#23
My initial thoughts on Battlefront 2
Overview I played a few hours of this last night. My overall view of the game is that it is nothing ground-breaking but it is enjoyable. It plays very similar to Battlefield 2 - just set in the Star Wars universe. You have the basic multiplayer modes like conquest, capture the flag, assault and defense, along with mission based team objectives. Some levels have a specific "hero" like Yoda, Bobba Fett or Obi-Wan, that after getting enough points, you can control for a short time. The heroes are badass unstoppable killing machines and a lot of fun to play. There can only be one of these at any one time per side.
Vehicles Along with your basic ground vehicles, it also features space combat - which I must say was rather good. Most space-based levels involve having to perform certain actions in space such as killing a number of enemies, taking down shield generators, destroying capital ships etc. It also allows you to fly in to opposing ships hangers and sabotage the ships from within. There are plenty of ships to choose from, ranging from small fighters, bombers to personnel carriers. Combat is very "Freelancer-ish", which is good in my book.
Single Player The single player has a campaign to go through which includes a mix of all the multiplayer modes, gelled into mission-based levels. It starts just before Episode 3 and goes onto the other later movies. You play a member of the "501 Legion" of Clone Troopers and the story revolves around their exploits, including transition to the Empire after order 66. Overall I enjoyed the campaign so far.
You can also play on "instant action", which is essentially the same as multiplayer but with bots controlling all other units. Good for practice and for a quick match.
Multiplayer I have not yet played this online yet, but from what I have seen I imagine this would be enjoyable. Given the sheer amount of levels, modes and options you have to play with it could be great fun.
The Good - Lots of levels
- Lots of options
- Space combat
- Enjoyable gun-fighting
- Lightsabers!
- Dirt cheap to buy now
- Multiplayer shows potential
The Bad - Graphics (while fairly good) are a little dated (well, it is a 7 year old game so I will forgive this one)
- AI is not all that clever
- It's a bit more "kiddified", when compared to Battlefield 2. That is, it's faster and more frantic. This may appeal to some however.
- The game seems a little unpolished - although I have not yet installed any of the patches, so maybe this is addressed already.
Summary So there you have it. My opinion of the game so far is that it's a good little diversion from your usual Battlefield 2-type game. A game that most probably comes into it's own in multiplayer - and one I would definitely like to play in multiplayer on LAN nights. It's dirt cheap and is worth a purchase in my opinion. Obviously those not keen on Star Wars should stay away. Fans on the other hand, will love it.