Is A Lot Of Fun Because It’s Not A Shooter For Me

The new action RPG Anthem is already playable in a headstart. Our author Schuhmann says: This is much better than I thought. It’s like playing a modern MMORPG where I run only instances.

That’s my thesis: Unlike many testers who see Anthem as a “shoot shooter” and compare it to games like Destiny, The Division and Warframe, I think Anthem is a kind of “MMORPG light”. As an MMORPG, always press the “Search for group” button.

Anthem is for me as if BioWare had considered in 2012 what MMORPGs 2020 might look like and then they landed at Anthem.

They have left out a lot of what we associate with MMORPGs today, especially the “massively” is gone and there are no side activities either. But this is the central Coop experience, with 4 men to run a mission, in the foreground.

anthem-storm-view
The Storm is the Flying Elemental Magician of Anthem – and the Javelin of my choice.
That’s what I’ve done so far in Anthem: According to Origin, I spent 11 hours in Anthem. In the meantime, I made it to Lvl 18, completed dozens of missions and side missions, and defeated the first fortress.

I’m stuck in the main story but the Grind Quest, which I do not agree with my thesis at the moment. Since I have to find 14 treasure chests – and had so far no desire to rumzurinden so. Everything else until then, but I’ve grazed: There are in addition to the main quest still 3 quest lines of the factions.

So I arrived about two thirds through and at the end of the midgame. I can not say anything about the endgame and the loot systems yet. I just take the highest-level items – as I would in an MMORPG as well, playing a char upstairs.

Unlike professional testers and streamers who need to work Anthem, I played about 2 hours each day after work: so I have a much more relaxed game experience.

anthem-storm-ultima
Skills are a big source of damage while you level up.
That’s how I played Anthem: I went solo with the Storm, a kind of “magician-javelin.” About 4 days later, I also read a guide to the Storm and learned that I should have been floating all the time because then I get a bonus sign and am generally cooler. Ups.

The interesting thing is that “playing solo” in Anthem is like playing an MMORPG and running only instances with a “Looking for Group” tool. Because before each mission you get 3 team members, who are traveling with one.

So as I solo quest in “normal” MMORPGs to work my way up, I run in Anthem 4er missions, which are basically “instances,” but built differently. You are a bit freer.

Anthem Haluk angry
NPCs like Haluk (left) or Faye are pretty broken but charming.
So I’ve turned on the difficulty: I’ve played the first-day Anthem on “Normal” – in the setting are the missions to four but ridiculously easy and you rush through, without really noticing what to do there.

So later I switched the missions to “hard”, then the opponents do about 50% more damage and keep 50% more out – the game is much better then.

In free play, where you’re more likely to be sold, and in the fortress, I switch back to “normal” – but I’m not that hard.

Anthem titanium
That’s what makes Anthem so good: in my mind, I do not play anthem as a “shoot shooter”, but as MMORPG light by constantly pressing the “sign up for instance” button.

Compared to the MMORPGs that I know, Anthem has some advantages:

The gameplay is really cool – the pure combat loop with skills, shooting, jumping and flying has much more action than in a typical MMORPG. Matchmaking is instant – there are hardly any waiting times in the game when it starts. From the long loading screens, I am spared thanks to SSD. But as soon as a mission starts, there is actually 15 minutes of action.

Anthem Ranger Flying

An important element of Anthem: Flying from point to point makes you laugh.
it’s fun to fly to the next point – usually in MMORPGs the time between two fights is boring, you just barge there. At Anthem, I fly like Iron Man to the next pointless. Hose-like fighting – in MMORPGs instances are hose-like. You know exactly who the next opponent pack is and have breakfast. Fights are shattered at Anthem, people do their thing. But that can be different in the endgame.

The presentation is strong – the characters are set to German, the graphics are really good. Characters like Brin (she simply hates Skar) or Owen (a bit broken, but in a good mood) I find the really successful
anthem-ranger colossus.

I released Colossus and Ranger at level 18 but have not played yet.
This is how my approach worked in practice: The first 11 hours I have had with the attitude of mind, “Anthem is an MMORPG, where I always press on looking for groups” had really good experiences.

I’m curious how it is in the endgame. But the first week and the first 11 hours have kept me entertained so far.

I have not even tried the other javelin – from the demo, but I know that play completely different than my Storm.

The 15 €, which I paid for the access, are with me in the conversation already loose in it again. How the game is after 30 hours, you will see. Anyway, I’m looking forward to it and go look for treasure chests tonight.

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The 4 Javelin In Anthem – Which Class Suits Me?

In Anthem, your character will slip into battle suits, called Javelins. In the beginning, there are four classes available: Ranger, Colossus, Interceptor, and Storm. Learn here what is known about these four suits.

What are Javelins? Javelins are in principle the classes of Anthem who have their individual talents. So the Colossus is like a tank or the Interceptor an assassin. The combat suits can be exchanged between the missions, which is why you are not tied to a fixed class.

