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MONSTER

Concord

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Concord
Item: Concord
Author: Monster Critic Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableAug 23, 2024

PlatformPC, PlayStation 5

DeveloperFirewalk

Overview

Concord is a story rich space adventure game.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Critics praise Story of Concord for its rich lore and immersive world-building, yet slam its storytelling and character development as flat and incoherent. Despite appealing visuals and cinematic elements, the disconnection between narrative and gameplay leaves players wanting, resulting in a missed opportunity for a compelling experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of critics regarding the Story of Concord reveal a notable appreciation for its world-building and lore. Several reviewers, such as Digital Trends and Checkpoint Gaming, highlight the game's rich lore and the efforts made to expand the narrative through weekly cinematic scenes and character-focused vignettes. The presence of a Galactic Guide codex, as mentioned by TheSixthAxis, adds an additional layer of depth, allowing players to engage with the game's universe more comprehensively. Critics like PCMag acknowledge that while the lore is extensive and well-developed, it may not resonate with every player, indicating a positive recognition of the effort put into crafting the game's background and setting. However, the overall sentiment regarding the storytelling and character development is largely negative. Many critics, including IGN Spain and God is a Geek, point out that the game lacks a coherent and defined story, resulting in characters that feel flat and unengaging. GamesRadar+ emphasizes that the storytelling often relies on exposition rather than immersive experiences, leaving players with more questions than answers. This disconnect between the narrative and gameplay is a recurring theme, with Daily Star and PC Invasion noting that the story feels incongruous with the run-and-gun gameplay, detracting from the overall experience. In conclusion, while there is a consensus among critics that Concord boasts a rich lore and a visually appealing world reminiscent of Guardians of the Galaxy, the execution of its narrative leaves much to be desired. The lack of depth in character development and the disconnection between the story and gameplay are significant drawbacks that many reviewers, including Push Square and GameSkinny, have pointed out. Overall, while the game has potential through its lore and cinematic elements, it struggles to deliver a compelling and cohesive narrative experience that resonates with players.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Concord impresses with fast-paced hero shooter mechanics and a diverse roster of over 16 characters, earning praise for fun gunplay and strategic depth. However, critics highlight issues like character balance, derivative gameplay, long queue times, and lack of innovation, leaving opinions split. While it offers enjoyable moments, many feel it fails to fully realize its potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

67%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

25%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Concord has garnered a mix of praise from various critics, highlighting its engaging mechanics and character diversity. Reviewers such as Daily Star and GamesRadar+ commend the game for its fast-paced, hero shooter style, drawing comparisons to popular titles like Halo and Overwatch. Critics like PCMag and Checkpoint Gaming emphasize the fun gunplay and unique abilities of the diverse roster of over 16 heroes, which encourages strategic play and experimentation. Additionally, Push Square notes the tactical depth provided by character switching and bonuses, while TheSixthAxis appreciates the game’s objective-focused modes that keep matches exciting and engaging. However, despite the positive aspects, several critics have pointed out notable shortcomings in Concord's gameplay. Digital Trends and IGN Spain express concerns about character balance issues and the lack of a signature gameplay idea, suggesting that the game feels derivative rather than innovative. PC Invasion criticizes the moment-to-moment gameplay for lacking excitement, citing long time-to-kill and forgettable maps, which detracts from the overall experience. Furthermore, long queue times in certain modes, as mentioned by PCMag, could frustrate players looking for a seamless gaming experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Concord offers enjoyable gameplay with solid mechanics and a diverse character roster, it struggles with innovation and depth. Many reviewers, including God is a Geek and Shacknews, appreciate the shooting mechanics and character abilities but agree that the game does not fully capitalize on its potential. The mix of familiar gameplay elements and a lack of polish in certain areas leaves critics divided, with some enjoying the experience while others feel it falls short of expectations.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

"Concord" dazzles with stunning visuals and immersive environments, earning praise for its high production values and engaging hero designs. However, critics point to weak character designs and a lack of originality, leading to a mixed reception. While the game's aesthetics shine, it needs to improve character visuals for a more cohesive experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

