Can EA and Bioware's Anthem Really Challenge Destiny 2?

When EA and Bioware showed off their newest intellectual property, Anthem, at E3, fans of shooters and RPGs alike were floored at the beautiful landscapes and intense combat on display. After watching the full presentation, however, one can’t help but think of the resemblance to another popular FPS stalwart - Destiny 2. The beloved-yet-maligned sequel to the original ambitious FPS-RPG has certainly gone through some ups and downs throughout its lifespan, but its stock is at an all-time high with the announcement of the game’s first expansion, Forsaken. These two games will ultimately go head-to-head on February 22, 2019, when Anthem releases on Playstation 4, Xbox One, and PC. Anthem may be able to challenge for the title of top dog, but there are some aspects of the game that could stop it from getting to the top. Let’s examine how Anthem can compete with Destiny 2, and what will hold it back from reaching its full potential.

PRO: New IP

Remember the first time you hopped into the Cosmodrome, picked up your Khvostov, and popped a few Fallen in the head? We can’t get those magical moments back in Destiny, but we sure can in Anthem! Since the whole game will be a new experience, we’ll be treated to a number of magic moments again. Sure, some of the missions and experiences in Destiny 2 have been pretty awesome, but nothing beats the nostalgia of the first game. Here, Anthem is the first game, so get ready to make a whole lot of new memories.

PRO: The Graphics

This game is stunning, to the point where you could conceivably play the game purely for its aesthetic beauty. The lush, floral environments are captivating, the armor sets look great, and the enemies seem to move in a way that makes you want to stop to admire their fluid moments - before popping them twice in the side of the head, that is.

PRO: Mechsuits

Giant robots are awesome. This game lets you pilot giant mechsuits and kill space folk with them. One of them (the big red one, also called the Colossus) shoots a barrage of rockets at your enemies. These “Javelins,” as they’re called, serve as the closest things to Anthem offers to classes. Listen, I love my Titan as much as the next Guardian, but my Titan isn’t a giant robot that shoots rockets. Yes, throwing flaming hammers and summoning a Void shield is really cool, but nothing’s cooler than giant robots.

PRO: “New Boyfriend”

In line with the game being a new IP is that, well, it’s never hurt us before. Destiny has a reputation making questionable decisions that greatly offend the playerbase, but always seems to want to make it up to us. Yes, the expansions have been well-made and well-received, and Forsaken looks like it could be the best expansion of the bunch. But the base games have been so underwhelming it’s hard to see past the flaws sometimes. It’s like Bungie can’t get it right the first time, then try to buy us back with material items (well, more like we buy even more stuff from them, but you know what I mean.)

The Bad: ...New IP

New IP means a lot of potential - potentially good or potentially bad. We’ve seen plenty of games fall flat on their face and get discarded in short order (RIP Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite) and new franchises generally have a shorter leash than established franchises. A cutthroat company like Electronic Arts will have no problem putting the kibosh on Anthem after one game if the numbers aren’t there.

The Bad: EA

Speaking of the Evil Empire, (pun somewhat intended) EA has done nothing with recent business decisions to inspire any sort of faith that they will keep their hands (and loot boxes) out of the Anthem cookie jar. I’m hopeful that Bioware can fend EA off and avoid an Eververse-esque fiasco taking hold of Anthem’s community the same way Destiny 2’s community reacted to the inclusion of paid currency to their game.

Who Knows?: Bioware

Bioware has put out some incredible titles in the past, but Mass Effect: Andromeda was a hot mess start to finish. Even the greats have a bad game (literally) every once in a while, so while I’m not overly concerned about Bioware’s ability, Andromeda has put that nagging little suspicion into the back of my head that the mojo could be gone. 

With these points in mind, I’m cautiously optimistic about Anthem. Like the original Destiny, I’ll definitely give it a shot with an open mind and see if it scratches that itch. The game looks awesome enough and has enough cool stuff (mech. suits.) to keep me intrigued at first. After that point, though, it will be up to Bioware to deliver on their promise of an amazing title.

Stay tuned for more Anthem news and notes as more information gets revealed to us leading up to the game’s release. Destiny 2: Forsaken received a bit of news regarding its weekly reset period, check out exactly what’s going on by clicking here.