Mudgee
My name is Adam.
Thank you everyone for tuning in to my first edition of gaming reviews. I'll be mixing this series up a bit, incorporating what you (the readers) think with your suggestions. I will also categorize my reviews into the following several categories, in part because if you (the reader) don't wish to indulge yourself through paragraphs of witty-comical humour and in-depth analysis, you can skip to the part that means the most to you.
Now, the scorecards will vary each week and I will create comparisons to how one would relate, for example, If I think the musical score is truly horrid I will state I would rather have my finger jammed in a car door. Perhaps if the graphics are truly poor, I will inform the reader that beer goggles is required to play this game.
To whet your appetite, I can proudly inform you that Battlefield 4 is an upcoming first-person shooter game as you are all well aware. What you may not have known is that it is due for release on October 31, 2013 in Australia and Japan. You are even luckier if you live in North America and Brazil with a October 29 release. Europe, you will see it on November 1st. Battlefield 4 is being developed by EA Digital Illusions CE and published by Electronic Arts (EA your thinking, one of the most hated brands, but give them a chance, their big budgets have got to be worth a look at). BF4 is the sequel to 2011's Battlefield 3 and can you believe we are already up to the 13th installment in the Battlefield series.
Now, let Mudgee take you on a casual read and rant for an overview of Battlefield 4:
Firstly, this is obviously a pre-review, by that I mean, I review a game and how it stands up pre-release. This is done through a variety of sources, all of which will be linked within the review. I will be doing this for games that I will be purchasing, thus, when I do own the game upon its release, I will be stacking up my personal experience with initial thoughts and letting the reader know the differentials at play here.
The biggest question on everyone's lips is the the one that I myself have been pondering for some time now. What is more worthy? what is going to be truly more revolutionary, Battlefield 4 or Call of Duty Ghosts?. This is something that needs a lot of consideration and deliberate thinking for they both share some bizarre similarities, and yet differ quite amazingly in contextual design.
I have long-been a more CoD happy-going fan, I won't go into the details now because I will be granting you lovely readers my own pre-review opinions on Ghosts in the upcoming weeks. Battlefield 4 has always been more of a mystery to me, I've played them all but with no real compassion or genuine commitment to the multiplayer that is offered.
Firstly, I wish to start here Battlefield 4 Multiplayer Classes Detailed - IGN and the analysis of classes that have been branded for the Battlefield 4 release. Support, Recon, Engineer and Assault. Hmm... Where to begin?
This is an old but proven formula for class categorization, since the very earliest of days we have seen individuals choose their own path between the heavy-hitting, RPG slinging ground-fighting hard sluggers and the more reserved, stealthy and poised resilience of the Recon based sniper classes. Sure, throughout the years classes and specializations change and alter, but these four classes always seem to remain strong. I myself more of the Engineer-type, since going back to Team Fortress 2.
There's a bit of spice added here, Chinese, American and Russian varieties to customize your class, but overall, Battlefield 4 have gone with a steady and known formula that has proven successful in the past. Why take those big risks when you can run with something that works? This can either be seen as somewhat of a let-down by some who wished for that WOW factor for PS4, others will see it as a smart move that takes care of long-time fans.
You can also read a bit more on these kit customizations here; Battlefield 4 kit customization, Field Upgrade system detailed | Polygon
MULTIPLAYER:
I have viewed several different clips and interviews now where the multiplayer aspect of the game has been the principal highlight. I got to say, I am very impressed with what I see. Unlike CoD, BF4 has somehow mixed in the right elements and ingredients to produce something that still appears new and cleanly shaven. It still feels like something that is freshly baked out of the oven, the mulitplayer in BF4 appears to be a fresh loaf of bread, unlike CoD whose multiplayer formula is leaving a bitter stale taste in the mouth. Vehicle use will be the big selling point here for BF4 and so the playable mechanics, which are often quite difficult on vehicular controls in gaming will need to be perfect. If consumers get their hands on BF4 and struggle to grasp the vehicular aspect, especially in multiplayer; this game will sink quicker then the Titanic.
That being said, the mulitplayer package looks promising and in-depth. Loads of players online at once, statistical carry-over points from previous Battlefield games (for those die-hard fans of the prequels) and next-gen graphics are allowing me to rate Mulitplayer a pre-review of 8.6/10. Let's hope those promises and real-time gaming footage holds up.