There are four different Javelins: They all have their own abilities and thus offer different gameplay. Your character (the Freelancer) and the Javelin Fighter Suits continue to evolve independently in the game. The level of the freelancer determines your strength.

When is which javelin unlocked? New javelin will be unlocked when level 2, 8, 16 and 26 are reached. All start with the ranger and then you decide the order itself.

Update February 21, 2019: This article was originally published in July 2018 and has been updated with new information. There are now guides to each javelin in the article.

Ranger – The allrounder and starter in Anthem
Anthem Ranger 1
What makes the ranger? This Javelin is a classic all-rounder that can do a bit of everything and is thus versatile. He can use a wide range of weapons and abilities. All players start in Anthem with the ranger. Then players decide freely in which order they want to unlock the others.

The ranger is the first javelin for players, according to BioWare, because it’s so versatile. Beginners use it to approach Anthem’s combat suits. Experienced players will be able to build a variety of builds for the ranger to prepare for any situation.

How To Fight Ranger – His Skills: Ranger can be equipped with various grenades that often cause high area damage. Similarly, there are modified grenades that trigger certain effects, such as frost.

On the wrist, the Ranger has a shooting device that is loaded with different modules. Among them are, inter alia, remote missiles, poison arrows or sparks.

Javelin Ranger Skills Fähigkeiten1
Creator: Matt Needler, Translation: Akoloot
Ranger in fast profile:

Focus: versatility
Offensive style: individual goals
Defense Ability: Sprint
Jump type: double
Gameplay: Soldier
Ranger is ideal for Players who like to experiment with their builds and do not want to commit to a role. Its versatility makes Ranger equally suitable for beginners and experts alike. His motto is: “Easy to learn, but difficult to master.”

If you are still fresh, you can test a variety of weapons and abilities with Ranger. Once you know how to build a javelin, you’ll enjoy crafting some very special gear.

If you come from a classic shooter direction, Ranger might be the ideal choice for you. He works as a futuristic soldier. He can do quick sprints, has a wide range of weapons, and his skills are very much geared to the use of grenades.

Ranger Guide: We have collected some tips and tricks for rangers in our entry-level guide.

Colossus – The aggressive tank
Anthem Colossus
What makes the Colossus? This is the massive, but aggressive tank in the round. That’s why he moves a bit more cumbersome than the other classes. He is equipped with powerful artillery, with which he triggers a firework of explosions. Flamethrower, a jet engine, and a big cannon are part of his arsenal.

The Colossus provides damage reduction and can protect his group. He may be better armored than the other Javelins, but the Colossus stands for brute force and is a mere killing machine.

How Colossus Fights – His Skills: The Colossus is running artillery and has a heavy launcher. He is, therefore, the only Javelin equipped with heavy weapons. Colossus fires with projectiles, explosions and elementary projectiles just around him.

As the group’s tank, Colossus has a higher defense than the other Javelins. His strengthening systems have abilities to attract opponents. Handy to distract annoying opponent groups!

Javelin Colossus-Skills Fähigkteiten1
Creator: Matt Needler, Translation: Akoloot
Colossus in fast profile:

Focus: Resilience
Offensive style: multiple objectives
Defense Ability: Shield
Jump type: rocket
Gameplay: Relentless tank
Colossus is ideal for Players who rush into battle with brute force. If you prefer powerful explosions and a rough style of play, you will enjoy the massive war machine.

As a tank of the group, Colossus is also responsible for protecting his team. Due to its stronger armor, Colossus comes with higher defense. You can use it to attract your opponents, whether it’s the protection of the group or more sacrifices for your brute guns.

If you are worried about the word “tank”, that you are passively fouling opponents, take this care. For Colossus: Brutal attack is the best defense!

Colossus Build: We have a Colossus build here for you, with which you put everything to ruins. ,

Storm – The Elemental Mage
Anthem Storm
What makes Storm? The storm is most likely to be compared to a magician class that uses forces of nature such as fire, electric storms, or wind. The storm has a high attack but has little defensive characteristics.

Experienced players know that they prefer to attack at distance with the Storm and not position themselves directly at the front. The storm is also designed for vertical gameplay and prefers attacks from above.

How Storm Fights – His Skills: Storm is equipped with various seals that unleash the power of the anthem. With these seals, Storm uses mainly elementary attacks. Elements have opposite strengths and weaknesses, as in Pokémon.

His skills are based on area damage, forcing entire groups of opponents to their knees. He should control opponent groups and switch off. Even Storm’s melee attack hurls opponents. This makes it clear again that Storm is designed for ranged combat.

