57
MONSTER
The First Descendant is a next-gen free-to-play third-person PvE co-op action RPG looter shooter launching with crossplay across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation5 (PS5), PlayStation4 (PS4), and PC via Steam. Developed using Unreal Engine 5.2, players become a Descendant whose mission is to combat against alien invaders – The Vulgus who crossed dimensions over 100 years ago and brought with them the devastating Colossi and destruction– for the survival of humanity and to protect Albion and the continent of Ingris. Players will encounter spectacular stories as they grow stronger through various missions and raids to finally discover the Descendants' secret. Cooperation is crucial as players team up with one another in strategic 4-player boss fights where teamwork and tactics are key. New equipment, materials, and items obtained through a myriad of missions and boss fights will contribute to players’ character development.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
Expand for full analysis
52
Critics appreciate The Story of The First Descendant for its Destiny-like narrative and interesting characters, but the majority slam it for being generic, predictable, forgettable, and cliched. The game lacks originality, depth, and engagement, with flaws in storytelling, characterization, plot, and localization, leading to an overall disappointing narrative experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
52
Positive (80-100)
8%
Mixed (50-79)
33%
Negative (0-49)
58%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Critics appreciate The Story of The First Descendant for its Destiny-like narrative and interesting characters, but the majority slam it for being generic, predictable, forgettable, and cliched. The game lacks originality, depth, and engagement, with flaws in storytelling, characterization, plot, and localization, leading to an overall disappointing narrative experience.
Gameplay Mechanics
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65
Critics praise The First Descendant for its diverse character abilities and combat mechanics, including unique abilities for 19 Descendants and engaging gunplay. The game incorporates elements from popular titles like Destiny and Gears of War, creating an intense looter shooter experience with constant upgrades. However, criticism arises due to repetitive missions, braindead AI, lack of creativity in dungeons, convoluted crafting system, and reliance on real-money purchases. While the game has strengths like responsive gunplay and diverse abilities, it struggles with repetitive gameplay, lack of innovation, and progression issues, leading to a mixed reception among reviewers.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
65
Positive (80-100)
33%
Mixed (50-79)
33%
Negative (0-49)
33%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Critics praise The First Descendant for its diverse character abilities and combat mechanics, including unique abilities for 19 Descendants and engaging gunplay. The game incorporates elements from popular titles like Destiny and Gears of War, creating an intense looter shooter experience with constant upgrades. However, criticism arises due to repetitive missions, braindead AI, lack of creativity in dungeons, convoluted crafting system, and reliance on real-money purchases. While the game has strengths like responsive gunplay and diverse abilities, it struggles with repetitive gameplay, lack of innovation, and progression issues, leading to a mixed reception among reviewers.
Graphics and Visual Design
Expand for full analysis
70
The First Descendant's graphics and visual design receive mixed reviews from critics. While praised for its visually appealing world and polished graphics, issues like technical problems, lack of coherence, and inconsistent enemy designs detract from the overall experience. Addressing these issues could enhance the game's reception among critics and players.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
70
Positive (80-100)
25%
Mixed (50-79)
58%
Negative (0-49)
17%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
The First Descendant's graphics and visual design receive mixed reviews from critics. While praised for its visually appealing world and polished graphics, issues like technical problems, lack of coherence, and inconsistent enemy designs detract from the overall experience. Addressing these issues could enhance the game's reception among critics and players.
Music and Sound Design
NA
TL;DR
music and sound design
Description unavailable
Voice Acting
NA
TL;DR
voice acting
Description unavailable
Technical Performance
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49
Critics agree: "The First Descendant" faces major technical issues on all platforms, hindering gameplay enjoyment. Despite high player count on Steam, performance problems like framerate drops, server instability, and input delays are significant barriers. Developers must urgently address these issues to improve game quality and deliver a smoother gaming experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
49
Positive (80-100)
0%
Mixed (50-79)
67%
Negative (0-49)
33%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Critics agree: "The First Descendant" faces major technical issues on all platforms, hindering gameplay enjoyment. Despite high player count on Steam, performance problems like framerate drops, server instability, and input delays are significant barriers. Developers must urgently address these issues to improve game quality and deliver a smoother gaming experience.
Replay Value
Expand for full analysis
49
Critics are divided on the replay value of The First Descendant. Some praise its multiplayer missions and looter shooter mechanics for long-term engagement, while others criticize issues like excessive grinding, abysmal drop rates, and predatory monetization. Overall, the negative aspects seem to overshadow the positives, with many highlighting discouraging gameplay elements that hinder the game's replayability.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
49
Positive (80-100)
13%
Mixed (50-79)
25%
Negative (0-49)
63%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Critics are divided on the replay value of The First Descendant. Some praise its multiplayer missions and looter shooter mechanics for long-term engagement, while others criticize issues like excessive grinding, abysmal drop rates, and predatory monetization. Overall, the negative aspects seem to overshadow the positives, with many highlighting discouraging gameplay elements that hinder the game's replayability.
Overall Verdict
57
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
57
Positive (80-100)
16%
Mixed (50-79)
70%
Negative (0-49)
14%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
The First Descendant receives mixed feedback from critics. Positive aspects include diverse gameplay mechanics and potential for long-term success, but criticisms focus on lack of originality, heavy monetization, and technical issues. While some see promise in the game, others feel it falls short in delivering a captivating experience due to its shortcomings and unoriginality.
57
MONSTER
Reviews
46 reviews found80
TheXboxHub
Jul 15, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The First Descendant is seen as a solid start with the potential for long-term success, drawing comparisons to Destiny's evolution. The game provides a lot of fun and engaging gameplay experiences for players.
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70
PC Games
Jul 10, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The First Descendant shows promise with its diverse gameplay mechanics and character abilities, but is hindered by technical issues that need urgent attention. The story, while not groundbreaking, introduces some interesting characters but lacks depth. Overall, the game has potential if the developers address its current shortcomings.
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60
PC Games
Jul 10, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The First Descendant shows promise with its diverse gameplay mechanics and character abilities, but is hindered by technical issues that need urgent attention. The story, while not groundbreaking, introduces some interesting characters but lacks depth. Overall, the game has potential if the developers address its current shortcomings.
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60
MMORPG.com
Jul 11, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The First Descendant has potential to be great but is held back by localization issues, performance problems, and a monetization model that may deter some players.
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60
Destructoid
Jul 9, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The reviewer is conflicted, acknowledging the game's strengths in visuals and gameplay when it works well, but expressing concerns about the profit-driven design choices, technical issues, and potential lack of long-term support. The game is seen as enjoyable but with limitations that may deter a wider player base.
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55
Multiplayer.it
Jul 15, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The First Descendant is criticized for its demoralizing grinding, irrelevant story, lack of originality, and predatory monetization.
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50
GamingBolt
Jul 6, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Serviceable looter shooter experience that falls short in innovation, storytelling, and mission design compared to Destiny 2 and Warframe. Appeals to those looking for an alternative but lacks the same level of quality.
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50
Metro GameCentral
Jul 9, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A depressingly generic free-to-play looter shooter that lacks originality and fails to stand out from its inspirations. The game is competent but unoriginal, with poor storytelling and technical issues.
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30
GameSpot
Jul 19, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The First Descendant is criticized for its predatory monetization, lackluster story, repetitive gameplay, and frustrating progression system. It's not recommended for players due to its focus on extracting money from the player base.
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30
Push Square
Jul 11, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is criticized for being designed to encourage players to pay to skip content rather than enjoy playing it, with the overall experience being compared to using a fidget spinner while on a Discord call.
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