Go backward and forward in time with the Battlefield video game series. More specifically, place yourself in epic war scenarios with one of the most unique first-person-shooter titles available.
With several expansion packs and sequels, the Battlefield series is much more than just a commercial success.
In addition to catering to more than 50 million players across the globe, you can look forward to a gaming experience that easily compares to heavyweights such as Call of Duty and Medal of Honor.
EA DICE is the original Swedish company behind the development, while Electronic Arts serves as the publisher.
1. Battlefield: 1942 (Released 2002)
It’s the Axis powers against the forces of the Allies, and you have to choose which side you are on. As mentioned, you experience the action from a first-person pov.
But do not expect the same straightforward solo strategies in order to come out victorious. One of the things that made Battlefield: 1942 such a popular choice for gamers is based on the “group effort” that needs to go into the missions.
The game also introduced the capturing and holding of specific checkpoints as a core part of success. Mainly, these checkpoints provide respawn areas for your players.
And there is no lack of scenery where the settings are concerned. From the Pacific Ocean to the Italian fronts, you are literally transported across the globe.
Then add the excitement of manning planes, vehicles, and weapons to fight off the enemy. With all these elements combined, you have a world-class game on your hands.
As with every title you play in the Battlefield series, the special Class Feature will be present. This determines primary weapons and additional features according to the class you chose.
And while the single-player experience is thrilling, it is the online multiplayer version that enjoys more attention.
Most of the great reviews for Battlefield: 1942 centers on the innovation of the game. And if you have experience with first-person shooters, you will know exactly what these critics mean.
2. Battlefield: Vietnam (Released 2004)
By Source, Fair use
Using the same winning recipe, developers for Battlefield: Vietnam maintained a focus towards winning as a collective.
Although, the setting switches to Vietnam. And you also face the same challenges the two countries at war faced during that time.
In other words, one gets the heavy artillery while the other is more dependent on advanced infantry strategies.
Notable changes to look out for include a wider variety of weapons, shooting from the passenger side, and listening to some 1960 tunes on the radio of a vehicle you drive.
Airlifts can also be ordered, and if you don’t like the music, replace it with your own.
The soundtrack is nice, the subtle changes in how you approach the game only add to the fun, and this is definitely a great sequel to an already great game.
More importantly, the development team utilized a 3D map this time around, improving the graphics dramatically.
3. Battlefield 2 (Released 2005)
The third release in the series throws you into a fictional World War, where several superpowers get involved in the fighting.
Plus, everything is modern and from the 21st century. As one would expect, a lot of work went into making the experience more realistic in terms of graphics.
Hence the reason for switching to a different game development engine. With better dynamic lighting and more realistic hits, you are convincingly propelled into action. Sure, you are going to notice several changes, but winning still comes down to teamwork.
As per the previous releases, nothing but acclaim went to the developers for releasing one of the highest-rated shooter titles.
And once again, it was the multiplayer version that really crept into the hearts of critics. Everything from the environment to the gameplay just works perfectly together.
4. Battlefield 2142 (Released 2006)
Image: Fair use
After the world moved into another ice-age, a battle ensued for the habitable sections. That’s right, this is a future-based setting in the Battlefield series.
And things work somewhat differently than they did during the Second World War. Wheels are replaced with hover dynamics while aircraft designs make use of boosters and thrusters. Naturally, the weapons, in general, look very futuristic.
One of the greatest things about the fourth official game release is the reward system. Unlike before, players can choose an unlock every time they climb the ranks. Only two superpowers are at play, namely the European Union, and the Pan Asian Coalition. The choice is yours.
There are two types of gameplay options available. The first is called Conquest, which can involve up to 16 players.
Titan is the second option and 64 players can participate if the server allows. And would you really find it surprising to hear how well this release was received?
5. Battlefield: Bad Company (Released 2008)
Image: Fair use
Console addicts finally got their wish when Battlefield: Bad Company made its way onto the PS3 and Xbox 360 markets.
And even though teamwork remained a big aspect of the game, the single-player version really stands out too.
What makes this release special other than for switching platforms? For starters, more things in the environment can be blown up and affected by the action.
In fact, 90% of the environment can suffer if you want it to. And you get all the fun stuff, like engaging in a large-scale battle with several vehicles/aircraft/weapons as you follow a linear story.
The plot follows private Preston Marlowe as he becomes part of the 222nd, also referred to as trouble makers.
And everything plays out in a fictional future involving the US and Russia. But if you want to play the multi-player mode instead, that is available too.
If the reviews are anything to go by, console players were very happy with what they got.
6. Battlefield 1943 (Released 2009)
By Source, Fair use,
Another console version quickly followed Bad Company, and rightfully so. Battlefield 1943 holds several titles based on the quick sales and it overshadowed other Xbox Live Arcade titles during 2009.
As the title suggests, the player is taken back to WW2. However, you can only fight as a US marine or as part of the Imperial Japanese Navy.
