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MONSTER

Concord

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Concord
Item: Concord
Author: MonsterCritic 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

The Story of Concord impresses with its rich lore and world-building, drawing comparisons to franchises like Guardians of the Galaxy. Critics applaud its episodic storytelling but slam its weak narrative structure and character development, labeling characters as "empty" and the story as "incongruous" with gameplay. While it shows promise, the game ultimately fails to deliver a cohesive and engaging narrative, leaving players wanting more depth and originality.

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 Story of Concord has garnered a mix of opinions from various critics, with some praising its rich world-building and lore. For instance, Digital Trends highlights the game's "rich world-building with lore logs and cinematic scenes that roll out weekly," suggesting a well-crafted universe that draws inspiration from popular franchises like Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy. Similarly, Checkpoint Gaming appreciates the "meaningful lore" and "deep backstories" of the characters, indicating that there is a foundation of creativity and depth that some players may find engaging. TheSixthAxis also points out the persistent story told through weekly cinematics, which adds a layer of ongoing narrative engagement that can be appealing to players who appreciate episodic storytelling. However, despite these positive aspects, many critics have pointed out significant flaws in the game's narrative structure and character development. IGN Spain criticizes the game for lacking a defined story and character development, stating that the characters feel "empty" and lack personality. GamesRadar+ echoes this sentiment, noting that the storytelling is more focused on "telling than showing," which leaves players with more questions than answers. Additionally, God is a Geek mentions that the story feels "incongruous with the gameplay," suggesting a disconnect that hampers the overall experience. Critics like GameSkinny and PC Invasion further emphasize the lack of depth in character interactions and the uneventful nature of story vignettes, indicating that the narrative does not resonate strongly with players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while The Story of Concord has a promising foundation with its lore and world-building, it ultimately falls short in delivering a cohesive and engaging narrative. Many reviewers, including Daily Star and Push Square, express concerns about the lack of originality and depth in both the story and character designs, leading to a disconnect between the gameplay and the narrative. The game appears to struggle with balancing its rich lore with meaningful character development, resulting in a mixed reception that highlights both potential and disappointment.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Concord's fast-paced gameplay garners positive reviews for its engaging mechanics and diverse character abilities, likened to Halo and Overwatch. However, critics highlight a lack of innovation, character balance issues, and long queue times as significant drawbacks. While it offers solid fun and strategic depth, it struggles to distinguish itself in the competitive hero shooter landscape, leaving many believing it needs improvement to truly shine.

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 received a generally positive reception from critics, who highlight its fast-paced and engaging mechanics. Reviewers like Daily Star and GamesRadar+ commend the game for its "fast and furious" gameplay that combines elements of popular titles like Halo and Overwatch, offering a diverse roster of characters with unique abilities. Critics such as PCMag and Checkpoint Gaming also appreciate the fun gunplay and the strategic depth provided by the character abilities and crew bonuses. The game’s hero shooter style, with its class-swapping system, is noted for creating enjoyable contests that blend strategy with action, as pointed out by Push Square and TheSixthAxis. However, several critics have pointed out significant drawbacks in Concord's gameplay. Digital Trends and IGN Spain both mention a lack of innovation, with familiar game modes and character balance issues detracting from the overall experience. PC Invasion criticizes the moment-to-moment gameplay as lacking excitement, citing long time-to-kill and forgettable maps. Furthermore, the long queue times in certain modes, as noted by PCMag, can hinder the overall enjoyment of the game. This sentiment is echoed by others who feel that while the core mechanics are solid, they are not enough to elevate the game above its competitors. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Concord offers an entertaining and dynamic gameplay experience, it falls short in terms of innovation and depth. Many reviewers appreciate the unique character abilities and the strategic elements introduced in matches, but they also highlight issues with game balance and a lack of signature gameplay ideas. Critics like TheSixthAxis and GameSkinny suggest that while the game has potential, it will need to address these shortcomings to stand out in the crowded hero shooter genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

"Concord" wows with stunning visuals and high production values, drawing comparisons to "Halo" for its vibrant environments and polished animations. However, critics like IGN Spain and PCMag criticize its bland character designs and lack of originality, highlighting a disconnect in character representation. Overall, while the game shines in aesthetics, it struggles with consistency and depth in its character design.

