Anthem Release Date Announced, No Loot Boxes and Cosmetics Only #E32018 #EAPlay
Finally we got to see more of EA’s crack at the shared-world shooter genre, currently populated by the likes of Destiny and The Division. Not only did we get to see the new trailer and gameplay however, but we also got some new gameplay details, screenshots and a release date.
In Anthem you will assume the control of a freelance contractor tasked to bring some sort of order to a hostile planet and to gather resources in which the enemies aim to seize control of the Anthem of Creation. Not much was really revealed as to exactly what the Anthem of Creation is, but it’s sure to be some kind of divine power source, for which the enemies seek to weaponise it for their gain, which can’t be good.
We also learned that when in the shared-world, everyone will experience the same weather, day/night cycle and more as the world evolves during real-time events. Much like Destiny, Anthem will also feature base where players can meet, chat, cash in rewards, pick up weapons and so forth. You’ll also be able to play Anthem as a solo player or co-op with up to four players.
Anthem will provide a live-service, as not only will we all experience the same world in real-time, but the game will also feature ever evolving missions, new stories, locations and events post launch. In terms of customisation, your Javelin Pilot Suit which comes in four unique classes (Ranger, Colossus, Interceptor and Storm), will all be customisable in terms of weapon loadouts, perks and abilities, paint jobs and more. You also be able to change Javelin suits before you embark on a mission, so you won’t be stuck with one character class per campaign, so to speak.
Naturally, many of us were concerned that Anthem will be plagued by unfair loot boxes and progression system. Thankfully it seems that EA may be learning from past mistakes, as they look to be implementing recent changes made to Star Wars Battlefront II into Anthem, as the game will feature no loot boxes. EA confirmed that all items will be cosmetic, you’ll know exactly what you’ll be buying should you wish to make a micro-transaction purchase and no purchased items will give you any sort of gameplay advantage.
Finally, EA and BioWare also announced that Anthem will release for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on February 22nd 2019. Also, if you subscribe to the new Origin Access Premier on PC, you’ll be able to play the full game with unlimited access from February 15th and EA Access subscribers will be able to trial the game for 10 hours on the same date.
Before you go, check out the batch of screenshots, concept art images and some co-op gameplay courtesy of IGN below.