GRAPHICS:
As I just mentioned next-gen graphics, nothing gets me more excited then a certain feature which is often a blight on modern day gaming. A feature which is hard to incorporate and even harder to pull off effectively. To this day, this feature that I have rattling in my mind as I type has only been done properly in one game, and that was the very original Red Faction in 2001. I am talking about destructible environments...
For some, this means very little. For me however, it brings all the important features of what a reality-based FPS should be. If BF4 can use the PS4 to its advantage and somehow create an immersive environment where the buildings around you collapse, you fight your way through trenches and choppers zoom overhead. Your heart pounds because the Red barrel your standing next to will blow your entire platoon's building up if shot at will just fill my world with endless joy. Nothing says wartime like destructable environments. As we have seen, and yes I'm making a CoD comparison here, it's difficult not to when both games are arch-rivals. As we have seen with CoD, they have shown elements of what destructible environments will appear to be like in their upcoming title. From what I've read and seen, and hope, since BF4 focuses so heavily on big guns, big warfare and big machines, BF4 should take the crown at this exceptionally hard to design destructible system.
It's hard to judge graphics thus far, but from the videos and image stills, it does look truly amazing. I can see that DICE have really tried to produce their finest work yet, if this is what the earliest PS4 games look like, we will all be in a for a treat in the console's later years. 8.3/10 for you graphics!!!
STORYLINE:
At this present point in time, this category can not be properly analyzed. For the sake of spoilers, will only review upon playing it at release.
For the sake of the series, the stroyline needs to be more in-depth and compelling. Thus far in the Battlefield series, the storyline has rated second-nature to the online multiplayer experience. It was obvious in BF3 that they had stopped trying in the storytelling compartment, for that matter, all BF games have lacked a good story. I am hoping that, when I do feel like a break from versing online, I can enjoy a well-structured and playable main campaign that lasts longer then 8 hours. Perhaps with more then plain map layouts, big explosions (usually for no reason), incredibly poor support characters and weak AI.
MUSICAL SCORE:
As above, I am not willing to judge to the Musical score as of yet. Will review upon playing it at release.
GAMEPLAY:
I have viewed and read some critical points-of-view on the hands on gaming experience. I have briefly touched on the fact that the vehicles need to be easily controllable and accessible if this game wants to sell. I believe it will be a challenge to begin with as we will be testing out new waters with the new controller system. But, from what i've seen and what i've learnt from both the new PS4 and Xbox controls, sensitivity is nearly god-all mighty. This is a true gamers blessing for all lovers of First person shooters. I honestly don't believe BF4 will have any issues with gameplay, despite possibly a hiccup or two at launch with connectivity issues, controls and maybe even a bug in the system.
OVERALL:
This is a game that I am truly looking forward to. In the past, I have not taken the BF series very seriously, I know its always been a fierce competitor but I've still dished it by the wayside. With the growing lack of interest on my behalf towards the other new FPS coming out soon due to a certain blandness, I will be turning my sights on BF4 to be a saviour. The past few years, I have began to wane my interest in this genre of gaming, I desperately need something to hook me back into the spotlight of just what a game like this can dish out. The graphics look fantastic, the mulitplayer will be the true selling point of the game beyond no doubt and I am truly hoping the storyline will offer me something worth writing about. I have high praise and hopes for this game so far, I just hope it can fulfill the excitement it has already bestowed upon me. Because if this genre fails to spark an interest in me, I fear my love for the FPS genre may well and truly be dead.
You have just been enlightened by a Mudgee review.
Now, the scorecards will vary each week and I will create comparisons to how one would relate, for example, If I think the musical score is truly horrid I will state I would rather have my finger jammed in a car door. Perhaps if the graphics are truly poor, I will inform the reader that beer goggles is required to play this game.
To whet your appetite, I can proudly inform you that Battlefield 4 is an upcoming first-person shooter game as you are all well aware. What you may not have known is that it is due for release on October 31, 2013 in Australia and Japan. You are even luckier if you live in North America and Brazil with a October 29 release. Europe, you will see it on November 1st. Battlefield 4 is being developed by EA Digital Illusions CE and published by Electronic Arts (EA your thinking, one of the most hated brands, but give them a chance, their big budgets have got to be worth a look at). BF4 is the sequel to 2011's Battlefield 3 and can you believe we are already up to the 13th installment in the Battlefield series.
