Just as FIFA and Pro Evo Soccer battle it out for the title of best football video game, EA’s Battlefield and Activision’s Call of Duty have now fallen into the habit of competing with each other to be considered the best military FPS entry. This year, the stakes are higher than ever as Battlefield brings its Frostbite 3 engine to the table, while the emergence of next-gen systems lends these sequels increased significance. However, many people will be playing Battlefield 4 on their 360 and PS3, which begs the question: how good can the game be when the developer’s vision is being held back by aging hardware? Let’s find out.
The good
Battlefield 4 seeks to improve on every element of the game, from the single-player campaign mode to the online element which has made the series so popular over the years. Going solo means you’ll get to enjoy a typically tense romp through various international locations as Tombstone Squad attempts to avert a global war. Packed with set-pieces and boasting some entertaining shoot-outs, the campaign is much improved over the one that shipped with Battlefield 3.
However, as any seasoned Battlefield fan will tell you, it’s the online portion which really gets the pulse racing. There’s the usual selection of deathmatch modes to enjoy, but developerDICE has gone the extra mile with new features. The most notable is “Levolution”, which involves dramatically altering the map to change the pace of the battle. The first time you see an entire building collapse or a damn explode is sure to cause your jaw to drop, but it’s the way in which these events alter the way the map feels and plays which is the most impressive thing.
Commander Mode – which returns from the original PC-based versions of Battlefield – is another innovation. You can control and influence the turn of battle using a tablet device, calling in airstrikes and assisting your troops. It’s even possible to play this mode when you’re away from your console, bringing a new dimension to the concept of “second screen” gaming.
The bad
Battlefield 4 is a visually appealing game and the massive online battles are truly impressive, but it’s clear that the Frostbite 3 game engine has been designed with the next-gen in mind. There are times when the visuals look slightly rough and muddled, and some of the environmental detail is lacking. It shouldn’t really come as a shock to learn that a PS3 game released more than half a decade since the console’s launch looks a bit rough around the edges, but we’ve seen some amazing current-gen titles lately and Battlefield 4 isn’t quite as polished as we’d like.
The bottom line
With some critics suggesting that Call of Duty is past its best, 2013 is the year where Battlefield has the most to prove. To a certain extent, it does that – the game engine is impressive and the online mode is simply breathtaking. You won’t find a more exciting FPSexperience on any console, with massive pitched battles, destructible locations and loads of cool vehicles to drive around in.
It’s just a shame that Battlefield 4 on current-gen feels like a second-rate experience, but that’s the price you pay for being able to play it on a console that isn’t the Xbox One or PS4. It may be a less impressive version, but it’s still worthy of your attention all the same – especially if you’re looking for top-notch online play.
