Concord: Sony's New Stopgap

Hey there, survivors of the gamer apocalypse! It seems like Sony decided that what the world really needed in 2024 was another online multiplayer shooter, because, you know, games like that are super rare, right? Let me introduce you. Concordthe latest disaster to emerge from the black hole that is the hero shooter genre. And like every good product that nobody wanted, it comes with the exorbitant price tag of 200 reais for us, poor mortals of Brazil, because, obviously, spending a salary on a game that you'll forget about in a week is the new hobby of the crowd.

Eight Years of Development for This?!

So, let's start at the beginning: eight years. EIGHT YEARS of development to create… this. Seriously, Sony? Firewalk Studios? Were you guys playing Overwatch or Fortnite all the time and forgot you needed to release something? Because Concord feels like exactly that: a project that started out with some potential but was quickly sucked dry by a lack of creativity and innovation.

Imagine it's 2016, the Overwatch hype is at an all-time high, and you're like, “Let's make a game like this, but even more generic!”. Eight years pass, and the world is tired of hero shooters, but there you are, stubbornly releasing a game that is already outdated. Congratulations, Sony, for releasing a product that feels like a Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V of everything we've seen, but without the interesting part.

Characters? Ugly enough to make you feel sorry!

Let’s talk about Concord’s characters. There are 16 of them. Sounds like a lot? Don’t be fooled. While in Overwatch or Valorant each character has a strong identity and unique abilities that make you want to play as each of them, in Concord, everything feels like lazy recycling. We have the classic “generic sniper number 1” and “uninteresting tank number 2”. It’s like someone threw all the clichés into a blender and the result was… well, a bunch of meh.

And of course, there's Haymar, who carries a bow on his wrist that's about as useful as a blue screen in the middle of a championship match. Oh, and if you like to feel special for choosing unique characters, forget it. The lack of depth makes them all feel playable by anyone, even if you're playing for the first time (and probably the last).

While the graphics do manage to shine at times, the same definitely can’t be said for Concord’s characters. It’s as if the designers threw away any notion of aesthetics and decided to create a cast that looks like something out of a low-res nightmare. The characters are so poorly designed that you almost feel sorry for whoever had to spend hours modeling these digital aberrations. They lack any charisma or originality, looking more like a gallery of discarded figures from a 2010 game project. Facial animations are practically non-existent, and with so much competition offering iconic, striking designs, Concord really stands out… but for all the wrong reasons. If you want something to fuel your nightmares, just look at any of these horribly bland creations.

Gameplay: More of the Same, Only Worse

If you've played any other hero shooter, congratulations! You've played Concord. There's absolutely nothing new here. The only thing the game does “differently” is extend the time it takes you to die in a match, because apparently getting shot a thousand times before you go down is the new standard of fun. There's nothing like spending $200 to trudge through maps that look like they're straight out of a Destiny draft, with no inspiration or innovation.

Speaking of maps, the design is so bland that you could be playing on a Minecraft map and not notice the difference. The game modes? Predictable. Basically, you run to a location, shoot someone, die, repeat. The lack of creativity here is breathtaking, but not in a good way. It feels like Firewalk took a “How to make a generic online shooter in 10 steps” manual and followed it to the letter.

History? But What History?

Firewalk promised that Concord’s narrative would be the game’s differentiator. Oh yeah, because what everyone wants in a multiplayer shooter is a deep, engaging story… no, wait, nobody wants that. But even if they did, Concord wouldn’t deliver. The story is basically nonexistent. Characters barely interact with each other, cutscenes are few and far between, and the game’s lore is about as exciting as reading a prescription drug leaflet.

The only thing we know is that there are people fighting for some mysterious reason that, in the end, no one cares about. You can even try to understand what's going on by exploring the so-called “Galactic Guide”, but honestly, it seems easier to ignore it and move on.

Graphics: The Only Thing That Saves

Yes, the graphics are pretty. Congratulations, Concord, you managed to not be ugly. The landscapes are nice, the lighting is good, and the animations are fluid. But let's be real here: what's the point of having pretty graphics if the game is boring and soulless? It's like buying a luxury car to only drive to the corner. Does it work? Yes. Is it worth the investment? Absolutely not.

A 200 Real Mistake

Ultimately, Concord is a typical example of how to waste money. It's a game that was born old, with outdated mechanics and forgettable characters. The price is ridiculously high for what it offers, especially in a market saturated with options. free-to-play much better. If you want to play something really worthwhile, stay away from Concord. Not only will it frustrate you, it will also make you wonder what the hell you were thinking spending money on it.

Pros:

• Beautiful graphics: The only thing the game really gets right is well-done visuals and stunning landscapes.
• Stable performance: There's no complaining about the technical side; the game runs well, without any major performance issues.
• Crew bonus: An interesting mechanic, which, in another game, could perhaps be better used.

Cons:

• Ugly and uncharismatic characters: Lazy, poorly made designs that fail to stand out or captivate.
• Repetitive and uninnovative gameplay: Concord recycles tired mechanics, without adding anything new or interesting.
• Uninspired maps: Generic environments that don't take advantage of the potential of a science fiction setting.
• Weak and confusing story: Practically non-existent narrative and characters without personality, making any connection with the game impossible.
• Lack of relevant content: Few game modes and no real reason to keep playing after the first match.
• Absurdly high price: Charging a lot for a game that offers so little is almost a bad joke.

Final Grade: 4/10

Concord is a walking disaster that was born with an expiration date. In a market saturated with hero shooters, it fails in every aspect that could make it relevant. From the bland and ugly characters, to the repetitive gameplay and forgettable story, everything about Concord screams mediocrity. The fact that it took eight years to develop is an insult to any gamer who expects something innovative or, at the very least, fun. With an exorbitant price tag and nothing really appealing, Concord is a waste of time and money. In short, it's a game that should have remained on the drawing board and never seen the light of day. If you have any respect for your time and your wallet, stay away from this monumental failure.