BioWare’s ambitious online action RPG, Anthem, is getting a second chance to soar. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can now upgrade to the Legion of Dawn Edition for free, offering a wealth of content and a renewed opportunity to explore the world of Bastion.
Remember Anthem?
BioWare’s attempt to break into the online looter-shooter genre back in 2019? It was a game plagued by a troubled launch, with many criticizing its repetitive gameplay loop, lack of endgame content, and technical issues. Despite its flaws, Anthem possessed a captivating world, stunning visuals, and the undeniable thrill of soaring through the air in powerful Javelin exosuits. Now, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers have the opportunity to re-experience (or perhaps experience for the first time) Anthem in its enhanced Legion of Dawn Edition, absolutely free. This upgrade provides a significant boost to the base game, adding a wealth of cosmetic and gameplay content that makes venturing into Bastion a more rewarding experience.
This unexpected revival comes at an interesting time. While BioWare has officially stopped development on Anthem, leaving behind a dedicated, albeit smaller, community, this Game Pass offering could breathe new life into the game. It’s a chance for players who missed out on Anthem during its initial launch to see what all the fuss was about (both good and bad) and for returning players to revisit the world with some added bonuses. But is it enough to reignite the spark? Let’s dive into what the Legion of Dawn Edition offers and explore why this might be the perfect time to give Anthem another shot.
What Does the Legion of Dawn Edition Include?
The Legion of Dawn Edition provides a substantial upgrade over the base game, offering a range of cosmetic and gameplay enhancements:
- Legendary Legion of Dawn Armor Packs: Equip your Javelins with unique and visually striking armor sets inspired by the legendary Legion of Dawn, the first Javelin pilots. These armor sets not only look impressive but also provide a sense of history and connection to the game’s lore.
- Legendary Weapon: Wield a powerful legendary weapon to dominate the battlefield. While the specific weapon may vary, it offers a significant advantage in combat and a taste of the endgame gear you can strive for.
- Ranger Javelin Gear Attachment: Customize your Ranger Javelin with a unique gear attachment, adding a distinct visual flair to your exosuit.
- Anthem Digital Soundtrack: Immerse yourself in the world of Bastion with the game’s epic soundtrack, composed by Sarah Schachner.
Why Now is the Time to Play Anthem
Even if you’ve tried Anthem before, there are several reasons why this might be the perfect time to give it another go:
- It’s Free (for Game Pass Ultimate Members): The most obvious reason is the price. With the free upgrade, there’s no risk in jumping back in and seeing how the game has evolved (or hasn’t).
- A Second Chance: Anthem had a troubled launch, but this is an opportunity to experience it without the initial hype and expectations. Approach it with a fresh perspective and you might be surprised by what you find.
- The Joy of Flight: One thing Anthem undeniably got right was the feeling of flying. Soaring through the air in your Javelin is still an exhilarating experience, and the world of Bastion is a beautiful playground to explore.
- Co-op Fun: Anthem is best enjoyed with friends. Team up with other Freelancers to tackle challenging missions and explore the world together. With the game potentially attracting new players, finding groups should be easier.
Anthem’s Legacy and the Future of BioWare
Anthem’s story is a cautionary tale in the games industry. It serves as a reminder of the challenges of developing live service games and the dangers of overpromising and underdelivering. While Anthem may not have achieved the success BioWare hoped for, it’s still a game with redeeming qualities.
This Game Pass offering could be seen as a final farewell to Anthem, a way for BioWare to give back to the community and allow players to experience the game in its most complete form. As BioWare focuses on the highly anticipated Dragon Age: Dreadwolf and the next Mass Effect, it’s worth remembering the lessons learned from Anthem. Hopefully, these lessons will shape the future of BioWare and lead to more polished and engaging experiences in the years to come.
Getting Started with Anthem: Legion of Dawn Edition
Ready to take to the skies? Here’s how to access the Legion of Dawn Edition with your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership:
- Ensure you have an active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
- Search for “Anthem” in the Xbox Store on your console or PC.
- Select the “Anthem – Legion of Dawn Edition Upgrade” and install it.
- Launch Anthem and enjoy the enhanced content!
Whether you’re a returning player or a newcomer, the Legion of Dawn Edition offers a compelling reason to revisit the world of Anthem. While the game may not have lived up to its initial potential, it still provides a unique and visually stunning experience, especially with the added content. So, gear up, Freelancer, Bastion awaits!
My Personal Experience with Anthem
I remember pre-ordering Anthem and eagerly diving in at launch. Initially, I was captivated by the world, the Javelin suits, and the sense of freedom in flight. However, the repetitive missions, lack of endgame content, and frustrating bugs quickly dampened my enthusiasm. I eventually moved on to other games, disappointed but still holding onto a glimmer of hope for Anthem’s future.
With the Legion of Dawn Edition now available on Game Pass, I decided to give it another try. I was pleasantly surprised by the visual enhancements and the added content. While the core gameplay loop remains largely the same, I found myself enjoying the experience more this time around. Perhaps it was the lowered expectations or the nostalgia factor, but I had fun exploring Bastion again and completing missions with my friends.
While Anthem may not be the game-changer it was once promised to be, it’s still a worthwhile experience, especially for those who enjoy co-op action and the thrill of flying through a beautifully realized world.
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