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CRITIK

Battlefield 2042

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Battlefield 2042
Item: Battlefield 2042
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2021

GenresAdventure, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Shooter, RPG, Military and Warfare, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableNov 12, 2021

PlatformPlayStation 4, PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PlayStation 5

DeveloperEA DICE

Overview

Battlefield 2042 marks the return to the iconic all-out warfare of the franchise. Adapt and overcome dynamically-changing battlegrounds with the help of your squad and a cutting-edge arsenal. With support for 128 players, prepare for unprecedented scale on vast environments. Take on massive experiences, from updated multiplayer modes like Conquest and Breakthrough to the all-new Hazard Zone.

Elsewhere

3.5

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

13%

Mixed (50-79)

87%

Negative (0-49)

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

The positive aspects highlighted by some critics regarding the story of Battlefield 2042 include the intriguing premise of a global climate meltdown and warring nations, as noted by COGconnected. Checkpoint Gaming also praises the realistic and engaging concept of a near-future world embroiled in conflict due to extreme climate change involving the United States and Russian Federation. These elements contribute to creating a compelling backdrop for the gameplay experience, setting the stage for intense multiplayer battles within a well-developed world setting. On the downside, a recurring criticism from multiple reviewers is the absence of a single-player campaign in Battlefield 2042. App Trigger expresses disappointment over the lack of a dedicated single-player mode, highlighting the missed opportunity for an incredible story experience. GameCritics and Easy Allies note that while there are bits of story and lore present in the game, the execution falls flat and fails to deliver a captivating narrative. The reliance on multiplayer mode and external media to convey the story, as mentioned by GameGrin and Twinfinite, may alienate players seeking a more immersive storytelling experience. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards disappointment over the absence of a traditional single-player campaign in Battlefield 2042. While the game's premise and world-building elements receive some praise for their creativity and engagement, the lack of a cohesive and compelling narrative experience is a common point of criticism. Metro GameCentral acknowledges that linear storytelling has never been a core aspect of the Battlefield franchise's appeal, but the sentiment of missed potential for a more robust story experience is echoed by App Trigger and GameGrin. Despite the mixed opinions on the story aspect, it is evident that the absence of a single-player campaign impacts the overall reception of the game's narrative among reviewers.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics laud Battlefield 2042's compelling climate crisis backdrop and intense multiplayer battles, but slam the game for lacking a single-player campaign. The absence of a cohesive narrative experience disappoints many reviewers, overshadowing the game's creative world-building elements.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

35%

Mixed (50-79)

46%

Negative (0-49)

19%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Battlefield 2042 are mixed, with some positive aspects highlighted. Critics like Cubed3 and GameCritics appreciate the variety of gameplay options, with modes like Conquest and Breakthrough offering strategic depth and engaging experiences. The inclusion of vehicles adds another layer of complexity to the gameplay, providing opportunities for teamwork and coordination. Additionally, the introduction of Specialists with unique abilities, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming, adds a new dynamic to the gameplay, allowing for diverse playstyles and strategic choices. On the negative side, several critics point out issues with the gameplay of Battlefield 2042. Game Rant and Xbox Tavern mention problems with unbalanced gameplay, janky movement mechanics, and lack of traditional Battlefield modes, impacting the overall experience. Issues with weapon balance, vehicle dominance, and lack of effective communication tools, as highlighted by AusGamers and Gamepressure, contribute to a disjointed and chaotic gameplay experience. Furthermore, the removal of traditional classes in favor of Specialists, as noted by GameGrin, leads to a lack of teamwork dynamics and can be a point of contention for fans of the series. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a mixed reception of Battlefield 2042's gameplay. While some appreciate the fast-paced and immersive nature of the combat, as mentioned by Twinfinite and M3, others criticize the buggy and unpolished aspects of the gameplay, such as poor optimizations and overpowered vehicles, as highlighted by Softpedia and AusGamers. The game's potential for engaging large-scale battles and diverse gameplay modes is acknowledged, but issues with balance, lack of traditional elements, and technical problems detract from the overall experience, as seen in the opinions of various critics like We Got This Covered and Screen Rant. Ultimately, Battlefield 2042's gameplay seems to offer a mix of exciting moments and frustrating shortcomings, leading to a varied reception among critics.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics are divided on Battlefield 2042's gameplay. Positives include diverse gameplay options, strategic depth, and unique Specialists. However, criticisms focus on unbalanced gameplay, janky mechanics, and lack of traditional modes. Issues like weapon balance and lack of teamwork dynamics also impact the experience. While some appreciate the fast-paced combat, others criticize bugs and overpowered vehicles. Overall, the game offers exciting moments but is marred by shortcomings, leading to a varied critical reception.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

