BioWare’s multiplayer sci-fi action-RPG “Anthem” will officially launch on February 22, the studio revealed Saturday during publisher Electronic Arts’ E3 press conference.
In “Anthem,” up to four players can explore a dangerous world filled with mutated creatures and violent storms. They will need to wear a Javelin exosuit to survive, and each one comes equipped with its own special abilities and weapons. The four Javelins (a.k.a. character classes) are Ranger, Colossus, Storm, and Interceptor.
“Anthem’s” launch date supposedly leaked online in the hours leading up to EA’s press conference. Amazon Italy listed a date of February 19, 2019. That turned out to be just slightly off the mark.
The game will be available for Origin on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. People who pre-order now can get VIP demo access and a unique in-game Founders banner. Those who pre-order the standard edition will also get a legendary weapon and the Legion of the Dawn Armor Pack for the Ranger Javelin. Legion of Dawn Edition buyers get the full set of Legion of Dawn Armor Packs, a Ranger Javelin gear attachment, the digital soundtrack, and more. Additionally, Origin Access Premier members can be the first to play the full game with unlimited access starting February 15, while EA Access and Origin Access Basic members can enjoy up to 10 hours of play time as part of the Play First Trial.
After the somewhat disappointing launch of “Mass Effect: Andromeda,” developer BioWare recently said “Anthem” will have a greater emphasis on continuous story and world building. The studio said it wants to “solve the problem with multiplayer storytelling,” and it is apparently doing that by making the game’s main hub single-player only. Areas outside the base will be multiplayer.
“We think it creates a unique experience where you have control over your own story, but your story is set in an ever-changing multiplayer world,” BioWare’s Casey Hudson said. “And yes, even though ‘Anthem’ is meant to bring out the best parts of playing as part of an online community, you can choose to play through the story with only your friends, or even on your own.”
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