Close to the game's release, the beta will be generous, if only by allowing the possibility of playing with the 16 characters (Freegunners) that will be available at launch. Supporting crossplay, the open beta will also offer 6 maps (out of 12) and 4 game modes (out of 6) while giving players a glimpse of the game's narrative ambitions. In fact, the cinematic revealed at the State of Play was not just there for show since Concord will offer a new one every week to showcase its characters. By playing the beta, you’ll get access to the first of our mini-cinemas, with more being added to the game each week after Concord launches. When the Early Access Beta and Open Beta launch, we’ll be adding new in-game cinematics to help you experience the Northstar crew’s stories and progression each week. “, we can read on the PlayStation Blog.
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“Purely cosmetic” microtransactions
If you weren't yet aware, Concord has not chosen the free-to-play route, which translates into a launch price of 40 euros (the same as Helldivers 2) but also by the promise new seasons completely free, whether we're talking about the characters, maps or game modes that will be added. Little is known about the monetization of the game, but Firewalk has unsurprisingly confirmed that this will only concern purely cosmetic items. “ There are purely cosmetic pieces that you can choose to purchase to further customize your character's appearance. These do not affect gameplay. We strongly believe that all of our players should be able to enjoy the full experience “, a studio representative told the site. VGC.
Yesterday, some journalists published their impressions after trying the game for three hours, which already allows us to discover the game in action for a longer time. As for the first feedback, the calm and floating feeling of Concord is very reminiscent of Destiny and Halo, obvious references for a studio formed from the start by Bungie veterans. VGC also talks about a time-to-kill twice as long as that of a Call of Duty. In addition to being equipped with a weapon and a unique health reserve, each Freegunner has a double jump (triple for some), two abilities and a passive skill, but no ultimate attack. Before starting a game, the player selects a small group of characters and can alternate between them during the battle.
Below is a gameplay video as well as details of the beta maps and modes as provided by PlayStation.
Open Beta Maps
· Libronde: Libronde is a fortified outpost on the barren planet Glance, and it is divided by intersecting lines that frame a large central courtyard that serves as a focal point where the fiercest battles will take place.
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· Water hazards: On Leviathan, a stormy ocean planet, a monstrous eel, called a morack, has been captured and torn to pieces on a huge floating fishing platform. Players face off on the platform and in the wide open mouth of the morack, attached to the central site.
· Stellar Chamber: Atop the highest mountain on the planet Gloom lies an ancient observatory with narrow corridors struck in its center by a meteorite. An ideal map for team battles as well as duels.
· Electrical hazards: Situated beneath a huge sail that captures electricity from the lightning that strikes the planet Leviathan, this map features many unique arenas allowing you to take on rival teams in multiple paths that all converge towards a large tower central.
· Bone mines: The corpse of a massive vastodon from the tropical planet Akkar is at the center of a lucrative Guild mining operation. Battle between bones and gigantic eggs, and travel through mining galleries to engage in close and mid-range combat.
Open Beta Modes
· Trophy hunting: A game mode with respawn, in which you eliminate the rival team and take their bounty cards to get points. The first team to reach the indicated score before the time runs out wins the game.
· Recovery : A non-respawn mode in which two teams compete to capture the Blue Courier, a robotic package transport system, then place it on one of the zones and defend it against the rival team to win.
· Occupation: A multi-round, non-respawn game mode in which teams compete to control a single capture zone in the center of the map.
· Area control: A respawn game mode where teams compete to capture and control various areas on the map. Control at least two areas to earn your team points, and reach maximum points to win.