Why The Latest Popular Shooter Might Not Be as Exciting as You Think

Too Many Choices, Not Enough Innovation

Unfortunately for live-service shooters, the market has been flooded with releases like Once Human, Concord, Marvel Rivals, and the highly anticipated Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Amidst this sea of games, The First Descendant has managed to stand out with a record number of concurrent players on Steam, but does it really offer anything new or groundbreaking?

The Good, the Bad, and the Microtransactions

The First Descendant follows the familiar formula of a looter shooter RPG, where you grind for resources to get better gear and take down tougher enemies. While the gameplay loop is engaging and the rewards are satisfying, the game falls short in terms of innovation and creativity. One major downside for many players is the presence of predatory microtransactions, offering a 'pay-to-skip' option that can detract from the overall experience.

Engaging Gameplay, Forgettable Story

Despite its shortcomings, The First Descendant manages to keep players hooked with its rewarding gameplay loop. However, the lackluster story and forgettable characters leave much to be desired. While the game may draw comparisons to titles like Destiny, it ultimately fails to deliver the same level of excitement and engagement.

If you're looking for more in-depth game reviews, be sure to check out our take on Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn.