Even though companies use the term open beta, what they are doing anymore is just giving a limited time demo. No matter, I will treat this as a demo and a first look with a rundown of my experience in no particular format. Star Wars Battlefront 2 by Motive Studios, EA DICE, and Criterion Software open beta happened this weekend and I wanted to give some thoughts.
First off I feel like the game looks and sounds great. The graphics are realistic and the soundtrack is the Star Wars we have grown to love. I have to say I am impressed they heard the cries and added several more levels with the game as well as a plethora of more vehicles. You are able to pick from four unit types each battle each with unique attributes and can earn points to unlock stronger ones. If you have enough points are able to buy a one time hero or stronger unit. These can be ships that strafe the field or just stronger units as with jetpacks and more firepower. I really like how its no longer a gamble.
The levels felt far better designed as I had time to breath right after spawning before being completely destroyed. It was great not feeling lost. In one map, in particular, you are either protecting a building or walking a tank up to the door. The map is open but closed enough that you are not just aimlessly wandering around looking for enemies. There is plenty of covers but a lot of it just looks like authentic landscape making it feel more natural. This especially true in a capture the flag mode they made available with a jungle theme.
There is also, of course, the ship levels. It took me a bit to get used to flight controls but the way you pick ships is a lot like the regular units. You have 4 types to choose from each with moves that can be customized. It was pretty smooth but unlike the regular maps, it took me a little longer to figure out the goal. People who knew what they were doing really took advantage of us who didn't and would end the map early but then I can't say I didn't do the same. I only played the one where you are protecting a docked destroyer but there is definitely a desire to play more.
On top of multiplayer, there is a single player mode and an arcade mode, which seeing now days is just kind of amazing. The story opening video looked good and it looks like actual time was put into it and I am interested to see how it goes. The arcade mode lets you play as heroes achieving goals against AI in a set amount of time. It's a cool idea and a good way to get used to units.
If there is one thing that will prevent me from buying this game it's going to be the fact that upgrades are now randomly based on loot boxes. I have no issue getting outdone by players with higher levels than me. We have been dealing with that since Call of Duty started a leveling system with benefits and I played several MMOs where it is just a fact. What I don't like is that even if I spend a shit tone of time in the game I might not get the best perks because they are hidden in fucking loot boxes. That sucks. It feels like they have taken the goals away from the game and in place put a slot machine. These perks can really make a difference, especially when you see how unbalanced they can be at higher levels. I am really not a big fan of that and you can already see people complaining about pay to win. I am so god damn tired of microtransaction it has left a metallic taste in my mouth for this game.
This game is not Battlefront 1 in a good way. It's well put together, it makes sense, and there is a lot more content now. The graphics are great, the fighting satisfying, and the way to unlock stronger heroes in a round is awesome. It's really unfortunate that loot boxes are a looming ugly aspect of the game. It is really hard to want to play a game where my shit luck could hold me back from improving with my peers. It's a huge turn-off but maybe if they said you could just buy these cards I would be okay but still annoyed that more money can buy an advantage. Until then, I am on the edge on whether I'll invest in this game.
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