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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

PlatformPlayStation 5, PC

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 world-building and rich lore, earning praise for character backstories and engaging cinematics. However, critics highlight major flaws in storytelling and character depth, deeming interactions "empty" and disjointed from gameplay. While some see potential, many agree the narrative fails to engage meaningfully, leaving players wanting more coherence 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 some positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding its world-building and lore. Reviewers like Digital Trends and Checkpoint Gaming highlight the game's rich lore and character backstories, with the former noting the engaging cinematic scenes that unfold weekly. TheSixthAxis also appreciates the persistent storytelling approach, which adds depth through character-focused cinematics and a Galactic Guide codex. Critics have acknowledged the game's visual appeal, drawing comparisons to popular franchises like Guardians of the Galaxy, which suggests that while the narrative may falter, the aesthetic and thematic inspirations resonate with some players. However, a significant number of critics have pointed out the shortcomings in the game's storytelling and character development. IGN Spain and GameSkinny emphasize the lack of depth in character interactions and the overall narrative, describing characters as feeling "empty" and lacking personality. Daily Star and God is a Geek echo this sentiment, noting that the story feels disjointed from the gameplay, leaving players with more questions than answers. Additionally, Push Square criticizes the originality of the story and character designs, suggesting that the game heavily relies on existing media influences without carving out its own identity. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with a clear divide between those who appreciate the rich lore and world-building and those who find the storytelling lacking. While some, like PCMag and TheSixthAxis, recognize the potential for depth in the lore, many others, including GamesRadar+ and Shacknews, argue that the narrative fails to engage players meaningfully. The critiques suggest that while the game has a foundation of intriguing ideas, it struggles to deliver a cohesive and engaging story that resonates with players, ultimately leading to a sense of disconnect between the gameplay and narrative experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Concord impresses with fast-paced gameplay and diverse characters, earning praise for its strategic mechanics and teamwork potential. However, critics highlight issues like character balance, lack of innovation, and pacing problems, suggesting it needs refinement to truly stand out in the hero shooter genre. With potential for growth, Concord could evolve into a standout title but requires polish to captivate players fully.

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. Many reviewers, such as Daily Star and Checkpoint Gaming, commend the fast-paced gameplay that draws inspiration from popular franchises like Halo, Overwatch, and Destiny. The variety of characters and their unique abilities are frequently mentioned as a strong point, with critics like GamesRadar+ and Shacknews noting the strategic possibilities presented by the class-swapping system and the distinct roles each hero can play. Additionally, PCMag and Push Square appreciate the satisfying action and fun gunplay, emphasizing that the game offers a rewarding experience across different modes and encourages teamwork through its character synergies. However, several reviewers also point out notable shortcomings within Concord's gameplay. Critics like Digital Trends and IGN Spain express concerns over character balance issues and a lack of a signature gameplay idea, suggesting that while the game is enjoyable, it doesn't break new ground. Furthermore, PC Invasion criticizes the moment-to-moment gameplay for lacking excitement, citing long time-to-kill mechanics and forgettable maps. The long queue times in specific modes, as mentioned by PCMag, also detract from the overall experience, indicating that the game may struggle with pacing and engagement in certain scenarios. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Concord presents a solid foundation for a hero shooter, with enjoyable gameplay mechanics and a diverse roster of characters. While many reviewers appreciate the fun and strategic elements, there is a clear call for innovation and refinement, particularly in terms of balance and game modes. Critics like TheSixthAxis and GameSkinny highlight the potential for growth in the game, suggesting that with further development, Concord could evolve into a standout title in the genre. Ultimately, the game appears to be a promising entry, but it may require additional polish and unique features to fully captivate its audience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Concord dazzles with stunning visuals and vibrant environments praised by critics, resembling "Halo multiplayer maps." However, it falters in character design, with complaints about bland, unoriginal aesthetics. While the graphics shine, the game needs more creativity in its character visuals to match its impressive landscapes.

