It seems that the live-service “looter shooter” genre has been in need of a shake-up. While games like Destiny and Warframe have dominated for years, few others have made a significant impact. However, Nexon’s upcoming release, The First Descendant, could possibly bring some fresh energy to the genre. Although the game borrows heavily from Destiny, with familiar enemy designs and mechanics, it still managed to captivate me during a demo at the Summer Game Fest with its intense shooting action.
Breaking the Mold
My hands-on experience with The First Descendant began with a detailed video presentation showcasing the game’s characters and post-game content. The overwhelming amount of information felt similar to navigating Destiny 2 for the first time. Despite this, I believe that the game will offer a smoother onboarding experience for new players. The demo plunged me directly into combat, where I found the shooting mechanics to be incredibly polished and satisfying. The onslaught of enemies in dungeons made me feel like a zombie-slaying machine, even though the game undoubtedly draws inspiration from existing titles.
One unique aspect of the game is its Descendant characters, offering a blend of hero shooter elements in a cooperative setting. I selected Enzo for my demo, a character with powerful abilities and strategic gameplay options. While The First Descendant borrows heavily from established games in the genre, it presents an opportunity for engaging co-op experiences and tactical gameplay.
However, the game’s similarities to Destiny are hard to ignore, from enemy designs to the sci-fi aesthetic. Despite facing these familiar foes, boss battles provided a challenging experience that showcased the game’s potential in cooperative play. The real question lies in whether The First Descendant can establish its own identity amidst established titles like Destiny 2.
Despite its familiar elements, The First Descendant shows promise with its tight gameplay mechanics, cooperative potential, and international appeal. A free-to-play model at launch may attract players looking for a fresh experience in the genre. The game’s long-term success will depend on how quickly it can carve out its own identity and offer compelling content.
The First Descendant is set to release on July 2 across multiple platforms.
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