What is Defiance 2050 and Should You Care?
Last Updated on April 17, 2018 by Michael Brockbank
A few years ago, I was enticed by the game, “Defiance.” At the time, it was a title directly linked to the SyFy show and one of the first cross-platform gaming types to exist. Now, it returns with an expansion to the universe in Defiance 2050. Will it be just as engaging?
The premise behind Defiance was the tie-in to the SyFy series. Unfortunately, it only lasted for three seasons even though the game kept progressing.
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The idea behind both television show and game were similar to other alien-invasion shows but with more of a Fallout type of twist. The world was drastically changed and people were scrounging to survive.
Why I Left Defiance
I was an avid watcher of the show and player of the game. In fact, I bought into the idea as a pre-paid title from Gamestop. Kind of disappointing that it moved to a Free-to-Play platform just a year afterward, but that’s the flow of games nowadays.
Throughout 2014 and beyond, I had a lot of problems at home. Things happened and I wasn’t able to keep up with the show. Unfortunately, many of these problems also prevented me from enjoying Defiance as a game.
It’s a long and convoluted tale, but let’s chalk it up to life sucks sometimes.
Now that everything is a bit more stable, I look forward to giving Defiance 2050 a thorough once-over…especially since I’ve been invited to the closed beta.
My Favorite Key Points to Defiance
Now, keep in mind I am trying to remember the game from four years ago. I haven’t installed it since because I am usually busy with other games or work.
I will probably install it after this weekend, though. But in the mean time…
Connections to the Television Show
At its core, Defiance was supposed to integrate with the SyFy series of the same name. I know much of the lore and social references were depicted in-game. However, I don’t remember much about how the game influenced the series like it was supposed to.
I do remember a contest running about having the winner depicted in the television series from the game. It was something I worked on for a bit, but alas…I didn’t win. That was shortly before life events threw everything into the crapper.
In fact, the connection between game and series was one of the biggest selling points why I bought the game in the first place. The idea of game events influencing the outcome of a television series was intriguing for me at the time.
It still is. Someone should try it again, but actually put in the effort to follow through.
I highly doubt Defiance 2050 will have the same premise. As a result, I don’t know how much of an attraction I’ll have to the brand. On the other hand, the game was decent as a standalone platform, so I might still get into it.
Team Atmosphere or Solo
It was easy to join teams or play solo in Defiance. When ever there was a big boss fight, people from all over flocked to collect the Arkfall.
It was quite fun from my perspective.
If you were on a similar mission as someone else, it was nothing to join them and get credit for completing it. But if you wanted to go solo, that could be done as well.
I hope Defiance 2050 keeps a similar mechanic for the team-or-solo aspect.
Competitive Elements
It was nice to run around completing missions without worrying about someone taking you out right off the bat. It was more cooperative than anything, which I appreciate. Battle arenas have their place, but sometimes they get stagnant and tired.
Sometimes it’s just nice to group with a few folks and have fun without someone shooting you in the face – looking at you, PUBG.
However, Defiance did have a few competitive elements. For example, racing was one of my favorite past times in the game. I hope Defiance 2050 at least keeps the racing aspect, but I am sure they will have different vehicles. Without Dodge as a sponsor, I doubt you’ll be able to race in a modified Charger.
Open World or Follow the Story
I’m all about the open world aspect of many games. It’s one of the things that draws me to the Fallout series starting with 3. However, I do play Tactics once in a while.
Defiance had a great open world feel to it. Although you had to go back to complete missions, you could literally go almost anywhere you wanted. I remember having to backtrack a lot to follow the story.
I would love to see Defiance 2050 keep the open world feel to it, and I’m sure they will. It seems like a lot of developers are going this route now…which is fine with me. I am an explorer, even if I explore areas that require levels WAY higher than my own.
It’s how I played a lot of EverQuest back in the day…and died often.
What Do I Hope to Get Out of Defiance 2050?
Defiance 2050 isn’t going to hold the same spot in my heart as the original, especially since I doubt a show will be accompanying the game. But like I said, it does have a good story driving it and an intriguing layout.
To be honest, I’m not sure what to expect from Defiance 2050…other than an improved control and interface. Perhaps using today’s graphics and enhancements will be a factor.
As long as the game doesn’t try the same micro-transaction crap that EA is famous for, all will be fine. Don’t get me wrong, micro-transactions are fine as long as they’re cosmetic. But turning it into a pay-to-win dynamic is just wrong on so many levels.
It’s why I stopped playing Wolf Team back in 2010.
Beta Testing
Starting this Friday, I’ll be inside the closed beta for Defiance 2050. I’ll make sure it’s legal for me to stream it before doing so. A couple of games I wanted to beta test wouldn’t allow online video of the game until after release.
Until then, here’s to hoping that Defiance 2050 does as well, if not better, than it’s predecessor.
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