Javelin-Storm-Skills Fähigkeiten1
Creator: Matt Needler, Translation: Akoloot
Storm in fast profile:

Focus: firepower
Offensive style: area damage
Defense Ability: Blink / Teleport
Jump type: hover
Game Type: Glass Cannon
The storm is ideal for Players who are into magical classes, with high firepower and a deliberate style of play. The storm is one of the trickier javelins and requires a bit of macro management. The most effective Storm is namely in the air. From there, he lets his elemental attacks pelt down on opponents like a force of nature.

However, javelins need constant cooling when in the air, otherwise, they lose their flying power. You have to weigh well when landing is safe for you. On the ground, Storm has a low defense because his shield is weaker there.

If you like playing games as a supporter, Storm could be the right choice for you. His buff seals are designed to defend and buff the group. With his elemental powers, he is also able to severely restrict opponents by freezing them.

Storm-Guide: If you want more information, we have a suitable beginner guide for the Storm, in which you will also find a suitable build.

Interceptor – The fast and agile assassin
Anthem interceptor
What makes the Interceptor? This Javelin is the most elegant and lightweight of the combat suits, making it fast on the move. The Interceptor plays like an assassin, rushing into battle and out again. He is not as strong as the other Javelins but balances out with his maneuverability.

With the Interceptor, you will especially fall into melee combat. It is standard equipped with double-sided daggers.

How To Fight Interceptor – His Skills: Introducing the Interceptor as a futuristic ninja with daggers and throwing stars. His razor-sharp attacks are extremely precise. Likewise, he also has some properties that poison opponents.

Interceptor is designed for maneuverability. He should quickly scurry through the enemy masses and can also withdraw quickly in times of need.

Javelin-Interceptor-Skills Fähigkeiten1
Creator: Matt Needler, Translation: Akoloot
Interceptor in fast profile:

Focus: flexibility
Offensive style: single target
Defense Ability: Triple Sprint
Jump type: triple
Gameplay: Fast and accurate

Interceptor is ideal for Players who value high mobility and precision. Interceptor is among you for the rogues and assassins. He is designed to slash his way through the battlefield with his sharp blades.

If you also like to watch the combat situation and seek out individual victims, then Interceptor is ideal for you. He does not come with large area damage, therefore. With Interceptor, you can search for threats and, unnoticed, decide the battle for your team.

Also, if you enjoy being close to the action, you should also bet on Interceptor. With him, you fight only at a distance, if you want to weaken your opponent first with a poison bomb before you miss him the fatal blow.

Interceptor-Build: We have a build for you, with which you can even go solo with the Interceptor.

This is how the Javelins skill system works
Javelins have unique pieces of equipment: these can be modified and provided with different skills. There is two attack equipment for the damage and one defense equipment for the defense. Within these three categories you can tinker with your modifications:

Storm: Blast Seal, Focus Seal, Strength Seal
Colossus: artillery, heavy launcher, strengthening systems
Ranger: guards, launcher, strengthening systems
Interceptor: Attack System, Hit Systems, Strength Systems
Fixed skills: Javelins also have skills that can not be exchanged. These are their ultima, melee attacks, and the combo effect.

Combo effects for more damage
Combos allow you to connect attacks and skills. This triggers an effect that varies from Javelin to Javelin.

For a combo, you need primers and detonators:

Primers: Primers cause elemental damage.
Detonators: Detonators trigger the combo effect when they hit an opponent who was previously hit by a primer attack. They are then marked by an “explosion icon”

What are those skills? Each Javelin has a unique Ultima ability that is significantly stronger than the usual skills of the suits. These skills can be crucial to the outcome of a fight. So you should always use it at the right moment.

The Ultima skills need to be charged slowly before they can be used. By defeating enemies or supporting allies, it boosts its Ultima ability faster.

All Ultima in the video: Below you can see each of the Ultima capabilities in action. Below the video, you will find a short description of the super strong attacks.

Storm – Elemental Storm: Summoning a flood of energy, the Storm devastates a target area – and any enemy unlucky enough to be there.
Colossus – High Explosive Mortar: Fire an explosive projectile to devastate an area and every enemy within.
Ranger – Multi-Target Rocket Storm: Bring down a volley of missiles that automatically capture dozens of targets on your enemies.
Interceptor – Double-sided daggers: The Interceptor uses 2 double-sided daggers in close combat to inflict hitting enemies.

Modifications: Javelins are customizable
Battle adaptation: Javelin combat suits and their associated weapons can be modified and personalized. Players collect new equipment in the world and continue to rise as they defeat enemies. Milestones are reached.

These achievements will unlock opportunities to further customize the Javelins and tailor them to their own style.

Loot to modify: Which loot the players find on missions depends on which Javelin they have just equipped. All players in the group receive individual loot.

Adaptation in appearance: The optical individualization of the javelin is quite extensive. You can customize parts such as the head and torso individually or stick films on the javelin. You can also create colors for the javelin yourself.

Do you want to know more about Anthem? Then have a look at our big Info-Hub:

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