Battlefield 1 (Xbox One) Review
Although games like Titanfall, Halo 5, and even Rainbow 6 Siege have tried to breathe new life into the shooter genre over the past few years, the field has remained dominated by two giants. Both Call of Duty and Battlefield have remained the go-to franchises for those looking for a FPS experience, even if they have left behind their World War II roots somewhat since their respective launches. However, it now seems like developers and players are also sick of killing people in the near present – hence why Activision have decided to take Call of Duty to a new futuristic setting, while EA have decided that their premier shooter should instead look back.
When Battlefield 1 was first announced it split opinion. The franchise has explored many different settings, including the Vietnam War, but the choice to have the game take place during World War I was divisive. DICE had done such a good job with the likes of Battlefield 3 & 4 that going to a different era, with very different warfare, was always going to be polarizing with fans who simply wanted more of the same. However, the significant direction change also allowed for the new game to stand out from the crowd and do something different in storytelling that just wasn’t possible previously.
Battlefield has never been known for its singleplayer campaign. In fact, many of the titles in the series have been multiplayer only. But times have changed and Battlefield 1 does not just include a story mode but a deeper and more emotional experience than any of its predecessors. The Great War was the prelude to all modern conflict. It claimed tens of millions of lives and put soldiers from all sides through a living hell. With Battlefield 1, DICE have attempted to convey this through the use of short “War Stories” – self-contained campaigns that only last for around an hour each.
Their overall theme is introduced in the prologue mission, which shows the kind of violence those in the trenches could expect to find. The shorter, more intimate format, also serves to make the stories seem more authentic. Having one soldier somehow traverse the action for an entire campaign would have seemed preposterous when compared to the struggle individuals went through every day. This is demonstrated very well in the War Stories, giving you glimpses of different perspectives on the war.
This sensitive look back on World War I is somewhat diminished in certain areas thanks to design decisions from DICE. One prominent example is the inclusion of a mission where you take on the role of a carrier pigeon, it’s a poignant moment that shows how important these animals were during the conflict, but it is let down by some rather silly encounters before and after it. The singleplayer also struggles to move away from the classically heroic against-all-odds action that plagues the shooter genre, though it is much better than the developer’s previous attempts and is definitely worth a playthrough.
However, where Battlefield 1 really stands out is in its multiplayer offering. In fact, much of the story seems to simply be an advanced tutorial for what you will be doing online. Like its predecessors, this game excels at allowing players to battle it out on huge open fields, taking in all aspects of warfare including vehicular combat. Fortunately, it also doesn’t suffer from any of the connection problems that affected Battlefield 4 at launch.
While DICE have introduced a number of new game modes, Conquest and Rush remain the two premier experiences. While it is worth trying out some of the new modes, in particular Operations, most will inevitably be drawn back to the two showcase modes. For good reason too, as the elements that have made them such mainstays in the series are just as true in this new environment.
There are subtle changes to the action though. There is much less of an emphasis on compact indoor spaces as almost everything takes place out in the open. The natural environment also plays a much bigger role, something that you might expect considering the open trench warfare that World War I is known for. The team have also ramped up the destruction to a level not previously seen, meaning that the battlefield truly evolves during an online match as the landscape changes with the violence.
There has also been something of a shakeup in terms of classes. These are not only much better suited for the setting but also give you a bit more room to experiment in different playstyles and see what suits you best. Some of them, like Assault and Medic, are self-explanatory and familiar but you will need to try out others to fully get to grips with them. Similarly, the weapons have all been changed so that they are authentic to the time period, though most operate in the same way you would expect. The only real adjustment needed is for bolt-action rifles and snipers that take some getting used to.
In terms of visuals, Battlefield 1 is without a doubt one of the most impressive looking shooters ever made. DICE has taken special care to bring the game to life, with every tiny detail made with delicate care. Not only does the destruction look great, but special effects like fog setting in or rain covering the environment work exceptionally well to add an extra layer of atmosphere. Combined with the well-worked sound effects, it brings much of the horror and violence that was The Great War to your television screen in an incredibly authentic manner.
Both developer and publisher took a significant risk with Battlefield 1. Moving the franchise away from what has been a successful modern setting to time period that few games have ever portrayed. While the change to World War I has not proved to be as revolutionary as you might expect, DICE have done an amazing job of making a true next generation shooter. The studio has managed to keep the elements that have made the series a genuine contender with Call of Duty, like the outstanding multiplayer action, but also subtly alter certain parts so that it feels like its own title.
This review is based on a physical copy of the game that was provided by the publisher for review purposes. Battlefield 1 is now available worldwide on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.