56%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

10%

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

The graphics and visual design of Battlefield 2042 have received mixed feedback from critics. Several reviewers have highlighted the positives of the game's visuals, praising the impressive scale of the maps, dynamic weather effects, and detailed environments. Critics like Gamepressure and The Games Machine have commended the game for its colossal-looking maps with impressive visuals and visually stunning gameplay experiences, despite minor imperfections. The use of the Frostbite engine on next-gen consoles like Xbox Series X and PS5 has been particularly lauded for showcasing stunning landscapes, explosions, and atmospheric events like sandstorms and hurricanes, as noted by MondoXbox. On the flip side, there are notable criticisms regarding the graphics and visual design of Battlefield 2042. Some critics, such as Digital Chumps and Screen Rant, have pointed out issues like lack of impactful destructibility, uninspired map design, and sparse building placement, leading to vast dead spaces between objectives. Additionally, technical problems like draw-distance glitches, clipping through environments, and spawning issues have been mentioned by reviewers like Destructoid and Gamepressure. The lack of flavor and generic design of the maps, as well as the repetitive nature of natural disaster events, have also been highlighted as drawbacks by Impulsegamer and GameCritics, respectively. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards acknowledging the strengths of Battlefield 2042's graphics and visual design, particularly in terms of scale, weather effects, and detailed landscapes. However, there is a notable divide when it comes to the execution of these elements, with some critics finding the maps uninspired and lacking in destructibility, while others appreciate the immersive environments and dynamic weather events. The game's technical issues seem to be a common concern, impacting the overall visual experience for some players. Despite the mixed feedback, it is evident that Battlefield 2042 manages to deliver impressive visuals and ambitious design elements, albeit with some room for improvement in terms of map variety and technical polish.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Battlefield 2042's graphics and visual design receive mixed reviews from critics. Some praise the scale, weather effects, and landscapes, while others criticize lack of destructibility and technical issues. Overall, the game impresses with visuals but faces criticism for uninspired maps and technical glitches.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

23%

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

The Sound Design and Music of Battlefield 2042 have received a mix of opinions from critics. Positive aspects highlighted by reviewers include the immersive sound design that enhances the overall gameplay experience. Critics like Gaming Nexus and Daily Star appreciated the constant explosions, gunfire, and realistic war atmosphere created by the sound effects. Windows Central also commended the audio for being snazzy and impressive, contributing positively to the game's presentation. Additionally, Portal maps effectively used classic music and sound effects to enhance gameplay, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming. On the other hand, several critics pointed out negative aspects of the Sound Design and Music in Battlefield 2042. Xbox Achievements and New Game Network mentioned issues with sound localization, such as footsteps not being accurately portrayed. Checkpoint Gaming criticized the lack of precision and consistency in the audio mix, making it challenging to pinpoint enemy sounds. We Got This Covered and TheGamer described the audio design as disorienting and annoying, with battle sounds feeling distant and repetitive voices and announcers detracting from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a mixed reception of the Sound Design and Music in Battlefield 2042. While some reviewers like Gaming Nexus and Twinfinite praised the immersive atmosphere created by the sound design, others such as Checkpoint Gaming and TheGamer highlighted various shortcomings like inconsistent audio mix and poor localization. Despite differing opinions, it is evident that the sound design plays a significant role in shaping the gameplay experience, with both positive and negative aspects contributing to the overall reception of Battlefield 2042.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed opinions on the Sound Design and Music of Battlefield 2042. Positive feedback includes immersive sound enhancing gameplay, while negatives point to issues like inaccurate sound localization and disorienting audio design. Some praise the atmosphere created, while others criticize inconsistencies. Overall, the sound design has a significant impact on the game's reception, with both positive and negative aspects noted by reviewers.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

47%

Negative (0-49)

53%

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

In terms of positives for Battlefield 2042 on different gaming platforms, some critics highlighted certain aspects. For the PS5 version, Destructoid mentioned being overall satisfied with the performance, despite some issues like UI annoyances and server problems. MondoXbox noted impressive visuals on Xbox Series X, with expectations for significant improvements through future updates. On PC, The Games Machine reported a solid gaming experience with smooth gameplay on high settings. Hobby Consolas also praised the technical achievements on PC, despite some reported bugs and AI issues. Moving on to the negatives, several critics pointed out technical issues across various platforms. PlayStation LifeStyle highlighted numerous bugs affecting gameplay on PS4, while Xbox Achievements mentioned frequent crashes and bugs on Xbox One. For the PC version, critics like GameStar, Softpedia, and New Game Network criticized the game for severe performance issues, poor optimizations, and missing features, impacting the overall experience. Checkpoint Gaming and Digital Trends noted performance issues, stability problems, and imbalanced gameplay, respectively, on PC. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Battlefield 2042 is mixed. While some like Push Square and Gamepressure expressed disappointment with the technical flaws and stability issues affecting the gameplay experience, others like Twinfinite and Digital Chumps acknowledged the presence of technical issues but expected improvements over time. The general sentiment leans towards a need for further optimization and bug fixes across all gaming platforms to enhance the overall stability and performance of the game. Critics like Guardian expressed hope for the game to evolve into something more stable and feature-rich, indicating a potential for improvement in the future.

