Atti Abderrahim
Table of Contents
Concord Game is setting a new standard in the world of online multiplayer first-person shooters (FPS). As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Concord Game emerges as a strong contender, offering players a fresh and dynamic experience. Developed by Firewalk Studios, Concord Game is not just another addition to the FPS genre; it’s a game that combines strategy, fast-paced action, and a rich narrative, making it a must-play for gamers around the globe.
What is Concord Game?
At its core, Concord Game is a 100% online multiplayer FPS that pits teams of five against each other in intense 5v5 matches. Unlike traditional FPS games, Concord Game falls into the hero shooter category, where each of the 16 playable characters brings unique weapons and abilities to the battlefield. These heroes are divided into six distinct classes, each with defined roles, similar to the DPS/Tank/Heal roles seen in other games but with more specialized functions. For example, the “Warden” class excels at long-range combat, while the “Hant” class includes characters capable of hovering in place for short periods.
During our hands-on preview, we explored 10 of the 16 heroes available at launch. Each character in Concord Game is packed with personality and offers unique gameplay possibilities. While the game may not reinvent the wheel in the hero shooter genre, especially with titans like Overwatch in the mix, it certainly delivers a thrilling experience. Whether you’re charging into battle as the formidable Star Child with a shotgun in hand or leaping into the air to land a sniper shot as Vale, Concord Game keeps the adrenaline pumping. The game’s mechanics, while reminiscent of other popular titles, bring their own twists, creating a unique experience that stands out in a crowded market.
Unique Gameplay Mechanics
What sets Concord Game apart from its competitors is its innovative gameplay mechanics. While it shares some similarities with Overwatch, Concord Game introduces elements that make it feel like a slower-paced Halo, complete with a mini-map and a health bar that doesn’t regenerate automatically. The gameplay is fluid and aerial, with nearly all heroes capable of double-jumping and automatically climbing mid-height ledges. The time-to-kill (TTK) is also on the higher side, giving players a chance to escape sticky situations. Most characters in Concord Game come equipped with a dodge ability that recharges after a short period, making every encounter feel like a mini-duel where players must utilize all of their hero’s abilities effectively.
The developers at Firewalk Studios have drawn inspiration from fighting games, and this influence is evident in the strategic depth of Concord Game. Every battle requires players to think on their feet, combining their hero’s abilities with tactical maneuvers to outsmart their opponents. This layer of strategy adds a refreshing twist to the standard FPS formula, ensuring that Concord Game offers a gameplay experience that’s both engaging and challenging.
Strategy and Tactical Depth
Beyond its engaging gameplay, Concord Game offers a level of tactical depth that sets it apart from other FPS titles. The game features a unique system called Persistent Deployables, which are abilities that can last across multiple rounds. These deployables are crucial in matches where players don’t automatically respawn, such as in the Clash Point mode, where teams must capture a central zone on the map. For example, the character Daw can deploy healing stations that remain active even after she’s been eliminated, providing a strategic advantage to her team.
In one match, our team managed to secure two healing stations in a safe spot at the center of the control point, giving us a significant edge over the opposing team. While we only had a chance to test a few of these Persistent Deployables during our preview, the developers hinted at more exciting options, such as traps that reveal enemy positions when triggered. This opens up a world of strategic possibilities, particularly in modes where players can change heroes between rounds or after death. Concord Game encourages players to experiment with different strategies, making every match a unique experience.
The Crew Builder System
Another standout feature in Concord Game is the Crew Builder system, which introduces a deck-building mechanic to the FPS genre. In this system, players can select up to twelve heroes and arrange them in a specific order. If you switch heroes mid-match, you’ll receive a bonus tied to that character. For example, starting a match with Teo, who has a bonus ability that increases movement speed after dodging, will give you an advantage once you respawn. As you progress through the match and switch to other heroes in your Crew, you’ll unlock additional bonuses, making your team stronger as the match goes on.
This system not only adds another layer of strategy to Concord Game but also encourages players to diversify their gameplay by trying out different heroes. While we didn’t get to fully explore the Crew Builder system during our preview, its potential to change the course of a match is clear. It’s a feature that adds depth to the game, making it more than just a test of reflexes and aiming skills.
Accessibility and Community Focus
Firewalk Studios has made it clear that Concord Game is designed to be accessible to a broad audience. Whether you’re a seasoned FPS player or new to the genre, Concord Game has something to offer. The game’s matchmaking system is designed to ensure that players of all skill levels can find a match that suits their experience. While the developers haven’t confirmed if Concord Game will use a skill-based matchmaking system (SBMM), they have assured that the game will provide “the best possible experience” for all players.
In addition to its accessible gameplay, Concord Game also places a strong emphasis on its narrative and characters. Each hero in the game is part of the NorthStar crew, a group of Freegunners who take on contracts as they journey through the galaxy. The characters are full of life and personality, from Leenox, the sharp-witted humanoid, to 1-OFF, a lovable, huggable robot. Players will get to know these characters through weekly 2-minute cinematic episodes, which are available in-game. The first episode we saw left us eager to learn more about this quirky crew.
A Complete Experience at Launch
When Concord Game launches on August 23, players can expect a complete and polished experience. The game will feature 16 unique heroes, 12 maps spread across five different worlds, and six PvP modes. These modes include Clash Point, where teams compete to capture a central zone; Trophy Hunt, which is reminiscent of Call of Duty’s “Kill Confirmed”; and Cargo Run, where players must secure a small robot and escort it to an extraction point. While the modes we tested were straightforward, they were executed well, and we hope to see more innovative modes and maps as the game evolves.
As with any good live-service game, Concord Game will continue to grow after launch. Firewalk Studios plans to release four seasons each year, each introducing new heroes, maps, game modes, and cosmetic items. The game will be priced at 40 euros and will include a premium shop where players can purchase skins and other cosmetic items.
Technical Performance
From a technical perspective, Concord Game runs smoothly and looks fantastic. During our preview, the game ran at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second on PlayStation 5. We encountered only minor slowdowns during pre-match cinematics, but these were not significant enough to detract from the overall experience. The game’s vibrant and colorful environments give it a distinct visual style that’s both appealing and memorable. While it’s not yet confirmed if Concord Game will support 120 frames per second on PS5, the game will be available on both PlayStation 5 and PC at launch.
Conclusion
Concord Game is shaping up to be a standout title in the crowded FPS market. With its blend of strategic gameplay, engaging characters, and a commitment to providing a complete experience at launch, Concord Game is poised to capture the attention of gamers worldwide. Whether you’re a fan of hero shooters, tactical gameplay, or just looking for a new online multiplayer experience, Concord Game has something to offer. Mark your calendars for August 23, and get ready to dive into the exciting world of Concord Game.
