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CRITIK

Battlefield 1

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Battlefield 1
Item: Battlefield 1
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2016

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Military and Warfare, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableOct 18, 2016

PlatformPC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4

DeveloperEA DICE

Overview

Discover classic Battlefield gameplay with epic multiplayer and an adventure-filled campaign. Experience the dawn of all-out war, only in Battlefield 1. Fight your way through epic battles going from tight urban combat in a besieged French city to big open spaces in the Italian Alps or frantic combats in the Arabic sand dunes. Experience large-scale battles as infantry or piloting vehicles on land, air and sea, from the tanks and bikes on the ground, to bi-planes and gigantic battleships.

Elsewhere

8.1

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

81%

Mixed (50-79)

18%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Battlefield 1 has received praise from several critics for its emotionally impactful and unique approach to portraying the horrors of World War I. Critics such as GameSpot and Trusted Reviews commend the game for its well-crafted narrative vignettes in the War Stories mode, which offer a more focused experience with diverse perspectives and emotional character arcs. The episodic nature of the war stories, as highlighted by Twinfinite, provides players with a glimpse into the lives of different soldiers, showcasing unity, friendship, and respect among them. The game's ability to capture the essence of trench warfare and offer a somber tone without glorifying war, as noted by Impulsegamer and Game Informer, adds depth to the storytelling and creates a powerful narrative experience. However, despite the positive aspects of the story in Battlefield 1, there are criticisms from critics such as Washington Post and Worth Playing regarding the lack of historical depth and impactful portrayal of war in the missions. The rushed writing, lack of character development, and abrupt endings of missions, as mentioned by IGN Italia, hinder the overall storytelling experience. Some critics, like Gameplanet and Metro GameCentral, point out that the campaign lacks depth and character development, with stories feeling slight and not fully exploring the reasons for the war or providing a comprehensive view of the conflict. Additionally, the varying quality of segments within the campaign, as highlighted by Hooked Gamers, leads to a somewhat inconsistent delivery and impact on players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Battlefield 1's story succeeds in capturing the human stories and emotional weight of World War I through its War Stories mode. The game effectively portrays the horrors and heroism of the conflict, offering players a unique perspective on the wartime experiences of different characters. While some critics appreciate the game's respectful and engrossing storytelling, others feel that it falls short in delivering a fully immersive and historically rich narrative. Despite the mixed reviews on the depth and character development within the campaign, Battlefield 1 ultimately offers a compelling and poignant portrayal of the Great War, resonating with players through its emotional storytelling and diverse perspectives.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Battlefield 1's War Stories mode impresses critics with its emotional impact and diverse perspectives on World War I, showcasing unity and respect among soldiers. While praised for capturing the essence of trench warfare without glorifying war, some critics find the storytelling lacking in historical depth and character development, leading to mixed reviews. Overall, the game provides a compelling and poignant portrayal of the Great War, resonating with players through its emotional storytelling and varied perspectives.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Battlefield 1, highlighting various positive aspects. Games(TM) mentioned that the gameplay can be engaging and exhilarating, with moments of intensity. Yahoo! appreciated the well-balanced classes and massive maps filled with structures, along with the depth added by vehicles. GameSpot and TrueGaming both commended the teamwork and coordination emphasized in the gameplay, with a focus on player roles and unique challenges in new game modes like Operations. IGN Italia and Eurogamer Italy lauded the ability to drive tanks, pilot planes, and engage in stealthy assaults, as well as the rich and immersive experience with attention to detail in campaign missions. On the negative side, some critics pointed out issues with the gameplay of Battlefield 1. Polygon mentioned common Battlefield issues like brain-dead enemy AI, while Gaming Age found the final mission to be a bit of a slog. Metro GameCentral expressed disappointment in map size and destruction effects, and ZTGD highlighted issues with snipers and the revamped class system. These criticisms indicate that while the majority of reviewers found the gameplay to be very good, there were still some areas that could be improved upon. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Battlefield 1. Critics like Gameplanet and Post Arcade praised the strategic and engaging nature of the gameplay, reflecting the intensity and brutality of the First World War setting. Shacknews and Twinfinite appreciated the diverse modes and well-crafted level design, providing players with a satisfying and immersive experience. The blend of classic Battlefield elements with new mechanics, as noted by The Games Machine, ensures that the gameplay stays true to the series' traditions while introducing fresh gameplay opportunities. Despite some minor criticisms, the general sentiment is that Battlefield 1 delivers a compelling and enjoyable gameplay experience that resonated well with the majority of critics.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics rave about Battlefield 1's engaging gameplay, praising teamwork, diverse modes, and immersive experience. Some minor criticisms include AI issues and map size concerns, but overall, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with the game offering a compelling and intense First World War setting that captivates players.