DeadBlackcell8
81,249
TA Score for this game: 239
Posted on 06 October 09 at 19:06 |
This review has 12 positive votes and 1 negative vote. Please log in to vote. |
"Battlefield 1943: One hell of an Arcade game"
One of my favourite game series of all time was Star Wars Battlefront. And I knew then that Battlefield was its starting point. So when I heard that the next Battlefield was purely online, and cheap (1,200 MS Points if I remember correctly), I was happy. Even though it was set in World War II, which is one setting that has become overdone. Seriously, I hate WWII games. But this suprised me when I played the demo. I forgot the setting, and enjoyed the game. I think this was down to the lack of cutscenes, or any story, so the setting wasn't shoved in your face as say, Medal of Honour or Call of Duty. So, to the review soldier!
Graphics - 8/10
Remember, this is an XBLA game, and quite frankly it still beats many other full games out there. The environments are detailed and really well designed. Each weapon is brilliantly done, same with the character models. But it is the effects which deserve the special mention. When planes drop bombs, not only is the explosion well done, but it actualy leaves a dent in the ground. While bullets don't do the same, tank shells do.
Gameplay - 9/10
The gameplay is a solid first person shooter. Standard controls, are easy to remember, the most difficult thing (for me anyway) is getting used to was the plan controls. But thankfully, they aren't essential, and you have the training level to practice. In game, there are three classes, Rifleman, Infantryman and Sniper. The Rifleman is anti-infantry, with a mid-long range rifle, a powerful Rifle Grenade, and regular Grenades. The Infantryman has a short-mid ranged semi-automatic machine gun, a Bazooka and a Wrench to repair vehicles. The Sniper has, obviously, a Sniper Rifile, a Pistol and Demo Charges. All three classes are balanced, although in my experience, a good Sniper can rack up some serious kills.
There are three maps, all around the same size, although very different. I can't remember the names of all three, but one is sniper heaven, tall mountains provide numerous spots for snipers to hide. Another is in a horseshoe shape, where fighting is fierce, but there are some oppourtunities to sneak round and undermine their work. The last map has a hill on one side which has a view of most of the map, whereas the other side has planes and the bombing run.
The play is frantic at times, quiet at others. The only problem with the gameplay I can think of is that at times you'll die without any notice, or even a hint at where your attacker was. But this is mostly because of either a lucky headshot, or a brilliant headshot.
Sound - 10/10
From the music in the main menu, to the raido broadcast informing you of the result of a match, and all the battle sounds in between, this game is pure excellence to your ears. You can hear the fighting from near enough anywhere on the maps, distant explosions and tank engines, to the rumble of low flying planes. The guns sound perfect, and nearby explosions cause ringing in your ears, and nearby troops will shout and yell in either English or Japanese, depending on which side your on. I haven't found a single fault with the sound in this game.
Longevity - 8/10
It will take a few games to get used to how it all plays, but it becomes a very addictive game. The ranking system isn't anything new or original, and means little, since 'ranked' matches are a mix of all ranks. But you won't struggle for a game, I have yet to be in a game with less than eight people a side, and I've had this game for about three months now. Plus there is an achievment for playing 100 matches for 30 points, for those achievment hunters needing an excuse to play this fantastic game.
Overall - 9/10
Easily one of the best XBLA game out. A fantastic multiplayer game which is fast paced and exciting. Not one to miss. For those still in doubt, consider this: This is an Arcade game, has an Arcade game price tag, and is a better game than many games on disc. At the very least, try the demo, which lets you do the tutorial and play a regular match to get a taste of things.
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