Concord Review (PS5) | Push Square

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Concord is not the disaster the discourse around it would lead you to believe. This online first-person shooter – a debut effort from Sony studio Firewalk – has outrageous production values, a fair business model, and a genuinely entertaining gameplay loop. Its biggest issue is its lack of identity: there’s no denying the developer has been heavily inspired by Guardians of the Galaxy, and while the title does genuinely try to blaze its own trail, that’ll largely be its downfall.

For those who haven’t been following, this is the second of PlayStation’s much-discussed live service efforts, following on from the record-breaking success of Helldivers 2 earlier in the year. Available on PS5 and PC, this is a premium release with a $40/£35 price point, and all 16 characters and 12 maps are available for everyone from day one. There are no microtransactions, Battle Passes, or hidden costs – although the studio has said it plans to sell cosmetics at a later date.

You play as a Freegunner from a ship named the Northstar, a ragtag crew of sci-fi mercenaries tasked with taking on high stakes missions. Each match, across a total of six modes, is framed as one of said objectives. Characters include a lizard-like individual named Lennox, who wields a revolver and can heal himself. You’ll also find Haymar, a pyromaniac with a penchant for crossbows, and Teo, an ex-elite soldier with a love for grenades.

Each of the 16 characters have their own personality and kit, providing them with unique gameplay possibilities. Lark, a kind of fungi-like humanoid, can deposit plants on the stage which enables them to either warp to safe spots or buff the mobility of their teammates. Emari, meanwhile, an enormous hulking lady, can deploy armour for her allies and utilise her own personal shield to defend herself from incoming shrapnel and enemy fire.

A key gameplay mechanic encourages you to switch between different characters in each match, as completing a full round with one hero will unlock