58%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

42%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of various critics regarding the graphics and visual design of "Concord" reveal a strong appreciation for its overall aesthetic quality. Critics like Daily Star and Checkpoint Gaming laud the game for its stunning visuals and high-fidelity graphics, with Daily Star specifically noting the vibrant and varied environments reminiscent of "Halo" multiplayer maps. Digital Trends highlights the engaging hero designs and a colorful cast of characters that enhance the gameplay experience. Furthermore, Push Square commends the impressive production values, including detailed sky boxes and motion-captured characters, which contribute to a visually immersive experience. TheSixthAxis also praises the polished gunplay and seamless combat animations, indicating that the graphics effectively support the game's fast-paced action. However, not all reviews are uniformly positive, with several critics pointing out notable shortcomings in character design and originality. IGN Spain's perspective suggests that while the galaxy setting is original, the maps and visuals fail to leave a lasting impression. PCMag echoes this sentiment, criticizing the character designs as generic and unappealing, despite acknowledging the strong art direction and well-designed maps. GameSkinny also raises concerns about the visual design of characters, stating that they do not effectively communicate their abilities, which detracts from the game's overall personality and lore. Additionally, PC Invasion mentions bland character designs and color scheme issues, indicating that the visual appeal is inconsistent across different elements of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that "Concord" presents a visually impressive package with significant strengths in its environments and production values, yet it struggles with character design and originality. While many reviewers, such as Checkpoint Gaming and TheSixthAxis, celebrate the game's vibrant aesthetics and polished animations, others like IGN Spain and PCMag highlight the lack of depth in character design and visual coherence. This mixed reception suggests that while "Concord" excels in many areas of graphics and visual design, it still has room for improvement, particularly in creating more distinctive and engaging character visuals that resonate with players.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

music and sound design

Description unavailable

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

technical performance

Description unavailable

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Concord's replay value is a mixed bag; some critics praise its progression hooks and experimentation opportunities, while many others slam it for lack of content and innovation. Key concerns include boring progression systems and limited gameplay modes, leading to fears of low long-term engagement. The overall consensus suggests that without significant updates or a potential shift to free-to-play, player interest may wane quickly.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

58%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions regarding the replay value of Concord present a mixed bag of sentiments, with several critics highlighting some positive aspects. Digital Trends points out that the game features progression hooks through daily, weekly, and seasonal objectives, which serve as incentives for players to continue engaging with the game. Similarly, GamesRadar+ notes the inclusion of a Job Board that allows players to earn new cosmetics and character variants, offering tangible rewards for long-term players. Additionally, Checkpoint Gaming emphasizes the game's potential for endless experimentation with abilities and class types, encouraging players to strategize and try different playstyles, which can enhance replay value. However, many critics have raised significant concerns about the game's replay value. Daily Star and IGN Spain both criticize the game for its lack of content, innovation, and variety in modes, which they argue may limit the overall gameplay experience and long-term engagement. PC Invasion echoes this sentiment by describing the progression systems as boring, with limited customization options for characters and lackluster rewards, ultimately contributing to a low replay value. Push Square also expresses worries about player retention due to the limited modes and absence of endless quests, despite acknowledging that there are no microtransactions and plenty to unlock through gameplay. The overall consensus among critics suggests a cautious outlook on Concord's replay value. While some, like Digital Trends and GamesRadar+, highlight the game's progression systems and rewards as positive features, others like Daily Star and God is a Geek emphasize the lack of content and innovation as major drawbacks. Critics such as Shacknews and PCMag point out the need for free content updates and the potential necessity for a shift to a free-to-play model to improve player engagement. In summary, while there are elements that could encourage replayability, the prevailing sentiment indicates that the game may struggle to maintain long-term player interest due to its limitations in content and variety.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

11%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

78%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment regarding Concord among critics showcases a mixture of appreciation for its gameplay mechanics and visual presentation. Several reviewers, including Push Square and Checkpoint Gaming, highlighted the polished nature of the game and its engaging gunplay, emphasizing the solid mechanics and fast-paced action that can be found within its core gameplay. TheSixthAxis also praised the unique gameplay mechanics and engaging story elements, suggesting that there is a foundation for a compelling hero shooter experience. Critics like GameSkinny noted the responsive controls and outstanding sound design, indicating that there are aspects of the game that can appeal to players looking for a fun shooting experience. However, despite these positives, the majority of reviews pointed out significant shortcomings that hinder Concord's overall impact in the competitive FPS market. Critics such as Daily Star and Digital Trends expressed concerns about the game's lack of innovation and originality, describing it as a "boilerplate hero shooter" and a "more-of-the-same option." Many reviewers, including IGN Spain and PCMag, echoed this sentiment, citing a thin selection of modes, weak character development, and a derivative feel that could lead to players losing interest over time. The general consensus is that while the game has strong fundamentals, it struggles to stand out and may not provide a compelling long-term experience for players. In summary, the overall consensus among critics is that Concord possesses a solid foundation with enjoyable gameplay mechanics, but it ultimately falls short in delivering a unique and innovative experience. The critiques point to a lack of content, character development, and originality, which could hinder its success in a saturated market. As noted by PC Invasion and Shacknews, the game feels "aggressively okay" and lacks standout features that would elevate it beyond being just another shooter. While there is potential for growth and improvement, many reviewers recommend caution for players considering a purchase, suggesting that Concord may not yet be the next multiplayer obsession that some had hoped for.

TL;DR

Concord impresses with solid gameplay mechanics and engaging visuals, but critics slam it for being a derivative "boilerplate hero shooter" with a lack of innovation, content, and character development. While it offers enjoyable gunplay and responsive controls, its failure to stand out in the crowded FPS market leaves many suggesting players should proceed with caution before diving in.

MONSTER

Reviews

103 reviews found

TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 5

Sep 2, 2024