After watching that video and a few others (Jackfrags' impressions of the game), I just realized I'll probably buy the game despite my experience with BF4 because it looks like loads of fun (not at launch though, "fool me once" and all that jazz
). There are some genuinely good things that I'm seeing, there are things that worry me, and there are things that are underwhelming.
So, the good?
I like the low-level changes in gameplay, the vehicles (cop cars that look and play like they're ripped straight outta Hot Pursuit) and how they play out as opposed to BF4 and BF3 (I can already imagine the crazy car chase ), the added tools of the trade (ziplines, bats, and the like), and overall just the general Cops vs. Robbers idea.
The worrisome?
As happy as I am that Visceral may be steering Battlefield away from the modern military vibe with this title and the Cops and Robbers idea, I feel a little underwhelmed by the usage of the Cops and Robbers concept in terms of the overall gameplay dynamics. They've already given us a new idea; they should go ham with it instead of going safe by only changing low-level gameplay dynamics. Especially in the mode they've showcased (Heist mode).
Don't give us what could be perceived as an expansion pack for another already existing BF, utilize your new concept. For example, they could give us modes with asynchronous gameplay dynamics (I'm especially looking at the Heist mode), maybe split the team dynamics into something like SWAT and the PD (perhaps even throw in some private security contractors) vs Robbers and Dirty Cops or Mercenaries (for lack of better ideas or options
) and give each their own strengths and weaknesses in terms of how they team up with each other or duke it out against each other (for balance purposes), each maybe gets their own default vehicles (it appears that's already the case), obviously give them different parameters for victory (extends to bonuses) or defeat, etc. Hell they could throw in some spanners in each team or squad's game like hostages (once again, for lack of better ideas
). They could maybe pit these or similar groups against each other (like Squad Deathmatch), Yada yada yada, etc
Anyway, I guess Visceral finds themselves in a bit of a difficult spot; trying to make a game that is "Battlefield" while it also differs from previous "Battlefield" games. I'm no developer, so I could be talking out my ass right now. Anyway I just feel like this game is going to be successful since it's Battlefield, I reckon a lot of us are expecting the game to be different with it being a different developer and a different Battlefield concept, they might as well go nuts with the it and surprise us. The game already uses Frostbite, and for a shooter, that's "Battlefield" enough. I just hope they don't play it safe with their good ideas.
*This opinion is based on the currently available gameplay vids and impressions of reviewers who've had some limited first hand demo time with the game (or at least limited in what they're allowed to show or say). It could possibly change with more information.
EDIT: The memory of that canceled
Police Warfare Kickstarter is still fresh in my mind