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 graphics and visual design of "Concord" have garnered a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting the game's impressive aesthetic qualities. Reviewers such as Daily Star and Checkpoint Gaming praise the game for its stunning visuals, with the former likening the environments to the vibrant and colorful maps of the "Halo" series. Digital Trends emphasizes the inviting and functional character designs, while GamesRadar+ notes the visual impressiveness and the thoughtful design of maps that cater to various play styles. Push Square adds to this sentiment by commending the high production values, including detailed skyboxes and motion-captured characters, which contribute to the overall immersive experience. However, not all feedback is glowing, as several critics point out notable shortcomings in character design and originality. IGN Spain expresses disappointment in the maps and visuals, finding them lacking in captivation. PCMag also mentions generic character designs and unappealing cosmetics, suggesting that while the art direction is strong, it falls short in certain areas. GameSkinny echoes this concern, stating that the visual design fails to effectively communicate character abilities, which detracts from the overall personality and lore of the game. Furthermore, PC Invasion highlights issues with bland character designs and color schemes, indicating that while some designs are excellent, many lack interest. Overall, the consensus among critics is that "Concord" offers a visually impressive experience with strong production values and vibrant environments, but it suffers from inconsistencies in character design and originality. While critics like TheSixthAxis and Shacknews celebrate the polished animations and diverse character designs, others like PCMag and GameSkinny point out significant flaws that prevent the game from reaching its full potential. This mixed reception suggests that while "Concord" excels in certain visual aspects, it still has room for improvement in character representation and design coherence.

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 garners mixed reviews on replay value. Critics praise its progression hooks and Job Board for encouraging long-term engagement, but many express skepticism due to a lack of innovation and limited content. Concerns about low player counts and customization options further dampen enthusiasm. While there are potential rewards to unlock, the game’s overall replayability is seen as constrained, leading to a tepid reception.

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 mix of positive elements that some critics appreciate. Notably, Digital Trends highlights the game's progression hooks through daily, weekly, and seasonal objectives, which provide players with incentives to continue playing and unlocking rewards. Similarly, GamesRadar+ points out the Job Board feature that allows players to earn new cosmetics and character variants, which can enhance the long-term engagement for dedicated players. Critics like TheSixthAxis also acknowledge the potential for replay value through unlocking rewards and mastering different characters, suggesting that there are avenues for players to find enjoyment in the game over time. However, a significant number of critics express concerns about the game's replay value due to various shortcomings. Daily Star and IGN Spain both criticize the game for its lack of innovation and variety in modes, suggesting that these factors may limit the overall experience and long-term engagement. PCMag raises concerns about the low player count and the potential necessity for the game to adopt a free-to-play model to attract more players. Additionally, critics like God is a Geek and PC Invasion emphasize the limited content and lack of customization options, which they believe could hinder the game's replayability. This sentiment is echoed by Push Square, which notes that while there are rewards to unlock, the absence of endless quests and diverse game modes may affect player retention. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the replay value of Concord leans towards skepticism. While some aspects, such as progression systems and cosmetic unlocks, offer potential for replayability, the overarching sentiment is that the game suffers from a lack of content and innovation. Critics like Shacknews and PC Invasion highlight that the game's identity and long-term appeal may be compromised due to these limitations. As a result, while there are elements that could keep players engaged, the overall replay value appears to be constrained, leading to a mixed reception among reviewers.

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 towards Concord among critics reveals a mixed bag of opinions, with several positive aspects highlighted. Many reviewers commend the game's solid mechanics and polished presentation. For instance, Push Square appreciates the "well-meaning" nature of the shooter and its interesting gameplay mechanics. Similarly, Checkpoint Gaming praises the "fantastic minute-to-minute gunplay and action," suggesting that the core gameplay experience is engaging and enjoyable. TheSixthAxis also notes the unique gameplay mechanics and fast-paced modes, indicating that there is potential for a refreshing addition to the hero shooter genre. Additionally, critics like GameSkinny highlight the responsive controls and outstanding sound design, which contribute to an immersive experience. However, the criticisms of Concord are numerous and significant. A recurring theme among reviewers is the game's lack of originality and innovation. Daily Star describes it as a "decent more-of-the-same option," while Digital Trends points out that it feels like a "boilerplate hero shooter" that struggles to retain players in a competitive market. IGN Spain echoes these sentiments, emphasizing the lack of content and character development, which could hinder the game's success. Critics such as PCMag and Shacknews also note that Concord feels derivative and lacks standout features, which is particularly concerning given the crowded nature of the live-service genre. The absence of compelling modes and the thin selection of content are further detractors mentioned by GamesRadar+. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Concord has a solid foundation and some engaging gameplay elements, it ultimately falls short of being a must-play title in the crowded FPS market. Many reviewers express that it lacks the innovation and unique identity necessary to stand out, with PC Invasion describing it as "aggressively okay" and lacking standout features. While some critics see potential for growth and improvement, the general sentiment leans toward caution, with most agreeing that it is not yet ready to become a next multiplayer obsession. The game may appeal to players who are less concerned with originality, but for many, it seems to be a missed opportunity in an increasingly competitive genre.

TL;DR

Concord garners mixed reviews; praised for solid mechanics and engaging gunplay, but slammed for a lack of originality and content. Critics describe it as a "decent more-of-the-same option" that fails to stand out in the crowded hero shooter market. While it has potential, many agree it's "aggressively okay" and not yet a must-play.

MONSTER

Reviews

103 reviews found

TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 5

Sep 2, 2024