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 generally positive reception among critics, with many praising the game's stunning visuals and vibrant environments. Daily Star highlights the "stunning visuals reminiscent of Halo multiplayer maps," emphasizing the colorful and varied landscapes that enhance the gaming experience. Similarly, Checkpoint Gaming commends the "high-fidelity graphics" and "striking color palettes," which contribute to a premium look and feel. Critics like PCMag and Push Square also recognize the strong art direction and impressive production values, noting the detailed skyboxes and motion-captured characters that elevate the overall aesthetic. GamesRadar+ adds to this sentiment by pointing out the visually impressive nature of the game, particularly in how the maps cater to different play styles. However, despite the overall acclaim, there are notable criticisms regarding character design and originality. IGN Spain expresses disappointment in the maps and visuals, describing them as "not particularly impressive or captivating," which contrasts sharply with the more enthusiastic reviews. GameSkinny raises concerns about the visual design of characters, stating that it lacks the ability to communicate their abilities effectively, which diminishes the game's personality and lore. Furthermore, PC Invasion points out that while some character designs are excellent, many come off as bland and uninteresting, with color scheme issues that detract from the visual experience. This sentiment is echoed by PCMag, which criticizes the generic character designs and unappealing cosmetics, suggesting a lack of creativity in this area. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while Concord excels in its graphical fidelity and vibrant environments, it struggles with character design and originality. The game is visually stunning and technically impressive, as noted by critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Daily Star, but it falls short in delivering unique and engaging character designs, as highlighted by GameSkinny and PC Invasion. This dichotomy suggests that Concord has a solid foundation in its visual presentation but could benefit from a more imaginative approach to character aesthetics and design.

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" has a split reception on replay value. While some critics laud its progression systems and incentives for long-term play, others slam its lack of innovation and limited game modes, suggesting these flaws might drive players away. Overall, the game's potential is overshadowed by concerns over content depth and variety, resulting in a tepid outlook on replayability.

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" reveal a mix of positive aspects that some critics appreciate. For instance, 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, offering tangible benefits for long-term engagement. Checkpoint Gaming and GameSkinny also emphasize the game's potential for endless experimentation with abilities and class types, as well as diverse game modes and unique mechanics that encourage strategic play, enhancing the overall replay value. However, a significant number of critics express concerns about the game's limitations. Daily Star and IGN Spain both criticize the lack of innovation and variety in game modes, suggesting that these shortcomings could hinder the overall replay value. Push Square echoes this sentiment by raising concerns about long-term player retention due to limited modes and the absence of endless quests. Additionally, PC Invasion describes the progression systems as boring, with limited customization options, which detracts from the game's appeal. God is a Geek also notes that the limited content and variety may hinder replay value, reinforcing the notion that many players may find the experience lacking in depth. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a divided sentiment regarding the replay value of "Concord." While some reviewers, such as Digital Trends and GamesRadar+, find merit in the progression systems and unlockable rewards, many others, including Daily Star and IGN Spain, highlight significant flaws in content and innovation that could deter players from returning. The mixed opinions suggest that while there are elements that could keep players engaged, the overarching concerns about limited modes and lack of variety may overshadow these positives, leading to a lukewarm reception in terms of replayability.

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 surrounding Concord reveals a mixture of appreciation for its gameplay mechanics and visuals, alongside significant concerns regarding its originality and depth. Critics like TheSixthAxis commend the game for its unique gameplay mechanics and engaging story elements, while Checkpoint Gaming highlights the fantastic gunplay and diverse cast of heroes. Additionally, Push Square acknowledges the polished presentation and interesting gameplay mechanics, suggesting that Concord possesses strong fundamentals that could potentially evolve into a more compelling experience. These positive aspects indicate that while the game has a solid foundation, it still has room for growth and improvement. Conversely, a recurring theme in the reviews is the game's lack of innovation and depth, which many critics argue hampers its potential. Daily Star describes Concord as a "decent more-of-the-same option" in a saturated FPS market, while Digital Trends points out that it feels like a "boilerplate hero shooter" that may struggle to retain players due to its imbalanced live service structure. IGN Spain echoes this sentiment, noting that the game falls short in delivering a compelling experience due to a lack of content and character development. Critics such as PCMag and God is a Geek also emphasize the game's derivative nature, with the former labeling it as "aggressively okay," suggesting that it fails to stand out in a competitive genre. The overall consensus among critics is that Concord, while showcasing potential and solid mechanics, ultimately falls short of being a must-play title in the crowded hero shooter landscape. Many reviewers, including GamesRadar+ and Shacknews, express that the game is hindered by a thin selection of modes and a lack of innovation, making it difficult to recommend as a next multiplayer obsession. As a result, while there are positive elements that could be built upon, the game currently lacks the defining features and originality necessary to carve out a significant place in the market. The prevailing sentiment suggests that Concord may appeal to players who appreciate its core gameplay but may not satisfy those seeking a fresh and innovative experience.

TL;DR

Concord impresses with solid gameplay mechanics and visuals, earning praise for gunplay and character diversity. However, critics lament its lack of originality and depth, labeling it as "decent but derivative" in an oversaturated hero shooter market. While it shows potential, the game struggles with thin content and innovation, making it hard to recommend as a standout title.

MONSTER

Reviews

103 reviews found

TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 5

Sep 2, 2024