Battlefield 4

This review was written after playing the PS3 version of Battlefield 4.

Battlefield 4 is a combination of DICE’s entire multiplayer legacy, relying on the same large scale fighting arenas and class system with new twist. Fueled by Frostbite 3, DICE intends to prove that their technology has improved to support new dynamic environments. Battlefield 4 combines hectic infantry fighting and fiery vehicle combat to create a palpable war zone that ignites a feeling of excitement and tension. With a diverse assortment of weapons, gadgets, and upgrades the game provides you many reasons to continue playing. The campaign may be a tawdry addition but DICE has significantly improved the multiplayer experience.

The campaign has players in control of Sgt. Recker, a member of the US spec ops squad Tombstone. After your commanding officer is killed in action, you take control as team leader. Shortly after, tensions between the US, Russia, and China escalate, as a Chinese political leader is declared dead, with the US taking blame for the assassination. The story had potential to morph into something great, but instead relies on predictable action movie clichés. Battlefield 4 attempts to create an emotional experience by seeking to bridge a sense of camaraderie between each of the members of Tombstone. Each character possesses personal ideals and a background story, but are clouded with senseless actions. For example, Recker and his friend, Irish, are betrayed and sent to a POW prison, only to forgive their betrayer in a matter of hours.

Throughout the five hour campaign, I was greeted with the same objective: eliminate all soldiers in the area and proceed to the next mission. The campaign doesn’t provide any real challenge, with the exception of enemy soldiers. These opponents were bullet sponges that possessed a vexing tolerance to pain, impeccable accuracy, and relied on overwhelming numbers rather than actual tactics. I was amazed that enemy soldiers were able to run away while I shot them in the legs, without so much as a yelp of pain.

A few additions attempt to add some thrill to the dull experience. Weapon caches allow access to new weapons that can be unlocked by playing the campaign. In addition, points are awarded for eliminating targets efficiently and with precision. You also have access to special binoculars that allow you to tag enemies or instruct your squad to attack specific targets. This would be a useful tool if your allies didn’t share the same mindset as the enemy AI. Instead of providing any tactical assistance, my allies shoot behind cover and shout at the enemy.

The Battlefield franchise is known for its amazing multiplayer experience. Like past Battlefield titles, DICE maintains a strong emphasis on teamwork. Attempting to act alone isn’t an option, especially since the game rewards those who coordinate as a team. Choosing one of the four classes grants you different perks, weapons, and gadgets that can be individually leveled up by completing matches and finishing challenges. This includes Assault, Recon, Engineer, and Support. Vehicles share the same experience system and can gradually gain new upgrades with continued use.

The most noticeable addition to the multiplayer is dramatically changing battlefield conditions called “Levolution”. These climatic events alter the entire map and can be triggered by anyone within the match, modifying the environment. This can range from flooding an entire city and making sea vehicles a new priority, or collapsing an entire skyscraper. Each of these changes don’t favor one side over the other but add a new level of strategy when attempting to maintain control of a map.   

Traditional modes like Conquest and Rush make a return along with new additions. Conquest has you trying to control and defend three points on the map while Rush has one team defending two specific targets while the other team struggles to destroy them. Obliteration is a new mode that has teams fighting over the control of bomb that appear randomly throughout the map. Players must collect the bomb and deliver it to the enemy base. Since both teams are constantly aware of the bombs location, completing each match requires dedication. Classic modes like Squad Team Deathmatch and Capture the Flag are also available.

In addition to 24 players, two extra players can join a server as a Team Commander. To play this position players must achieve a certain rank in multiplayer and can input commands on either their console or tablet by downloading the Battlelog application. Commanders have a full view of the map and provide support. These players can issue orders to individual squads, provide ammo and weapon crates, or signal for aerial support. Just like the soldiers on the field, Commanders earn points for successfully aiding their team.

Battlefield 4’s multiplayer is outstanding and definitely the primary reason for getting DICE’s latest title. Being the first game to use the Frostbite 3 engine, Battlefield has shown that DICE’s creation has a bright future ahead of itself. The campaign is a sluggish addition and might delight those looking for heavy action without any sense of direction. But the multiplayer is an absolute delight.

Adam Siddiqui, NoobFeed
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