By: Jack Armstrong Copy Editor
Set for a release date of Nov. 17, 2015, EA and Dice’s collaborative effort at reviving the Star Wars Battlefront series is already surrounded by huge hype.
This past weekend saw the general public’s first access to a playable version of the highly anticipated FPS, and what was available for the trial was as impressive as promised.
Survival was the only single player/local co-op modes available to the beta participants, while “Battles” and “Training” will be closed until the full version arrives. Survival, as the name implies, simply pits you against wave after wave of Stormtroopers and AT-STs.
Maps for Survival will include Tatooine, Sullust, Endor, and Hoth upon release, but Tatooine was the only playable mission and it was only playable through six of the 15 waves.
Some of the best features in Survival include a cameo by Admiral Akbar who barks orders in his distinctive voice. It’s not a trap this time, the graphics are excellent, and the waves are full of variety in both items and enemies.
The map is big and offers some interesting distractions like randomly placed collectables for extra points. Couch co-op as well as online co-op is a great feature for those of us old-school kids who still like to play games together.
On the flip side, the difficulty was null on the “normal” setting. In fact the 5-6 times I played through and beat the Survival mode, I only died once that wasn’t of my own stupidity (see running of the edge of the map).
It would be better with the addition of useable vehicles, but it remains to be seen if EA will make this an option in the final release.
The online multiplayer modes available for the beta were Dropzone, basically team death match with an assault and defend twist, and Walker Assault, a conquest style games with vehicles and heroes.
Modes not available included Supremacy, Fighter Squad, Blast, Cargo, and Droid Run. I was especially disappointed that Fighter Squad wasn’t available, but EA needed to save a trick or two for the release.
The graphics are still great in the online games, but the frame rate drops more than in the single player options. Players have access to a wide range of power ups, like landmines and weapon charges so everyone on the battlefield could have something up their sleeve.
Vehicles are fun (if difficult to drive at first), but heroes are the highlight. Playing as Darth Vader and Luke was great, and since power ups are not based on performance, you won’t have to miss out on the fun if you’re having a bad round.
However, Walker Assault maps can be a bit daunting, and it’s difficult to spot your objectives or your party members on the mini map. Not to mention the party system for connecting with friends is still buggy, but I imagine this will be fixed before we all get to play.
In all modes, playability was much easier than its cousin FPS Battlefield, forgiving but precise when necessary. In fact the whole game plays a lot like Battlefield in how you progress and unlock upgrades, and how you fight in battle but vehicle driving is made easier, very approachable.
There is a “Star Card” system for customizing your character, and it’s easy to tailor these to your playing style whether you’re a “spray and prey” player or a “hunt and snipe” type.
Overall I would highly recommend this game for all lovers of FPS, or just plain good games, but I would particularly recommend it for Star Wars fans. The sound track, atmosphere of the maps, and the attention to details in things like vehicle performance and design is extremely authentic.
Honestly it made me feel like a part of the movies, and that’s all I could have asked.
4.5 out of 5 paws, just for the beta!
