ranged and melee attacks, and the different Javelin classes provided diverse playstyles. However, Anthem was also quickly plagued by issues, ranging from technical glitches and repetitive content to a lack of endgame activities and a frustrating loot system. The story, while promising, failed to resonate with many players, and the overall experience felt incomplete. The developers at BioWare, the studio behind the game, tried to address these problems with updates and patches, but the fixes were often too late, and the damage was already done. Eventually, support for Anthem was significantly scaled back, leading many to believe the game was dead and buried. Despite all of this, the servers are still up, and the game is technically still playable. You can still log in, create a character, and experience the core gameplay loop. However, it's essential to understand the current state of the game, including the limited content and lack of ongoing support. If you're a returning player or a curious newcomer, you will find a playable game, but it won't be the same experience that was originally promised.

Now, let's dig a bit deeper into what you can expect if you jump back into Anthem today. While the experience won't be as robust as it was at launch, the core gameplay loop is still there. You can create a character, choose a Javelin class, and begin your journey through the world of Bastion. The game features various missions and activities, including story-driven quests, free play exploration, and strongholds. These activities allow you to earn experience points, level up your character, and collect loot. The flight mechanics are still one of the best parts of the game. Soaring through the environments in your Javelin feels incredibly satisfying, and the combat is pretty engaging. Although, there have been no new updates or content added to the game since the final update that was rolled out, there are still a lot of players playing the game. The community is still quite active, so you will be able to find some people to play with. But don't expect the same level of support or the frequent content updates that you'd find in other live-service games. Anthem’s development was canceled back in February 2021, meaning no new content or major updates. So, what you get is what you see. You will find that Anthem might be a good experience for you if you're not expecting a constantly evolving live service game. So, if you're a new player, go into the game, explore and take your time to enjoy the game. However, if you were expecting a game that has a lot to offer, this game may not be for you, but it's still worth playing for a few hours. The game is still playable, and the core gameplay is still pretty fun. The lack of new content and ongoing support is a huge drawback, but the existing content still provides a decent experience. If you're looking for a quick dose of exhilarating gameplay and stunning visuals, Anthem might still be worth checking out.

The Current State of Anthem: What to Expect

Okay, so Anthem is still playable, but what does that actually mean? Here's the lowdown on what you can expect if you decide to jump in now:

  • Limited Content: The game has the original content that was available when it launched. There have been no new story missions, strongholds, or any additional activities added since the last updates. So, it's not like there is a lot of content, and you will find that you can replay the same missions. This might become repetitive, depending on how much time you spend playing it.
  • No New Updates: BioWare officially ended development on Anthem back in 2021. There will be no new patches, bug fixes, or quality-of-life improvements. So, the game is what it is, and you won't get any new additions to the game.
  • Active Community (but smaller): The Anthem community is still around, even though it's much smaller than it was at launch. You can still find players online, especially during peak hours. You might have to rely on communities outside the game to team up for missions.
  • Server Stability: The servers are still up and running. This means you can log in, play the game, and interact with other players without too many issues.
  • No Microtransactions: You can't buy cosmetics or other items with real money anymore. This is not a big deal since you don't need to purchase things to enjoy the game. But this can be a downside for others. The good thing is that the items have become accessible through the game.

So, if you're going in, keep these points in mind. It's not a bustling, constantly evolving live-service game like some others. You're getting the original, complete experience – for better or worse. So go in with the right expectations, and you might still find something to enjoy.

The Good, the Bad, and the Exosuits

Let's break down the pros and cons of playing Anthem in its current state. Guys, this is how it is, so if you're considering jumping in, here's what you need to consider.

The Good:

  • Amazing Gameplay: The core gameplay is still a blast. The flight mechanics are second to none. Zipping around in your Javelin, taking on enemies, and the combat is all pretty fun.
  • Visually Stunning: Anthem is a beautiful game. The environments are gorgeous, and the Javelins look incredible. The game looks great, even today.
  • Unique Concept: The idea of a shared-world action RPG with exosuits was unique and exciting. No other game offers the same experience.

The Bad:

  • Lack of Content: There's not a lot to do. You'll likely run out of things to do after a while.
  • No Support: There are no new updates, fixes, or content. What you see is what you get, and what you get is a game from 2019.
  • Repetitive Missions: You'll be playing the same missions over and over again. This can get boring quickly.
  • Loot System: The loot system has issues.

Overall: Anthem is a good experience, so I recommend you play it and see if you enjoy it. However, if you expect a game with a lot to offer, this game may not be for you. If you go into the game with an open mind, you might enjoy playing the game for a while.

Anthem: A Game Worth Replaying?

So, is Anthem worth playing in 2024? That depends. Here's a quick guide to help you decide:

  • You'll Probably Enjoy It If: You love the gameplay, and if you can look past the lack of new content, you'll have a good time. If you just want to experience the cool flight mechanics, this game is still worth playing.
  • You Might Not Enjoy It If: You want a constantly evolving live-service game with lots of new content. If you're expecting a polished, bug-free experience, you might be disappointed.

If you're looking for a quick dose of fun and don't mind the lack of support, Anthem might still be worth checking out. Just set your expectations accordingly, and you might find something to enjoy. If you're a newcomer, you may have more fun than those who played at launch, since you don't have to experience all the disappointment. If you're a returning player, it might be fun to revisit the game and see how you feel now. The game may be enjoyable, despite its flaws.

Conclusion: Anthem's Legacy

So, there you have it, guys. Can you still play Anthem? Yes, you can. It's still playable, and the core gameplay is still enjoyable. However, it's essential to understand the game's current state and the lack of ongoing support. If you're looking for a polished, constantly evolving live-service game, you might be disappointed. But if you're looking for a quick dose of fun and don't mind the lack of new content, Anthem might still be worth checking out. It's a game with a lot of potential that ultimately fell short of its promise. Despite its flaws, Anthem still holds a special place in many gamers' hearts. It serves as a reminder of the excitement and disappointment that can come with the launch of a new game. The legacy of Anthem will probably be debated for years to come. Ultimately, whether or not you choose to play Anthem is up to you. Just go in with your eyes open, and you might still find some fun. And who knows, maybe you'll discover a hidden gem that you missed the first time around. So, grab your Javelin and hit the skies – just remember what you're getting yourself into.