'Anthem' is the definition of a blockbuster video game, but that doesn't make it fun

• "Anthem" is a multiplayer third-person shooting game developed by BioWare, the creators of "Mass Effect."
• Players pilot a mechanized suit of armor resembling something out of Marvel's "Iron Man."
• "Anthem" is designed to be an ongoing service with daily updates to keep players engaged after the main story ends. 
• The game is officially out on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One today; the game is also available with through the Origin Access Premiere and EA Access monthly subscription programs.

When I consider the standards of a blockbuster, AAA video game, "Anthem" checks all the boxes.

It has the impressive budget and production value you expect from Electronic Arts, a major publisher. It's a brand-new franchise with ongoing support from BioWare, the celebrated creators of the "Mass Effect" series. "Anthem's" most important hook, the mechanized "javelins" that let players fly and explore the game's massive open world, are awesome in design and amazing to see in motion.

And yet, I'm not sure if all of that makes "Anthem" a fun game. While I've mostly enjoyed the 10 hours I've spent with Anthem so far, I couldn't fight the feeling that parts of the new third-person shooter felt more like work than play.

"Anthem" successfully executes BioWare's vision of an open-world third-person shooter, but the game's exciting concept feels bogged down by stale mechanics and poor optimization. With any luck, it will be improved over time as BioWare updates the game.

The game celebrated its official launch on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on Friday, but I've been playing the full version of "Anthem" with players who pre-ordered on PC since February 15th. Here's what it's like. 

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As a multiplayer-focused shooter, "Anthem" is a big departure from BioWare's earlier games.

I was drawn to "Anthem" by two things: a chance to essentially play "Iron Man" in a mechanized suit, and a new franchise from the creators of "Mass Effect." But BioWare's "Mass Effect" was a series of third-person shooting games focused on single-player gameplay and storytelling; "Anthem" is a multiplayer game focused on cooperative exploration, online play, and player progression.

While Bioware's storytelling helps fill the margins of "Anthem" and flesh out the world, it largely feels unimportant to how and why you're playing the game.

Javelins, the awesome mechanized suits players pilot during the game, are the best reason to play "Anthem."

While the game's story doesn't offer much inspiration, the high-flying javelin suits provide plenty of excitement. Players can choose from four different types of Javelins, each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses.

The Storm and Ranger javelins have better flight control, while the Interceptor has better ground mobility and close-range attacks. The Colossus has defensive maneuvers and the strongest armor.

Players can customize their javelin's weapons and appearances to suit their taste.

Players choose which javelin they want at the start of the game and can unlock the other three as they progress through the game. Each javelin can be customized to the player's tastes, including different color schemes, armor sets, and weapon loadouts.

Javelins share some weapons, but special abilities vary between the different types of suits. Your choice of javelin largely determines your playstyle, and the other weapons should match your javelins strengths.

New customizable items are unlocked using in-game currency or real-life cash, but don't have an impact on gameplay.