As a space increasingly saturated by titles like Destiny 2 and Borderlands, the looter shooter genre has been challenging for new entrants. Nexon's upcoming game, The First Descendant, however, has managed to carve a niche for itself with its Player vs Environment (PvE) co-op gameplay. This analysis provides insights into the game's features, its recent beta test performance, and what makes it stand apart in the PvE co-op arena.
The Allure of the Beta Test
Upon the opening of its cross-play open beta test, The First Descendant immediately saw an influx of players. In fact, more than 70,000 concurrent players on Steam were recorded, propelling the game into the top 10 most played games on the platform. This surge in numbers suggests not just curiosity but also that Nexon might be onto something genuinely compelling.
Distinct Yet Familiar Gameplay Elements
The Characters and Their Abilities
The game revolves around heroes known as Descendants—Ajax, Viessa, and Lepic—who are on a quest to find the mystical Ironheart. Each character fulfills a basic archetype. Ajax is geared for defense with ample shielding abilities. Viessa specializes in crowd control, wielding ice powers for immobilization. Lepic, on the other hand, is the quintessential damage dealer with fire-based abilities.
Comparison with Outriders
Many elements in The First Descendant bear resemblance to the game Outriders. The elemental weaponry, fire bullets, and shielding abilities are all examples. However, it’s important to note that while the game takes inspiration, it does not simply mimic. The skills are finely tuned for synergistic team play, which appears to be one of the game’s primary focuses.
Questing in Co-op: A Seamless Experience
One of the game’s most compelling features is its non-linear questing system. Instead of quests being restricted by specific quest givers, players are free to roam the world and engage in quests organically. This open-ended design allows for an engaging co-op experience, enabling players to join others without having to jump through bureaucratic gaming hoops. This adds a layer of spontaneity and engagement, making the co-op gameplay experience both dynamic and rewarding.