I’m curious by nature, always have been. If there were a strange noise or ominous lights emanating from the old, abandoned mental hospital, I would be the first to discover the source of the mysterious red paint that has stained the walls and chainsaw blades that is resting atop a pile of napping, blood soaked kids, that had gone missing from the neighbourhood. And a game such as “The First Descendant” is a prime example of something that evokes that innate curiosity. It’s a free-to-play looter shooter that, depending on who is yelling, has been favourably/unfavorably compared to Warframe. A game handled with a demonstrative propensity for consumer satisfaction. With a loot based system that isn’t entirely predicated on spending money on premium items to progress. Sure certain cosmetic products are locked behind paywalls, but most weapons require the player to actually play the game to unlock artillery, albeit via convoluted means. And in that regard, “The First Descendant” is very similar to Warframe. Though perhaps a little more blatant in its desire for commerce.

I can confess to being thoroughly whelmed by this game. It isn’t bad, but it doesn’t do anything exceptional either. TFD feels like a game designed by a committee of Artificial Intelligence. A judicious and diligent board of AI that has systematically analysed other similar successful genres, adapted popular themes, styles and replicated them, creating some amalgamation of arguably better creative experiences. A dispassionate story concerning the eradication of humanity by an alien species, artificially inflated missions designed with the express purpose of prolonging quests and a convoluted means of attaining weapons. It also suffers from the same vague navigational directions that afflict newcomers to Warframe. Often displaying what or who you need to consult with to advance, but not specifying where they are. Now I’m not necessarily a fan of games that are inclined to hold the hand of the player, like a confused child on their first day of nursery. But when a game is so steeped in such potent science-fiction themes, as well as locations and characters, it can be quite overwhelming to navigate.

The combat, particularly the way in which your characters navigates the environment, doesn’t feel as intuitive as that in Warframe. But it certainly isn’t without it’s charm. Utilizing specific characters abilities in conjunction with acquiring new, more dynamic weapons is a fun engagement. It’s certainly a gorgeous environment to frolic in, with stunning graphics and various biome’s to explore. It’s the type of game you can play for hours, have fun shooting and upgrading, but at the end of it all accomplish nothing. Which isn’t necessarily a critique, just an observation. If you can ignore the egregious monetisation required to unlock even basic quality of life accessories, or aren’t easily manipulated to purchase them, then I think there is fun to be had here. Limited though it may be.

Have you played “The First Descendant”? What did you think of it? Let me know in the comments below. Cheers.