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the graphics and visual design of Battlefield 1, with many highlighting the stunning and immersive visuals that the game offers. Critics like GameSpew and GRYOnline.pl commended the game for its expansive and detailed visuals, character-filled environments, impressive lighting, and draw distance, creating a visually appealing experience. The Digital Fix and Destructoid appreciated the unique visual style and diverse maps that Battlefield 1 presented, with stylized elements that didn't go overboard with the trench warfare theme. IGN Sweden and Trusted Reviews also noted exceptional visuals that showcased the power of the Frostbite engine, setting new standards for graphical quality. While the overall sentiment towards the graphics and visual design of Battlefield 1 was overwhelmingly positive, some critics did point out a few shortcomings. AusGamers mentioned collision mechanics flaws, while GamesRadar++ and Areajugones noted issues like bugs, crashes, long loading times, and occasional frame drops. XGN highlighted minor flaws in the single-player campaign visuals, and PlayStation LifeStyle mentioned occasional performance issues in intense multiplayer battles. Despite these criticisms, the general consensus was that the positives of the game's graphics far outweighed the negatives. Overall, Battlefield 1 received high praise for its graphics and visual design, with critics lauding its stunning realism, attention to detail, destructible environments, and immersive atmosphere that effectively captured the essence of World War I battles. The game's visuals were described as breathtaking, gorgeous, and visually stunning by various reviewers, showcasing the power of the Frostbite engine and pushing the boundaries of graphical fidelity in gaming. The consensus among critics was that Battlefield 1's graphics and visual design played a significant role in enhancing the overall gaming experience, contributing to the game's success and setting a new standard for graphical excellence in the first-person shooter genre.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics overwhelmingly praised Battlefield 1 for its stunning graphics and immersive visual design, setting new standards in the gaming industry. Despite some minor flaws like collision issues and performance problems, the game's breathtaking realism, attention to detail, and immersive atmosphere captured the essence of World War I battles. Overall, Battlefield 1's visuals were hailed as gorgeous and visually stunning, showcasing the power of the Frostbite engine and elevating the first-person shooter genre to new heights.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the sound design and music of Battlefield 1, highlighting its exceptional quality and immersive nature. Critics such as DarkStation, Digital Chumps, and Gameplanet all commended the detailed sound effects that added authenticity to the game, with elements like clattering bullet shells, thunderous booms, and distinct weapon sounds standing out. The atmospheric music and sounds were noted to enhance the gameplay experience, creating a realistic battlefield atmosphere that resonated strongly with players. Gaming Age specifically mentioned the exceptional sound design, including an echo effect when firing guns indoors and a memorable soundtrack, contributing to the overall immersive experience. While the overall sentiment towards the sound design and music of Battlefield 1 was overwhelmingly positive, there were a few minor criticisms mentioned by some critics. PlaySense noted occasional sound issues in single-player mode, which could potentially detract from the overall experience for some players. IGN Italia criticized the Italian voice acting for lacking emotion and engagement, impacting the storytelling aspect of the game. These criticisms, however, were in the minority compared to the widespread acclaim for the game's audio elements. In conclusion, Battlefield 1 received high praise for its sound design and music from a majority of critics, with many highlighting it as a standout feature of the game. The detailed and authentic sound effects, immersive atmosphere, and memorable soundtrack were consistently lauded as enhancing the overall experience of the game. Critics like GameSpot, Game Revolution, and TrueAchievements all emphasized the stunning and moving nature of the music and sound design, contributing to the game's success in capturing the grim atmosphere of World War 1. Despite a few minor critiques, the consensus among reviewers is that Battlefield 1 excelled in delivering a top-notch audio experience that truly immersed players in the chaotic and intense world of war.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Battlefield 1's exceptional sound design and music, praising its immersive quality with detailed effects like bullet shells and weapon sounds. While some minor criticisms were noted, the majority of reviewers laud the game for its atmospheric music and realistic battlefield experience. Overall, Battlefield 1 stands out for its top-notch audio that captivates players in the intense world of war.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The Voice Acting in Battlefield 1 has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Gaming Age commends the voice acting as "top-notch," emphasizing how it stands out amidst the chaos of explosions, showcasing the quality of the performances. Post Arcade from National Post echoes this sentiment, noting that the strong voice acting enhances the storytelling by making the characters more relatable and engaging players in their survival. GamingTrend further praises the exceptional voice acting for its contribution to storytelling and character development, highlighting how it elevates the overall narrative experience. Digitally Downloaded and Game Revolution also laud the voice acting as excellent, with the former emphasizing how it immerses players in the war stories through compelling character portrayals and immersive storytelling. Trusted Reviews adds to the positive sentiment by describing the voice acting as brilliant, emphasizing how it brings the characters to life and enhances the believability of the narratives being presented. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, there are some criticisms regarding the Voice Acting in Battlefield 1. IGN Italia specifically points out issues with the Italian voice acting, criticizing it for being approximate and lacking emotion. This critique stands out amidst the predominantly positive feedback from other critics, indicating that there may be inconsistencies in the quality of voice acting across different language options in the game. While this negative feedback is noteworthy, it is important to consider that it is an isolated criticism compared to the overall positive reception of the voice acting in the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Voice Acting in Battlefield 1 is exceptional, with the majority praising it for its top-notch quality, contribution to storytelling, and character development. The positive feedback from Gaming Age, Post Arcade, GamingTrend, Digitally Downloaded, Game Revolution, and Trusted Reviews highlights the effectiveness of the voice acting in immersing players in the game's narratives and bringing the characters to life. While there are some criticisms, such as IGN Italia's mention of issues with the Italian voice acting, these critiques do not detract significantly from the overall positive reception of the voice acting in Battlefield 1. The general sentiment is that the voice acting greatly enhances the gaming experience, making it a standout aspect of the game for many critics.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics overwhelmingly praise Battlefield 1's voice acting for being top-notch and enhancing storytelling and character development. While some criticize the Italian voice acting, the overall consensus is highly positive, with the majority highlighting its immersive and compelling nature.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

