devtrackers.gg
The day has come, i've been playing 2042 since the preorder early access days, and while 2042's journey has come to an end, it's important to acknowledge both its strengths and weaknesses as we look towards the future of the franchise.
Strengths:
Frantic Pacing: 2042 absolutely nailed the intense, second-to-second action that Battlefield is known for. This kept the gameplay loop fresh and exciting, especially in the late seasons (after season 4), were the devs actually put some thought into the map design.
Class System: The return to a class-based system, even in its late and in a simplified form, was a welcome change. Specialists offered some variety, but core Battlefield classes provide a foundation for strategic teamplay that shouldn't be abandoned, NEVER.
Epic Battlefield Moments: The wide-open sandbox environments, coupled with the fast-paced action, created opportunities for truly epic "Battlefield moments."I think we can all agree that this game had the most "Battlefield moments" of all the other franchises, they definitely got something right in this aspect, and although it might seem a bit elusive to pinpoint, you can't deny that it's there.
Weaknesses:
Vanilla Maps: The launch maps, while visually impressive, lacked the tight flow and focused combat areas that classic Battlefield maps excel at. Later maps showed promise in this regard, but it was too little too late, IMO, the next game should really test their stuff out, extensively, before even thinking about releasing a beta, because first impressions really do leave a sour taste, especially if the product is atrocious on release.
Spawning System: The spawning system in 2042 was frustratingly inconsistent, often spawning players directly into combat or behind enemy lines. This detracted from the flow of battle.
Call-in System: High-powered call-in streaks felt out of place in the traditional Battlefield sandbox. They disrupted the flow of combat and encouraged players to focus on a constant flow of out-of-place support that would sometimes break the flow entirely.
Launch Bugs: The sheer amount of bugs at launch was a major setback for the game. While many were addressed, it left a sour taste for many players.
Looking Ahead:
By focusing on the strengths of 2042, like the frenetic action and class-based system, while addressing weaknesses like map design and launch stability, DICE can ensure the next Battlefield title captures the magic of the franchise. Learning from both the successes and failures of 2042 will be crucial for the future of the series, BUT ALSO MOST importantly, the next Battlefield installment should completely abandon any "hero shooter" elements.
The franchise's strength lies in its immersive, realistic approach. A return to a gritty, grounded, classic class system akin to Battlefield 3 (combined with modern gameplay advancements in movement and vehicles) is the surefire way to win back fans and create a truly memorable Battlefield experience.
External link →