TL;DR

technical performance

Battlefield 2042 receives mixed reviews from critics across different gaming platforms. While some praise aspects like visuals and smooth gameplay, others criticize technical issues, bugs, and performance problems. Overall, there is a consensus that the game needs further optimization and bug fixes to enhance stability and performance. Critics are hopeful for improvements in the future.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

45%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of positives, several critics highlighted the Battlefield Portal mode as a standout feature that significantly enhances the replay value of Battlefield 2042. Critics like Game Rant, Gamepressure, and The Loadout praised the Portal mode for allowing players to create custom matches and relive maps from previous Battlefield games, providing endless possibilities for creativity and fun. The diverse modes and customization options within the Portal mode were also commended by critics such as AusGamers and MondoXbox, who noted that it offers unique experiences over time and enhances the overall replayability of the game. Additionally, the potential for community-driven custom modes in Battlefield Portal was seen as a positive aspect by critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Hobby Consolas, as it keeps the community engaged and offers a mix of new and classic gameplay experiences. On the negative side, some critics raised concerns about the limitations and challenges that may impact the long-term replayability of Battlefield 2042. Cubed3, Destructoid, and Digital Chumps criticized the lack of content in the game, including limited maps, guns to unlock, and a missing campaign, which could potentially lead to repetitive matches and undermine the overall enjoyment for players. Issues with map design, combat balancing, Specialist system, and communication limitations in certain modes like Hazard Zone were also mentioned by critics such as Gamepressure, Checkpoint Gaming, and Windows Central, highlighting potential obstacles that could affect the game's replay value. Overall, while there are mixed opinions on the replay value of Battlefield 2042, the consensus among critics leans towards the potential for improvement and additional content updates to enhance the overall experience. Critics like VGC and The Loadout praised the Battlefield Portal mode for its customization options and fun gameplay, emphasizing its contribution to the game's replayability. However, concerns raised by critics like Cubed3 and Gamepressure regarding the lack of content and potential limitations in certain modes indicate that there are areas that need to be addressed to ensure a more engaging and sustainable replay value for players. As Metro GameCentral aptly puts it, the true worth of the game will likely be revealed in the months to come, as updates and community involvement have the potential to shape the replay value and longevity of Battlefield 2042.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics laud Battlefield 2042's Battlefield Portal mode for boosting replay value with endless creative possibilities, while others criticize the game for lack of content and potential gameplay limitations. Overall, opinions are mixed, with room for improvement through updates and community engagement to enhance the game's replayability over time.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

19%

Mixed (50-79)

68%

Negative (0-49)

13%

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

In analyzing the opinions of various critics on Battlefield 2042, it is evident that the game has received a mixed reception. Positives highlighted by reviewers include the game's impressive visuals, innovative gameplay mechanics, and potential for future updates. Critics such as Metro GameCentral and Softpedia commend the game for its ambitious scale and experimental nature, with Metro GameCentral even awarding it a score of 8/10. Additionally, Checkpoint Gaming and Digital Trends appreciate the inclusion of features like Battlefield Portal, which provide a fresh take on the franchise and offer engaging experiences for players. On the flip side, the game has faced criticism for several shortcomings. Many reviewers, including Game Rant and Impulsegamer, point out the lack of content, technical issues, and design flaws that hinder the overall experience. The absence of a solo campaign, server problems, and underwhelming maps are recurring concerns raised by critics like Cubed3 and VGC. Furthermore, the game's launch state and various bugs have led to disappointment among players, as highlighted by reviews from PlayStation LifeStyle and New Game Network. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards Battlefield 2042 falling short of expectations and failing to deliver a polished and complete experience. While some reviewers acknowledge the game's potential and fun aspects, such as large-scale chaos and engaging multiplayer moments, there is a prevailing sentiment that it lacks the depth and refinement expected from a AAA title. The need for significant improvements, additional content, and better optimization is a common thread in many reviews, with suggestions to wait for patches and updates before fully recommending the game. Despite its flaws, there is optimism expressed by GameCritics for future improvements and additions that could elevate Battlefield 2042 to a more satisfying and fulfilling gaming experience.

TL;DR

Battlefield 2042 receives a mixed reception from critics. Praise for visuals, gameplay innovation, and potential for updates, but criticized for lack of content, technical issues, and design flaws. While some appreciate its scale and ambition, many feel it falls short of expectations with disappointing launch state and bugs. Reviewers suggest waiting for patches and updates for a more polished experience, with hope for future improvements to elevate the game.

CRITIK

Reviews

193 reviews found

Digital Trends

Nov 11, 2021