“Hold on Obi Wan Kenobi, there might be hope”
If you have been living under a rock for the last few weeks, Battlefront 2 has faced sharp criticisms regarding their loot system and balancing issues, but this review will try to keep a straight line in regards to what we think of it. but the question is… did EA and DICE do enough for the gameplay to overcome all their PR issues?
Story
Star Wars: Battlefront 2 takes place during the 30 years between episode 6 and 7 but only really takes place during the first 5 years. You play as Iden Versio, a member of the Empire’s Inferno Squad fighting on Endor during the events of the final battle in episode 6. During this battle you witness the Death Star 2’s destruction which goes from defending against the Rebels to trying to escape Endor. This leads you to discovering Operation: Cinder, which is the Empire’s last ditch attempt to reign in the fractured galaxy and bring a stronger grip to it. During the beginning, Iden and Agent Meeko defect to the Rebels after they discover the Empire is laying waste to planets. You continue to help the Rebels fight until you reach the most current event, the battle of Jakku.
The story in Battlefront 2 is extremely short, in the neighborhood of 4 – 5 hours but does do a good job of helping to fill in the 30 year gap between episode 6 & 7 by showing you how the Rebels finally took down the Empire but it does lack in a few areas. There are gaps during the story’s campaign that could have used a better explanation or somewhat of a longer dialogue session and the cutscenes were leaving me yearning for the CGI faces of Admiral Tarkin and Princess Leia from Rogue One. But it does keep you entertained from start to finish.
I give the Story a 6 out of 10.
Story
It does have some bright spots but its length and content leave it with the sense it could have been more.
Graphics
When it comes to any Star Wars game, the feeling of being cinematic with its visuals has always been a high point and it’s no exception when it came to Battlefront 2. From the lush forest of Endor to the desert of Jakku, the locations were immaculate. Even the details in the weapons and characters were a fabulous reflection on the legacy of Star Wars. However, during certain areas, bad clipping, bland renders and at certain parts, character faces can take you away from the immersion of Battlefront 2. But it doesn’t take long before the game gets back on track and pulls you in.
Normally we rarely get into the actual sounds of the game but this was worth noting. EA and DICE took great liberty to make sure that the iconic sounds of Star Wars was present and it was beyond glorious. From the roar of a Tie Fighter’s Ion Engine to the repor of a DL-15, DICE made you feel like the galaxy far far away was closer than ever before.
I give the graphics a 8.75 out of 10.
Graphics
The graphics look stunning in parts but coupled with the amazing sounds is what keeps the visuals interesting.
Gameplay
When it comes to a lot of games that are based off a cinematic property, most developers don’t understand how certain aspects need to be honored. However, in Battlefront 2, the team at DICE did it right… for the most part. Throughout the main campaign, everything felt as you would expect it feel to like. From the way stormtroopers move (and fire) to how an AT-AT walks, the game just looks like it should. But within the starfighter assault mode, I feel that the Vulture Droids and Tri Fighters don’t respond how most would think they should. They are often sluggish with their turns and it turns into a big disadvantage. But this does not take away from the superb styling that they convey.
I give the Gameplay an 8.25 out of 10.
Gameplay
There is much to love about how it feels but there is room for major improvements.
Star Wars Battlefront 2 has had some horrific press regarding the loot boxes, pay to win motif and just a general lack of “giving a s***” about what players want and making it all about the microtransactions. But if they can actually get their collective heads out of their a****, this can become something worthy of the franchise. However, for now, I would at least say this game is worth a rent just to play the very short campaign.
I give Star Wars: Battlefront 2 a 7.6 out of 10.
Final Score
Unfortunately, Battlefront 2 suffers from some serious issues sans the microtransactions and I would at least say if you haven’t sunk money and purchased the game, I would at least rent it first.