Of course, most of your environment is at your mercy during the fights. Overall, the developers did a great job of keeping the hope for more console titles alive through a very successful second release.
7. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 (Released 2010)
By Source, Fair use,
With Bad Company 2, all the players were included. In other words, the title was released for both PC and console platforms. It follows directly on the previous title, Bad Company, and you retake your roles as Marlowe if you choose the single-player campaign.
The Frostbite Engine ensures the environment plays its part in the chaos, meaning you can destroy almost everything in your way.
And you get to do it using an array of aircraft models and vehicles, including choppers and quad bikes.
One of the changes a player will notice is the regeneration system. Plus, you get to choose between no less than 5 different game modes. Both the console and PC version received critical acclaim from most critics and players alike.
8. Battlefield 3 (Released 2011)
By Source, Fair use,
Battlefield 3 picks up where the 2005 release ended, and you take on the role of different characters during the single-player campaign.
Not surprisingly, the game sold more than 5 million copies in the first week of release. But when you consider how it brings back elements you missed during the Bad Company releases, how can anybody not like this Battlefield release?
A good example of would be the fighter jets making a well-deserved return. And not to mention, the ability to accommodate 64 players in a single game.
Detailed maps provide convincing settings, ranging between locations such as Paris and New York City. As far as the critics go, Battlefield 3 did not disappoint. Instead, it kept raising the bar.
9. Battlefield 4 (2013)
By Source, Fair use,
Even though the developers received some criticism regarding the single-player campaign for Battlefield 4, the multiplayer version went on to sell more than 7 million units.
Players love the dynamics of the game, the detailed maps, and the amazing graphics. So what if the linear story lacks depth? Because everyone knows Battlefield is most enjoyed in a group setting.
Expect more customization options for your weapons, as well as new vehicles to toy with. And in case you didn’t play the previous releases, the plot takes place in the fictional reality of 2020.
Even the jet fighters are categorized between stealth and aggressive models. However, those with high expectations for the single-player campaign might not be so satisfied.
10. Battlefield: Hardline (Released 2015)
By Source, Fair use,
When you read about drastic turns, Battlefield: Hardline is considered one of them. Instead of going to war with another country, you go to war with criminals and police.
With the single-player campaign, the player becomes officer Nick Mendoza. And with your partner, you fight crime on the street. More specifically, you go after drug dealers.
As in true Battlefield style, you can tap into several resources associated with the police and criminals, namely heavily powered vehicles and dangerous weapons.
You can also do a lot of damage to the environment. And even though it did not receive such raving reviews as the previous titles, it still made an impact in terms of sales.
It should also be noted that teamwork remains the glue that makes the entire Battlefield series so special.
11. Battlefield 1 (Released 2016)
By Source, Fair use,
Generally speaking, Hardlines and Battlefield 4 did not create the same excitement as the previous installments.
But developers seemed to have brought back the magic with Battlefield 1. In addition to boosting the visual appeal, there are six different characters you portray through the single-player campaign. As for the setting, you are transported back to World War One.
Where the multiplayer mode is concerned, there are a generous number of modes to choose from. But these are not the only great elements.
The world you play in can easily distract you, while several interesting class choices unlock different features. For example, you can ride a horse or be a tank operator. Critics were especially impressed with the gameplay.
12. Battlefield V (Released 2018)
By Source (WP:NFCC#4), Fair use,
Once again, the developers decided to give players multiple characters to play with during this WW2 release. More focus went into creating realistic circumstances, and this could be why some thought this particular title does not fully live up to the rest.
But that does not mean players are going to be disappointed, especially if you enjoy the multiplayer experience.
With so many great modes to choose from such as Firestorm and Grand Operations, Battlefield V still managed to score high ratings.
13. Battlefield V Tides of War – Chapter 6: Into The Jungle (Released 2020)
If you are looking for an intimate infantry battle on a luscious island, this release should get your blood boiling.
You can utilize sea and land vehicles to navigate the challenging yet beautiful map that is the Solomon Islands, while gearing up with some deadly weapons. Of course, the more experience you build, the more features you unlock.
14. Battlefield 2042 (2021)
Battlefield 2042 is one of the more divisive entries in the franchise. Right from the start, players will notice that there’s no solo or co-op campaign.
Battlefield 2042 is multiplayer and comes with some positives and negatives as a result. One of the good things about the design is that it’s not trying to be a jack of all trades.
Not many people enjoy a tacked-on story mode that’s present for no reason other than the fact that it’s expected. And having development resources moved away from that type of design and into what the game’s true focus is can provide for some impressive results.
Battlefield 2042 does indeed have some impressive elements. You’ll find immense maps that feature up to 128 players. And there are a number of well-implemented mechanics that let you take full advantage of those areas.
You can drift along sand dunes in hovercrafts. And if you climb some of the taller structures like a skyscraper you can even glide off of them with a wingsuit. However, as a multi-player game, a lot of the fun is going to depend on who you’re playing with.
Leave a Reply