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MONSTER

Concord

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Concord
Item: Concord
Author: Critik 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 world-building, drawing comparisons to franchises like Marvel. However, they overwhelmingly criticize its weak storytelling and lack of character depth, leaving players feeling disconnected. The game's ambitious narrative ambitions fall flat, hampered by unoriginality and fragmented execution, ultimately failing to deliver a cohesive and engaging experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

17%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

17%

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

The opinions surrounding the Story of Concord reveal a notable appreciation for the game's world-building and lore. Critics like Digital Trends and Checkpoint Gaming highlight the rich tapestry of backstories and cinematic scenes that aim to immerse players in the game's universe. Digital Trends specifically mentions the weekly lore logs that draw inspiration from popular franchises like Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, which adds a layer of intrigue and engagement for those who appreciate expansive lore. Additionally, TheSixthAxis praises the persistent story told through character-focused cinematics, suggesting that there is an effort to create a narrative experience, even if it is delivered in a fragmented manner. However, the consensus among critics leans heavily towards the game's shortcomings in storytelling and character development. IGN Spain and God is a Geek both emphasize the lack of a defined story and character depth, with characters feeling empty and interactions failing to resonate. GamesRadar+ echoes this sentiment, noting that the storytelling is more focused on exposition rather than immersive experiences, leaving players with lingering questions. Critics like PC Invasion and GameSkinny further underline the disconnect between the narrative elements and gameplay, suggesting that while the lore may be rich, it does not translate into meaningful character interactions or emotional engagement. Overall, the critics present a mixed but predominantly critical view of the Story of Concord. While there are commendations for the game's ambitious lore and world-building efforts, the overarching sentiment is that the narrative execution falls short. Many reviewers, including Daily Star and Push Square, point out the heavy reliance on familiar tropes and inspirations from other media, which contributes to a sense of unoriginality. The lack of coherence between the gameplay and the story, as highlighted by God is a Geek and others, ultimately detracts from the potential of what could have been a compelling narrative experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Concord's gameplay shines with fast-paced mechanics and diverse characters, drawing comparisons to hits like Halo and Overwatch. Critics praise its strategic depth and class-swapping system, but highlight issues like character balance, lack of innovation, and long queue times that diminish the experience. Overall, while enjoyable for hero shooter fans, it needs refinement to truly stand out in a saturated market.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (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, appreciate the fast-paced and dynamic nature of the gameplay, drawing comparisons to popular titles like Halo, Overwatch, and Destiny. The game features a roster of over 16 heroes, each equipped with unique abilities that encourage strategic play and experimentation, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming. Critics like GamesRadar+ and Push Square also commend the class-swapping system, which adds tactical depth and allows for enjoyable contests between players, enhancing the overall experience with a blend of brains and brawn. However, despite the positive aspects, several reviewers pointed out significant shortcomings that detract from the overall gameplay experience. Digital Trends and IGN Spain noted issues with character balance and a lack of strategic depth, suggesting that while the characters are diverse, the gameplay may not offer enough innovation or a signature gameplay idea to set it apart from other hero shooters. Additionally, PC Invasion criticized the moment-to-moment gameplay for lacking excitement, citing long time-to-kill and forgettable maps, which could lead to a less engaging experience. Furthermore, PCMag mentioned long queue times in the Rivalry mode, which could hinder player enjoyment and accessibility. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Concord boasts solid shooting mechanics and a diverse cast of characters, it struggles with balance and innovation in its gameplay modes. Critics like TheSixthAxis and GameSkinny acknowledge the game's potential in blending familiar mechanics with unique elements, but many feel that it falls short in delivering a memorable and polished experience. The mix of positive and negative feedback indicates that Concord is an enjoyable title for fans of the genre, yet it may require further refinement to truly stand out in the crowded hero shooter market.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Concord's graphics receive high praise for stunning visuals and vibrant environments, with critics noting premium production values and thoughtful map designs. However, there's significant criticism regarding generic character designs and lack of originality, leaving a mixed reception that highlights both impressive aesthetics and areas needing refinement. Overall, it’s visually appealing but falls short in character execution and thematic depth.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

58%

Mixed (50-79)

