For the next installment of the outstanding series of multiplayer-focused Battlefield games, it seems EA and DICE wanted to make something different. While the cell-shaded, cartoony look and 3rd person perspective are what first catch the eye, it’s the “free to play” business model, with revenue gained solely via advertising and microtransactions, that make it truly unique.
Despite what the game’s producers may say, the simple look and approachable gameplay do indeed offer a much more casual-friendly experience. The incredibly low hardware requirements mean that most computers will be able to run it without a serious upgrade. Five second spawn times, infinite ammo and limited weapon choice make it quite approachable for any gamer used to the mouse and keyboard. The downside of this approachable nature is that character class distinction is rather lacking among the game’s three classes. You seem to have more options in customizing your character’s appearance than actual gameplay abilities, with numerous store-bought clothing and emote options at your disposal.
On the flip side, battles are incredibly fun and frenetic, frequently occurring around the game’s flag capture points. Death leaves you with just enough time to check your stats and catch your breath. Before you know it you’re back in on the action, thanks in part to the game’s automatic spawning system that does a decent job sending you back relatively close to the action. The AI system also does a good job of making sure you aren’t constantly ambushed by spawn campers, like in Battlefield 2 when your side was pushed back to a single capture point. Vehicles, such as tanks, jeeps and planes, are present on most maps, but their awkward controls and tame firepower make them much less important than in the more realistic Battlefield games of the past. The game also takes a cue from the Halo series, with automatic matchmaking, based on player skill. No server lists to navigate and refresh, just quick access to instant action.
Tags: battlefield, beta