Battlefield 6 Beta
I haven't posted the past couple of days. Partly because of continuing lesson prep and partly because of the second weekend of the Battlefield 6 beta. This time the public beta was available to all from the Friday and what's more the waiting times to get into the "game" were minimal to non-existent this time.
It feels like it's been ages since I last meaningly participated in a public beta for a game online multiplayer mode. I used to engage with them frequently, especially during the early days of the Xbox 360 where it felt like every big upcoming FPS had one at some point.
This one isn't particularly different. A few maps are available as are some different modes. Plus, from what I've played so far, there is nothing groundbreaking (in keeping with my research). It's essentially more Battlefield, and more online FPS multiplayer action.
Yet, given the poor reception to 2042 it's understandable that with this entry EA want the various studios working under the "Battlefield Studios" umbrella to play it somewhat safe and provide the familiar. In some ways so far it plays like a mix of Battlefield 4 and Bad Company (1/2), and from what I've played, I think that's ok.
I will be interested to see what they do with the single player. Apparently they've (although who is "they" considering how many have worked on it) have been influenced by the film Civil War. This I can believe, as playing on PS5 with the Dual Sense and using a decent pair of gaming headphones, I get it, there is a tangible sense of immersion. There were times during an intense firefight with dozens of players from both sides where I was desperately clinging to the side of a wall trying to stay alive yet still popping off a few shots at the enemy.
By focusing on the "basics" the core gameplay that Battlefield is known for comes through. But, that's still the multiplayer. The single player is still an unknown. Is the plot going to be about issues in the US like with Civil War? I don't think so, again, EA doesn't want risk. And angering half its US player base doesn't seem like something they are brave enough to do.
Plus, Battlefield games are very hit and miss when it comes to story. Battlefield 3's campaign was dreadful. 4 was better in term of gameplay, but the story was only a slight step up. One and V set in WW1 and WW2 respectively were far more interesting to play and actually felt like they were reflecting on the devastation that these global conflicts brought. Then of course there was also Bad Company 1 and 2 which were the peak of "original" storytelling for the series yet also married greatly with the gameplay. yet, despite being fan favourites EA still doesn't want to return to that formula.
The beta has given Battlefield Studios the opportunity to learn how to tweak the multiplayer in its final stages. As well as act as a good piece of marketing. Even I am considering possibly getting it within the first few months. But, I will certainly be keeping an eye on reviews and what others I know say.
I'm also particularly interested in examining the game further in relation to past entries, but that's for another time (and even another blog).
It feels like it's been ages since I last meaningly participated in a public beta for a game online multiplayer mode. I used to engage with them frequently, especially during the early days of the Xbox 360 where it felt like every big upcoming FPS had one at some point.
This one isn't particularly different. A few maps are available as are some different modes. Plus, from what I've played so far, there is nothing groundbreaking (in keeping with my research). It's essentially more Battlefield, and more online FPS multiplayer action.
Yet, given the poor reception to 2042 it's understandable that with this entry EA want the various studios working under the "Battlefield Studios" umbrella to play it somewhat safe and provide the familiar. In some ways so far it plays like a mix of Battlefield 4 and Bad Company (1/2), and from what I've played, I think that's ok.
I will be interested to see what they do with the single player. Apparently they've (although who is "they" considering how many have worked on it) have been influenced by the film Civil War. This I can believe, as playing on PS5 with the Dual Sense and using a decent pair of gaming headphones, I get it, there is a tangible sense of immersion. There were times during an intense firefight with dozens of players from both sides where I was desperately clinging to the side of a wall trying to stay alive yet still popping off a few shots at the enemy.
By focusing on the "basics" the core gameplay that Battlefield is known for comes through. But, that's still the multiplayer. The single player is still an unknown. Is the plot going to be about issues in the US like with Civil War? I don't think so, again, EA doesn't want risk. And angering half its US player base doesn't seem like something they are brave enough to do.
Plus, Battlefield games are very hit and miss when it comes to story. Battlefield 3's campaign was dreadful. 4 was better in term of gameplay, but the story was only a slight step up. One and V set in WW1 and WW2 respectively were far more interesting to play and actually felt like they were reflecting on the devastation that these global conflicts brought. Then of course there was also Bad Company 1 and 2 which were the peak of "original" storytelling for the series yet also married greatly with the gameplay. yet, despite being fan favourites EA still doesn't want to return to that formula.
The beta has given Battlefield Studios the opportunity to learn how to tweak the multiplayer in its final stages. As well as act as a good piece of marketing. Even I am considering possibly getting it within the first few months. But, I will certainly be keeping an eye on reviews and what others I know say.
I'm also particularly interested in examining the game further in relation to past entries, but that's for another time (and even another blog).