Concord Review (PlayStation 5 & PC)

Right from the start, it’s clear that Concord wants to be more than just another space exploration title. The game has been in development for quite a long time; its anticipation was palpable. The game’s beta version generated a lot of buzz, offering players a sneak peek into its vast universe. 

However, after its official launch, it hasn’t escaped criticism. Some players noted issues which have led to debates on whether Concord truly shines in the first-person shooter genre. In this review, we’ll explore whether Concord lives up to its potential or falls short. 

An Old-School Adventure

Concord takes place in a colorful, old-school futuristic world where Freegunners, a team of space mercenaries, fight in 5v5 battles. The game has a basic story focusing on these characters and their adventures in space. While the story isn’t the main part of Concord, it helps to make the characters and the world more interesting.

The backstories give context to the characters and their actions. However, the real focus of the game is on fast-paced action and teamwork. For those who like a bit of story with their gameplay, Concord offers just enough to keep you engaged. It’s not a game where you need to follow a complex plot. 

Something Old, Something New

Concord takes a lot of what we love about hero shooters and spices it up with some new ingredients. On one hand, the game feels familiar. If you’ve played Overwatch, you’ll feel right at home. The core gameplay revolves around using character abilities strategically while working together as a team. The game offers a mix of fast-paced action and tactical movement, where every character feels unique in how they traverse the battlefield.

Movement in Concord is a mixed bag, though. The game has been dubbed “slow Overwatch” by some players, and there’s some truth to that. The medium and heavy characters, in particular, can feel a bit sluggish, which might not sit well with everyone. 

Additionally, the game has a floaty, low-gravity feel, much like Destiny or Halo. This gives the game a unique twist but can also make it feel awkward in certain situations. It’s a refreshing change for those who want something different, but it might not be for everyone.

When it comes to its old-school space theme, the game doesn’t just borrow from the classics; it celebrates them. From the moment you jump into a match, you’re greeted with a visual style reminiscent of the ‘80s and ‘90s sci-fi. The characters, maps, and weapons give you that old-school vibe but with a modern polish that keeps things from feeling dated.

Sci-Fi Nostalgia Done Right

One of the first things you’ll notice about Concord is its commitment to its theme. The game’s aesthetic throws you back to classic sci-fi shows like Battlestar Galactica. The Freegunners look like they’ve stepped straight out of a space adventure from decades ago. They’re a mix of humans, aliens, and robots, each with a distinct style that makes them stand out.

The maps are another highlight. They range from neon-lit space stations to barren alien planets, each one designed to fit the game’s overall vibe. Ultimately, this commitment to the theme gives Concord a unique identity in a genre that’s often dominated by realism and modern warfare.

However, this old-school vibe might not appeal to everyone. While it’s a big part of the game’s charm, some players might find it a bit lacking. If you’re not a fan of the ‘80s and ‘90s sci-fi aesthetic, Concord’s visual style could feel like a gimmick. But for those who grew up on these kinds of space adventures, Concord nails it.

The Elephant in the Room

In Concord, the Freegunners are the stars of the show. Each one has a unique set of abilities, a distinct playstyle, and a backstory that ties them into the gameplay. The character design is where Concord really shines. There’s a lot of creativity and personality packed into each Freegunner. 

But here’s where things get a bit tricky. Concord has faced criticism for its character diversity. Some players have raised concerns about the inclusion of pronouns in character bios and the varied representation of the cast. While they’re not uncommon in today’s gaming culture, they might not resonate with everyone.

On the other hand, Concord’s character design is a mixed bag. While there’s a lot to admire, some designs fall into the “ugly” category, both figuratively and literally. Not all character designs hit the mark. Some characters look overly exaggerated or awkward. 

Notably, most of the characters lack the sleekness you might expect from a modern sci-fi game. Instead of feeling iconic, these designs can feel outdated or even cartoonish. This might put off players who are looking for something more visually appealing.

Another area for improvement is the consistency in design quality across the roster. While some characters are visually striking and memorable, others seem bland. This inconsistency can break the immersion, making it difficult for players to connect with certain characters. In a game where personality is key, having characters that don’t quite fit can kill the overall vibe.

The Not-So-Good

Of course, Concord isn’t without its flaws. One of the biggest issues is the game’s movement speed. The game has been criticized for feeling slower than other hero shooters, and it’s a fair point. While some characters have movement abilities that speed things up, the game’s overall pace can feel sluggish. If you are used to faster-paced games, you might not appreciate the game’s speed.

The low-gravity feel, while unique, can also be a double-edged sword. It gives the game a distinct style, but it can also make movement feel vague. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to pull off quick maneuvers or escape a tight spot.

Another issue is the game’s health system. Characters in Concord have large health pools, which can make battles drag on longer than they should. Even with headshots dealing double damage, it often takes multiple magazines to bring down an enemy. This can diminish the overall vibe, especially in modes like Search and Destroy, where every second counts.

Content is another area where Concord could use some improvement. The beta only offered three game modes and a handful of maps, which isn’t a lot of variety. A game that’s trying to stand out in a crowded genre needs more to keep players engaged. Hopefully, the post-launch updates will bring more modes, maps, and content to the table, but as it stands, the game feels a bit light.

Finally, there’s the issue of reload canceling, or rather, the lack of it. In most modern first-person shooters, you can cancel a reload by sprinting or switching weapons. This lets you stay in the action even if you’re caught reloading at a bad time. Concord doesn’t have this feature, which can make the game feel a bit challenging when you’re in a tight spot. 

The Good

Now, let’s talk about what Concord gets right. First and foremost, the gameplay is solid. The mix of gunplay and abilities is satisfying, especially in the faster-paced respawn modes. The game rewards players for using their abilities strategically, with some characters gaining bonuses for landing kills with their skills. This encourages aggressive, skilful play, which is always a plus in competitive FPS games.

The retro-futuristic theme is another big win. It gives Concord a unique identity in a genre that’s often filled with super realistic shooters. The game’s visuals are vibrant, making every match a visual treat. The character design, as mentioned earlier, is top-notch, with each Freegunner feeling distinct and memorable. The maps, while a bit smaller than those in other shooters, are well-designed and fit the game’s aesthetic perfectly.

On the other hand, the sound design is also worth mentioning. The game’s audio captures that old-school sci-fi feel with laser blasts and electronic hums. Notably, it makes you feel like you’re in the middle of an old-school space battle. The voice acting adds to the characters’ personalities, with each Freegunner having their own unique lines and interactions.

The game modes, while standard, are fun and keep the action flowing. The respawn modes, in particular, are top-notch. The fast-paced gameplay is where the game really hits its stride, offering a mix of tactical play and chaotic action that keeps you coming back for more.

Verdict

Concord is a game that’s bursting with potential, offering a unique blend of retro-futuristic style and solid hero shooter mechanics. Its commitment to the nostalgic sci-fi aesthetic sets it apart, and the character abilities provide depth and excitement to the gameplay. When everything comes together, it’s a fun and engaging experience that can stand toe-to-toe with some of the bigger names in the genre.

Despite its drawbacks, Concord remains a promising entry into the hero shooter arena. With some tweaks and improvements, particularly in balancing character abilities and refining designs, it could make a fantastic first-person shooter. Ultimately, whether it stands out will depend on how well future updates address its current shortcomings. It may not be perfect, but it’s a game with potential, creativity, and a lot of room to grow.