Battlefield 2042: A Modern Take on Warfare, But Is It Enough?
The Battlefield franchise has long been a staple of the first-person shooter genre, known for its massive multiplayer battles and immersive single-player campaigns. However, the latest iteration, Battlefield 2042, makes a bold departure, ditching the single-player experience entirely and introducing a chaotic new era of warfare with a maximum of 128 players on a single map. Set a century after the original Battlefield 1942, this futuristic battlefield offers a new perspective on warfare, but has it found a winning formula or is it destined to be a footnote in the franchise’s history?
Battlefield 2042 introduces three main game modes: All-Out Warfare, Hazard Zone, and Portal. The first two modes pit players against each other across seven diverse maps spread across the globe, including Hourglass, set in Doha, Qatar; Discarded in Alang, India; Manifest on Brani Island, Singapore; Kaleidoscope in Songdo, South Korea; Orbital in Kourou, French Guiana; Breakaway in Queen Maud Land, Antarctica; and finally, Renewal in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. While each map features stunning visuals and a unique environment, it’s the All-Out Warfare mode that truly sets the stage for the battlefield’s heart-pounding chaos.
Battlefield 2042 All-Out Warfare: A 128-Player Warzone
All-Out Warfare tosses players into a sprawling warzone where up to 128 individuals clash in epic battles, pushing the boundaries of what a traditional Battlefield experience can be. Players take on the role of "No-Pats", stateless mercenaries fighting for either the United States or Russian factions. The goal? To capture control of the map. The mode splits into two submodes: Conquest and Breakthrough.
In Conquest, players race to control sectors scattered throughout the map. Teams begin at opposite ends, fighting to capture sectors and push towards the enemy’s base. While capturing nearby objectives initially feels attainable, the sheer number of players ensures a constant barrage of death and respawns, throwing players back into the thick of the action.
Breakthrough introduces a more focused battle, with teams divided into attackers and defenders. Defenders hold control of multiple sectors, while attackers attempt to strategically push through and claim territory. The mayhem of All-Out Warfare is at its peak in Breakthrough with constant crossfire, frantic captures, and frantic attempts to revive fallen comrades.
All-Out Warfare is a game mode designed for veterans; the intensity of the 128-player battles and the unforgiving physics of the game can be overwhelming for newcomers. The lack of a single-player campaign mode only compounds this, leaving new players to learn the ropes through chaotic, AI-driven chaos. While players can choose a "single-player" experience by opting for Solo or Co-op modes, they’ll still face 127 AI opponents, leaving the same level of chaos intact.
The question remains: was the jump to 128 players necessary? It’s a gamble that may leave some players feeling overwhelmed and lost in the vast, unforgiving battlefield.
Battlefield 2042 Loadout: Specialists & Customizable Gear
Battlefield 2042 introduces Specialists, ten unique characters each wielding a specific skill. Specialists like Santiago ‘Dozer’ Espinoza, Kimble ‘Irish’ Graves, and Maria Falck specialize in bolstering survival through armor or medkits, while others excel in assault, repair, or reconnaissance. However, the uniqueness of Specialists is somewhat diminished as players can customize their loadouts and access these specific skills, effectively erasing the clear distinction between characters.
The weapon physics in Battlefield 2042 are a strong point. Guns feel satisfying to handle, and even the initial shots can be devastating when controlled effectively. However, this can also be a disadvantage, especially for novice players who find themselves constantly being taken down from afar. The maps are immense, yet the lack of adequate cover leaves players vulnerable, easily becoming victims of snipers hidden in remote corners or unseen enemies creeping up due to poor audio.
Battlefield 2042: No Time to Stay Alive
The constant respawns in Battlefield 2042 force players to master the available tools to survive the chaotic battlefield. Players can choose to spawn at their base, captured locations, in a vehicle, or through a teammate’s special spawn points. Being spawned far from the action without a vehicle nearby makes the "vehicle drop" feature essential. The maps are sprawling, and the lack of cover makes this tool a lifesaver.
