Last month, PlayStation gave us a glimpse of what’s to come with Concord, a new 5v5 multiplayer hero shooter from Firewalk Studios. The cinematic footage hinted at a narrative-focused heist game, while the gameplay reveal focused on the multiplayer experience. Initially, I was underwhelmed by what I saw, as it seemed like a mix of games I was already familiar with, like Destiny and Overwatch. However, after getting hands-on time with the game, my perspective shifted, and I found myself looking forward to more action.
During a preview event, Firewalk’s director of IP and lead gameplay designer took us through a presentation to introduce Concord’s sci-fi world. Players take on the roles of Freegunners in an outlaw crew of mercenaries, embarking on missions within the game’s multiplayer matches. The game’s universe is rich with lore, and the map serves as a library of information about Concord. While I appreciated the attention to detail in world-building, I wondered if players would engage with all the lore elements.
The game features unique vignettes that offer insights into the characters, adding personality to the experience. Firewalk aims to create a connection between players and their Freegunners, similar to what Overwatch has achieved with its heroes. While I admired the effort put into developing the game’s backstory, I questioned whether this approach would resonate with players from the start.
On the gameplay front, Concord draws comparisons to Destiny, particularly in terms of time-to-kill, map design, and overall feel. Each Freegunner has distinct abilities that add strategic depth to the matches. I found myself enjoying the tactical aspects of choosing the right loadout for each engagement, which sets Concord apart from traditional FPS games.
Different game modes like Trophy Hunt and Cargo Run offer varied objectives, requiring teams to adapt their strategies. However, some modes, like Clash Point, face challenges with players prioritizing eliminations over objectives. Despite these issues, the core gameplay mechanics of Concord shine through, providing an engaging and fast-paced experience.
With 16 unique Freegunners to choose from, players have a wide range of options to suit their playstyle. The game eschews traditional roles like tank or support, allowing for flexibility in team compositions. Additionally, systems like Crew Building and Crew Bonuses add depth to the gameplay experience, promising a rewarding progression system.
As I look forward to Concord’s release on PlayStation 5, I’m excited to see how the game evolves. While I have lingering questions about certain aspects like progression and crossplay, Firewalk’s focus on delivering solid gameplay gives me confidence in the game’s potential success. Ultimately, Concord offers a promising blend of narrative depth and engaging multiplayer action that sets it apart in the crowded hero shooter genre.
