Looter shooters have taken the gaming world by storm in recent years. From Destiny’s social spaces to Warframe’s armor customization, these “games as a service” titles keep players engaged through continuous new content and rewards. The First Descendant seeks to join these heavy hitters with its own take on third-person cooperative action.

In looter shooters, gameplay is king, but progression systems and monetization strategies are of high interest. Players want engaging combat alongside character builds that feel meaningfully different. They don’t mind the occasional paid shortcut if free routes remain reasonably attainable. Story matters less when friends are fighting side by side, though a compelling vision can boost enjoyment.

This review focuses on how The First Descendant delivers in these key areas. Does gunplay excite for many hours or grow stale? Do unlockable “Descendants” diversify tactics in refreshing ways? Will story or mission structures maintain momentum? Most importantly,...