42%

Negative (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Concord is largely positive, with many critics praising the game's stunning visuals and vibrant environments. Daily Star describes the visuals as "stunning," drawing comparisons to the iconic Halo multiplayer maps, while Checkpoint Gaming highlights the "high-fidelity graphics" and "striking color palettes" that contribute to a premium look and feel. Push Square also commends the impressive production values, noting the detailed skyboxes and superb animation, which enhance the overall visual experience. Furthermore, GamesRadar+ appreciates the visually impressive maps designed to accommodate various play styles, indicating a thoughtful approach to both aesthetics and gameplay dynamics. However, there are notable criticisms that temper the overall enthusiasm. IGN Spain points out that while the galaxy setting and character designs are original, the maps and visuals lack a captivating quality. PCMag echoes this sentiment, citing "generic character designs" and "unappealing cosmetics" as drawbacks despite acknowledging strong art direction and AAA visuals. GameSkinny also raises concerns about the visual design of characters, stating that they fail to communicate their abilities effectively, which detracts from the game's personality and lore. Additionally, PC Invasion mentions that while some character designs are excellent, many appear bland and uninteresting, which could impact player engagement. In conclusion, the consensus among critics reveals a divide in opinion regarding Concord's graphics and visual design. While many reviewers, such as Daily Star and Checkpoint Gaming, laud the game's vibrant environments and high production values, others like IGN Spain and PCMag highlight significant shortcomings in character design and originality. This mixed reception suggests that while Concord excels in certain visual aspects, it also has areas that require improvement to achieve a more cohesive and engaging visual identity. Overall, the game presents a visually appealing experience with room for refinement in character design and thematic originality.

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 features engaging progression systems and customization that could entice players long-term, but critics warn of stagnant gameplay due to a lack of innovation and variety in game modes. While some elements encourage replayability, significant concerns about content limitations may hinder player retention without major updates.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

25%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (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 yet nuanced picture, highlighting several positive aspects that could engage players over time. Critics like Digital Trends and GamesRadar+ emphasize the game’s progression hooks, such as daily, weekly, and seasonal objectives, which provide incentives for players to continue playing and unlocking rewards. Additionally, the Job Board feature mentioned by GamesRadar+ allows players to earn new cosmetics and character variants, offering tangible benefits for long-term engagement. Checkpoint Gaming also points out the endless experimentation with abilities and class types, which encourages players to strategize and explore different playstyles, thereby enhancing replay value. Conversely, several critics express significant concerns about the game's replay value due to its limitations. Daily Star and IGN Spain highlight the lack of innovation and variety in game modes, which could lead to a stagnant gameplay experience for players. PC Invasion echoes this sentiment by describing the progression systems as boring, with limited customization options and lackluster rewards that detract from the overall replayability. Furthermore, Push Square raises alarms about long-term player retention, citing the absence of endless quests and diverse modes as potential pitfalls for sustained engagement. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Concord offers some appealing features that could enhance replay value—such as progression systems and customization options—these strengths are overshadowed by a notable lack of content and innovation. Critics like God is a Geek and Shacknews reinforce the notion that the limited variety in game modes and the absence of compelling long-term incentives may hinder the game's ability to retain players over time. The mixed feedback indicates that while there are elements worth exploring, the game may struggle to maintain a dedicated player base in the long run without significant updates or improvements.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

11%

Mixed (50-79)

78%

Negative (0-49)

11%

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

The overall sentiment regarding Concord from various critics reveals a mix of appreciation for its gameplay mechanics and concerns about its originality. Critics like TheSixthAxis highlight the game's unique gameplay mechanics and fast-paced modes, suggesting that it brings a refreshing angle to the hero shooter genre. Checkpoint Gaming also praises the minute-to-minute gunplay and diverse cast of heroes, indicating that the core gameplay experience is engaging and enjoyable. Additionally, the polished presentation noted by Push Square and the competent visuals acknowledged by God is a Geek contribute positively to the game's overall appeal, suggesting that while it may not be groundbreaking, it does deliver a solid FPS experience. On the flip side, many reviewers express significant concerns regarding the game's lack of innovation and content. Daily Star describes Concord as a "more-of-the-same option," implying that it fails to differentiate itself in a saturated market. Digital Trends echoes this sentiment by labeling it a "boilerplate hero shooter" that struggles to retain players due to its imbalanced live service model. Critics like IGN Spain and PCMag point out the lack of character development and defining features, which may hinder the game's long-term success. Furthermore, the repetitive nature and derivative feel mentioned by Shacknews and God is a Geek underscore a pervasive sentiment that Concord may not hold players' attention in the competitive FPS landscape. In summary, the consensus among critics is that while Concord has a solid foundation and engaging gameplay mechanics, it ultimately falls short in terms of originality and content depth. Many reviewers, including GamesRadar+ and PC Invasion, suggest that the game feels derivative and lacks the standout features necessary to compete effectively in the hero shooter genre. While some critics see potential for growth, the general recommendation leans towards caution, with many suggesting that it may not yet be a must-buy experience for players seeking something fresh and innovative.

TL;DR

Concord impresses with its engaging gameplay and polished visuals, but critics warn it lacks originality and depth, feeling more like a derivative "boilerplate hero shooter." While some see potential, many suggest caution, as it struggles to stand out in a crowded market and may not hold players' attention long-term.

MONSTER

Reviews

103 reviews found

GameSkinny

Sep 5, 2024