Star Wars Battlefront II (2017) by DICE and EA had a notoriously rocky launch. Plagued by a controversial loot box system and a heavy emphasis on microtransactions that affected progression, it drew the ire of players and critics alike. However, over the years, through significant updates, community engagement, and a commitment to improvement, Battlefront II has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into a much-loved Star Wars gaming experience.
Initial Flaws and Subsequent Fixes: The primary issue at launch was the “pay-to-win” perception, where character unlocks and progression were tied to randomized loot boxes, making it difficult to access iconic heroes and powerful star cards (ability modifiers) without significant grinding or spending real money. DICE and EA listened to the overwhelming negative feedback. They completely revamped the progression system, making all gameplay-affecting items unlockable through gameplay and progression, removing the problematic loot boxes entirely. This drastic change was a critical turning point for the game’s reputation.
Refined Mechanics and Diverse Modes: At its core, Battlefront II is a first and third-person shooter that immerses players in the epic Star Wars universe. The gunplay feels solid, lightsaber combat is impactful, and the ability to pilot iconic starfighters adds variety. The game boasts a wide array of game modes catering to different preferences:
- Galactic Assault: Large-scale, objective-based battles across iconic Star Wars locations, featuring ground vehicles, air combat, and hero characters.
- Supremacy: A massive, multi-stage objective mode with a focus on capturing command posts, leading to an assault on capital ships.
- Hero Showdown/Heroes vs. Villains: Pure hero-on-hero combat, offering intense duels and team brawls between iconic Star Wars characters.
- Co-Op: Team up with friends to complete objectives against AI, a great way to learn heroes and maps.
- Starfighter Assault: Thrilling space battles with a focus on objectives and dogfighting in a variety of starfighters.
A Satisfying Star Wars Experience: With the progression issues resolved, Battlefront II truly shines. The visual fidelity is stunning, immersing players in familiar Star Wars environments, complete with authentic sound design and a sweeping orchestral score. The inclusion of a robust single-player campaign, though relatively short, provides a compelling narrative from an Imperial perspective. The consistent flow of new content, including new heroes, maps, and modes, kept the game fresh and engaging for years after its initial release.
While its initial launch was a cautionary tale, Star Wars Battlefront II stands as a testament to the power of developer commitment and player feedback in turning a flawed product into a genuinely enjoyable and feature-rich gaming experience.