39%

Mixed (50-79)

61%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the PS4, the majority of critics praised Battlefield 1 for its stable servers and minimal technical issues during multiplayer gameplay. Reviewers like PlaySense and XGN highlighted the game's solid performance with minimal lag, while Post Arcade and Gameplanet noted a smooth experience without crashes or disconnects. Despite some occasional frame rate drops and bugs in single-player mode, the overall sentiment for the PS4 version leans towards positive feedback, with only a few critics mentioning performance issues during intense multiplayer battles, as noted by PlayStation LifeStyle. On the flip side, some critics pointed out specific drawbacks of Battlefield 1 on the PS4. Game Informer and GameSpot both mentioned quality-of-life issues such as crashes and server lag, impacting the overall experience for players. PlayStation Universe highlighted downtime with servers affecting online play, while Twinfinite noted bugs and crashes in both multiplayer and campaign modes, albeit without significant impact on the game's enjoyment. These criticisms indicate that while the PS4 version of Battlefield 1 generally performed well, there were still notable technical issues that some players encountered during their gameplay sessions. Overall, the consensus among critics for Battlefield 1's technical performance across all gaming platforms is mostly positive, with a few exceptions. The game was commended for stable servers, solid performance, and minimal technical issues by reviewers like Hobby Consolas, Multiplayer.it, and PC Gamer. However, some critics like Shacknews and ICXM highlighted significant bugs and performance fluctuations in certain scenarios, calling for updates to address these issues. Despite these varying opinions, the general consensus leans towards Battlefield 1 delivering a technically sound experience with immersive gameplay across different platforms, with each version having its own strengths and weaknesses as noted by various critics throughout their reviews.

TL;DR

technical performance

Battlefield 1 on PS4 received praise for stable servers and minimal technical issues during multiplayer, with reviewers noting solid performance and minimal lag. While some critics mentioned occasional frame rate drops and bugs in single-player mode, overall feedback was positive. However, there were drawbacks like crashes and server lag pointed out by others, impacting the player experience. Despite some technical issues, the consensus is mostly positive across all platforms, with critics commending stable servers and immersive gameplay while also highlighting bugs and performance fluctuations in certain scenarios.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

52%

Mixed (50-79)

48%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of several critics highlight the positive aspects of the replay value in Battlefield 1. GameSpot commends the game for its diverse multiplayer modes, smart map designs, and robust progression system, which provide ample opportunities for replayability. The War Stories anthology and Operations mode are specifically mentioned for offering varied experiences and educational content, enhancing the overall replay value. Additionally, Game Rant praises the multiplayer mode for its various modes and large-scale battles, while Digitally Downloaded appreciates the around a dozen hours of gameplay provided by the single-player campaign, which is considered better than many other shooters. The inclusion of new modes like Operations and War Pigeons, as noted by XGN, also adds variety to the multiplayer experience, catering to different playstyles and keeping players engaged. On the flip side, some critics raise concerns about factors that may hinder the replay value of Battlefield 1. Game Over Online points out that issues with game balance in multiplayer could affect the overall replayability, while Impulsegamer mentions that some maps lack compelling points of interest, potentially impacting the gameplay experience. Furthermore, The Escapist, while looking forward to replaying the single-player campaign, does not specifically mention the replay value in multiplayer, suggesting a potential disparity in the overall appeal of different game modes. Additionally, AusGamers expresses mixed feelings about changes in teamwork dynamics in Conquest mode, indicating that certain gameplay elements may not resonate with all players, affecting long-term replayability. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards Battlefield 1 offering significant replay value, particularly in its multiplayer modes. Positive feedback regarding the diverse gameplay experiences, engaging combat, and variety of maps and modes contributes to the game's overall replayability. Critics like GameSpot and GameSpew highlight the addictiveness and incentive to replay provided by the multiplayer modes, while TrueAchievements expresses a desire for more content after completing the relatively short campaign. Despite some concerns raised by critics regarding balance issues, map design, and potential lack of innovation in certain aspects, the general sentiment suggests that Battlefield 1 succeeds in providing an enjoyable and replayable experience for players across different platforms.