Battlefield 2042 implements a nifty "Plus" system that allows players to customize their loadouts on the fly. This allows for dynamic adjustments during combat, including swapping scopes, muzzles, magazines, and grips on primary and secondary weapons. This feature proves crucial in adapting to the game’s ever-changing landscapes and combat scenarios.
Battlefield 2042 Hazard Zone: A Glitch in the Matrix?
Hazard Zone, the second main mode in Battlefield 2042, unfortunately, has a significant problem as of this review. Despite several hours of gameplay, neither I nor any member of my team could successfully join a match. The game gets stuck in a repetitive loop, attempting to connect players to a lobby but ultimately failing. Players are added to a four-player squad, but repeatedly leave. Even with a full squad, the game ultimately returns to the main menu.
Hazard Zone features a 24-player lobby with six four-player squads. The objective is to collect data drives and escape to a rendezvous point before the storm engulfs the map and wipes out the area. Teams win by successfully extracting with collected data drives. Unfortunately, due to the persistent glitches, I am unable to comment on the quality of Hazard Zone or its gameplay experience. Hopefully, this is an ongoing bug that will be addressed by EA in future updates.
Battlefield 2042 Portal: Painting Your Own Battlefield Canvas
Portal, the final mode in Battlefield 2042, stands as the game’s potential saving grace. This mode allows players to unlock their creative potential. Players can either set their own rules or play within the parameters set by others. Portal is a unique playground where players can experience reworked versions of Battlefield 1942, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, and Battlefield 3, all rendered with the latest graphics and engine. What’s more, Portal allows for a blend of the past and present, allowing players to utilize weapons from Battlefield 2042 in classic games and vice-versa.
Portal also includes a range of submodes, with the "VIP Fiesta" being especially engaging. In this mode, each squad has a VIP, and the opposing teams must find and eliminate them. The VIP status rotates between players, ensuring a dynamic gameplay experience and the potential for exciting team-based battles. The random loadout changes for each respawn, further add to the fun and unpredictability of the mode.
However, a recurring qualm with Battlefield 2042 is the lack of clear distinction between friendly and enemy forces. The absence of a reliable way to identify allies leads to a frustrating cycle of mistakenly firing upon teammates and struggling to locate enemies, often resulting in death before spotting the enemy. While players can learn to recognize the small red dot above enemies, identifying it is often too late.
Battlefield 2042 Review Verdict: A Double-Edged Sword
By abandoning the campaign mode, EA DICE has created a more complex experience for newcomers, but simultaneously, a title that caters to long-time fans with a nostalgic focus on the core gameplay. This move may alienate new players who are expecting a more structured introduction to the franchise. The 128-player battles in All-Out Warfare evoke a sense of chaotic mayhem that some players will embrace, while others may find it overwhelming and ultimately frustrating.
Portal, on the other hand, shines brightly, offering an unprecedented level of player customization and a nostalgic journey through the franchise’s history. The long-term success of Battlefield 2042 will largely depend on how EA leverages the potential of Portal to keep players engaged and invested in the game.
Pros:
- Portal is an exceptional, versatile creation tool.
- Gameplay stays true to traditional Battlefield roots.
- Stunning graphics with smooth and crisp visuals.
- Older remastered titles offer a visually upgraded experience.
Cons:
- 128-player lobbies can be overwhelming due to chaos.
- All-Out Warfare can be discouraging for new players.
- Hazard Zone is currently plagued by persistent glitches.
- The addition of Specialists feels underwhelming due to the lack of unique abilities.
Rating (out of 10): 7
Battlefield 2042 was released on November 19 for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X. Pricing ranges from Rs. 2,999 on Origin, Steam, and Epic Games (PC), Rs. 3,999 on PS4 and Xbox One, and Rs. 4,499 on PS5 and Xbox Series S/X. Players can also access Battlefield 2042 on PC with an EA Play Pro subscription, priced at Rs. 999 per month.
