Reflecting on Anthem’s Journey
The impending shutdown of BioWare’s Anthem servers on January 12 marks the end of an era for many gamers. While the broader gaming community may not dwell on this moment, there is a palpable sense of nostalgia and sadness for those who experienced the game’s promise firsthand. Launched nearly seven years ago, Anthem was a title that, despite its potential, never fully realized its ambitions. For many, including myself, it remains a bittersweet memory of a mech RPG that could have been extraordinary.
BioWare, once hailed as the pinnacle of storytelling and immersive gameplay through titles like Knights of the Old Republic, Mass Effect, and Dragon Age, faced challenges with its transition to the Frostbite engine mandated by EA. The anticipation surrounding Anthem was palpable, especially after the lukewarm reception of Mass Effect: Andromeda. When I first engaged with its beta, I was captivated by the stunning visuals and the exhilarating mechanics that promised a new frontier in gaming.
Those initial hours spent in Anthem remain etched in my memory. The javelins—each uniquely designed—offered distinct gameplay experiences. The Ranger was the versatile warrior, the Interceptor danced through enemies with agility, and the Storm unleashed elemental chaos. Yet, it was the Colossus that resonated with me the most, embodying the essence of a tank capable of both absorbing damage and wreaking havoc on foes.
Rich, a fellow gamer, aptly summarized the experience: “Anthem makes a hell of a first impression. It then smothers its strong start with a burdensome campaign, before showing a final glimmer of potential in its endgame. It’s quite the rollercoaster.” The thrill of launching into the air and exploring the beautifully crafted world was unparalleled. I found myself lost in the joy of soaring over cliffs, diving into waterfalls, and racing across lakes, captivated by the sheer pleasure of movement.
The combat system held the promise of evolving the beloved mechanics from Mass Effect 3, blending gunplay with tech-magic and offering satisfying skill synergies. I envisioned Anthem as the successor I had longed for, a game that could redefine the genre. However, beneath this promising core lay significant shortcomings. The game lacked mission variety, often reducing gameplay to repetitive skirmishes. Equipment options were limited, failing to deliver the depth that players expected from a live-service title. Additionally, while the narrative had its moments, the slow pacing around Fort Tarsis hindered any sense of momentum.
For those who persevered through the campaign, there was a flicker of hope in the early endgame, with a scaling difficulty system and Masterwork weapons hinting at greater build diversity. In many ways, my experience mirrored the early days of Destiny, where the allure of the world and gameplay could overshadow the repetitive nature of tasks. Unfortunately, by the time Anthem launched, the competitive landscape had evolved, and convincing friends to invest in the game proved challenging. In February 2020, just a year post-launch, BioWare announced the halt of seasonal updates to focus on a “substantial reinvention,” only to confirm a year later that Anthem was effectively dead.
As the servers prepare to shut down, the reality of not being able to play Anthem lingers in the air. Perhaps this closure is a necessary step, allowing us to cherish the game that could have been without the weight of its unfulfilled potential. Revisiting old trailers and screenshots has reignited a profound sense of melancholy, especially as other titles like Warframe and Armored Core 6 continue to thrive in the mech genre. Yet, none have quite captured the exhilarating experience that Anthem once offered.
The Anthem servers will shut down on Monday, January 12. While the gaming community may move on, the memory of what Anthem could have become will linger in the hearts of those who dared to dream alongside it.