TL;DR

replay value

Battlefield 1 impresses critics with its diverse multiplayer modes, smart map designs, and robust progression system, offering ample replay value. Critics praise the War Stories anthology and Operations mode for varied experiences and educational content. Some concerns are raised about game balance and map design potentially hindering replayability. Overall, critics agree that Battlefield 1 provides engaging combat, addictiveness in multiplayer modes, and a desire for more content, making it a highly replayable game despite some minor issues.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers on Battlefield 1, it is evident that the game received widespread praise for various aspects. Critics such as Game Informer and The Games Machine commended the game for its immersive visuals, engaging gameplay, and successful portrayal of World War I. The game was lauded for its historical accuracy, captivating setting, and memorable single-player campaign, with Game Revolution highlighting its impact on the military shooter genre. The attention to detail in depicting historical battles, diverse multiplayer experience, and intense gameplay were also highlighted positively by USgamer and AusGamers. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks of Battlefield 1. Game Over Online mentioned that while the game captures the WW1 setting effectively, it may not offer much new to the genre, potentially leaving players underwhelmed. Additionally, ICXM noted that the game requires updates for balancing and performance issues, indicating a high barrier to entry initially. Some critics, like Washington Post, raised concerns about the game lacking irreverence to be fun or respect to illuminate history, suggesting a potential disconnect between entertainment value and historical authenticity for some players. Overall, the majority of critics viewed Battlefield 1 positively, considering it a standout entry in the Battlefield series. The game's ability to balance historical accuracy with engaging gameplay in both single-player and multiplayer modes was widely appreciated, as highlighted by IGN and Polygon. The consensus among reviewers was that Battlefield 1 successfully refreshed the series by embracing its historical identity and delivering a brilliant gaming experience, standing out in the oversaturated shooter genre, as noted by Hobby Consolas. Despite some minor issues and differing opinions on certain aspects, the overall sentiment leaned heavily towards Battlefield 1 being a very good game that resonated positively with critics and fans alike.

TL;DR

Battlefield 1 received widespread praise for its immersive visuals, engaging gameplay, and portrayal of World War I. Critics lauded its historical accuracy, captivating setting, and memorable campaign, with some noting its impact on the shooter genre. While some mentioned drawbacks like lack of innovation and initial performance issues, the majority viewed it positively as a standout entry in the series that successfully balanced history with gameplay, offering a brilliant experience that resonated with fans and critics alike.

CRITIK

Reviews

186 reviews found

100

Digital Chumps

PlayStation 4

Oct 21, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Battlefield 1 is highly recommended for its engaging gameplay, historical setting, and innovative design that surpasses previous titles in the series.

100

New York Daily News

Xbox One

Oct 26, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Battlefield 1 is the finest game in the franchise in a while, with a worthwhile campaign and a spectacular multiplayer component.

100

The Daily Dot

Oct 17, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Battlefield 1 is a refreshing, gorgeous shooter that breaks up the monotony of futuristic action games with solid mechanics and a setting that has never gotten the attention it deserves.

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100

God is a Geek

Xbox One

Oct 17, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Battlefield 1 is one of the best shooters on current gen consoles, praising its single player campaign, visuals, gameplay, and multiplayer. The reviewer expresses excitement for future updates and DLC.

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100

Gaming Age

PlayStation 4

Oct 25, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Battlefield 1 is a solid entry in the Battlefield series, with a really solid campaign and reliable, large-scale multiplayer. It is a great game for both FPS fans and those new to the series.

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Hooked Gamers

Oct 24, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Battlefield 1 is praised for its multiplayer experience, epic scale battles, and improvements over previous entries, making it the reviewer's favorite Battlefield game to date.

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GamingTrend

Oct 17, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Battlefield 1 is described as a game that packs a serious punch, with a revamped campaign and excellent multiplayer experience. It is considered a potential standout in the Battlefield series.

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Stevivor

Oct 17, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Battlefield 1 is deemed the definitive Battlefield experience of the decade, despite some criticisms like the DLC model and technical glitches.

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AusGamers

Oct 24, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

High rating of 9.4/10, commending visuals, server performance, campaign mode, and overall gameplay experience.

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GameCrate

Oct 21, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Battlefield fans will love Battlefield 1, and casual players will find enough variety to entertain. It is one of the more enjoyable shooters in recent memory.