I’ve got a bad-ish feeling about this…
Star Wars changed my life. That’s a fact. While I’d always enjoyed the original trilogy on VHS while I was growing up, it was the Phantom Menace that really sparked something in me. Yes, I know it’s ranked as the worst in the saga, but it was the special effects and fanfare that led me down a path which ultimately ended with my arrival at CheatCC today. Aren’t all of you lucky? Now you have yet another reason to hate that film!
In all seriousness, you might wonder what my life story has to do with Battlefront? Well, I told you that anecdote to highlight one very important issue. I’m a fanboy for sure, but not when it comes to EVERYTHING. In my mind, not all content originating from that galaxy far, far away is considered equal (which is a sentiment some of my peers don’t seem to share). To many, if the label reads “Star Wars,” that must mean it translates to instant gold. One perfect example is the Battlefront series. Personally, I didn’t really like them all that much, even though I am an FPS fan. They should have been perfect. Combining the most well-known space opera ever with the shooter experience of being a Storm Trooper or a saber-wielding Jedi on the battlefield should have been digital euphoria. What’s there not to like?!
Frankly, I’m just not sure. I can’t quite put my finger on it. I don’t know if it was the presentation, the gameplay mechanics, or what. I just wasn’t a fan. Once I heard the franchise was being revived, my interest was piqued nonetheless. With an entirely new hardware generation available via the PS4 and Xbox One, I’m ready to give Battlefront another chance to impress me.
Based on comments by design director Niklas Fegraeus in a recent interview, it looks as though they’re certainly on the right track. One of the biggest keys to success is the team’s ability to craft a world where players feel as if they’ve been transported into the movies themselves. The epic scale of the universe is what needs to be conveyed, which is exactly the mindset DICE is currently working with.
“The scale of our maps and modes offer a great variety. We have actually made the decision to specifically tailor certain maps to certain game modes. And what we get from that is not only incredibly varied scales, but also gameplay that will allow players to live out some of their most memorable Star Wars battle fantasies. Perhaps the hardest part about bringing the franchise back is managing expectations. Star Wars fans, including ourselves, are incredibly passionate about the universe. Each of us have our own personal favorites. However, with the talent we have here at DICE, the Frostbite technology at our fingertips, and the fantastic working relationship we have with Lucas, I believe we will deliver a Star Wars experience that excites fans around the world and gives them the chance to play out battles in some of the most iconic locales in the series history” says Fegraeus.
I have to imagine I’m not alone here, right? There are surely others of you out there who wholeheartedly enjoy Star Wars-related gaming (The Force Unleashed, anyone?) but didn’t take a cotton to the Battlefront series. If so, then join with me as we allow DICE to attempt to make true believers out of us all. I’m going into the new Battlefront with an open mind and a heart full of excitement. You should, too.
What’s the worst that could happen? Even a bad Star Wars game is still better than half the tripe shoved down our throats in this day and age!