Now, let Mudgee take you on a casual read and rant for an overview of Battlefield 4:
Firstly, this is obviously a pre-review, by that I mean, I review a game and how it stands up pre-release. This is done through a variety of sources, all of which will be linked within the review. I will be doing this for games that I will be purchasing, thus, when I do own the game upon its release, I will be stacking up my personal experience with initial thoughts and letting the reader know the differentials at play here.
The biggest question on everyone's lips is the the one that I myself have been pondering for some time now. What is more worthy? what is going to be truly more revolutionary, Battlefield 4 or Call of Duty Ghosts?. This is something that needs a lot of consideration and deliberate thinking for they both share some bizarre similarities, and yet differ quite amazingly in contextual design.
I have long-been a more CoD happy-going fan, I won't go into the details now because I will be granting you lovely readers my own pre-review opinions on Ghosts in the upcoming weeks. Battlefield 4 has always been more of a mystery to me, I've played them all but with no real compassion or genuine commitment to the multiplayer that is offered.
Firstly, I wish to start here Battlefield 4 Multiplayer Classes Detailed - IGN and the analysis of classes that have been branded for the Battlefield 4 release. Support, Recon, Engineer and Assault. Hmm... Where to begin?
This is an old but proven formula for class categorization, since the very earliest of days we have seen individuals choose their own path between the heavy-hitting, RPG slinging ground-fighting hard sluggers and the more reserved, stealthy and poised resilience of the Recon based sniper classes. Sure, throughout the years classes and specializations change and alter, but these four classes always seem to remain strong. I myself more of the Engineer-type, since going back to Team Fortress 2.
There's a bit of spice added here, Chinese, American and Russian varieties to customize your class, but overall, Battlefield 4 have gone with a steady and known formula that has proven successful in the past. Why take those big risks when you can run with something that works? This can either be seen as somewhat of a let-down by some who wished for that WOW factor for PS4, others will see it as a smart move that takes care of long-time fans.
You can also read a bit more on these kit customizations here; Battlefield 4 kit customization, Field Upgrade system detailed | Polygon
MULTIPLAYER:
I have viewed several different clips and interviews now where the multiplayer aspect of the game has been the principal highlight. I got to say, I am very impressed with what I see. Unlike CoD, BF4 has somehow mixed in the right elements and ingredients to produce something that still appears new and cleanly shaven. It still feels like something that is freshly baked out of the oven, the mulitplayer in BF4 appears to be a fresh loaf of bread, unlike CoD whose multiplayer formula is leaving a bitter stale taste in the mouth. Vehicle use will be the big selling point here for BF4 and so the playable mechanics, which are often quite difficult on vehicular controls in gaming will need to be perfect. If consumers get their hands on BF4 and struggle to grasp the vehicular aspect, especially in multiplayer; this game will sink quicker then the Titanic.
That being said, the mulitplayer package looks promising and in-depth. Loads of players online at once, statistical carry-over points from previous Battlefield games (for those die-hard fans of the prequels) and next-gen graphics are allowing me to rate Mulitplayer a pre-review of 8.6/10. Let's hope those promises and real-time gaming footage holds up.
GRAPHICS:
As I just mentioned next-gen graphics, nothing gets me more excited then a certain feature which is often a blight on modern day gaming. A feature which is hard to incorporate and even harder to pull off effectively. To this day, this feature that I have rattling in my mind as I type has only been done properly in one game, and that was the very original Red Faction in 2001. I am talking about destructible environments...
For some, this means very little. For me however, it brings all the important features of what a reality-based FPS should be. If BF4 can use the PS4 to its advantage and somehow create an immersive environment where the buildings around you collapse, you fight your way through trenches and choppers zoom overhead. Your heart pounds because the Red barrel your standing next to will blow your entire platoon's building up if shot at will just fill my world with endless joy. Nothing says wartime like destructable environments. As we have seen, and yes I'm making a CoD comparison here, it's difficult not to when both games are arch-rivals. As we have seen with CoD, they have shown elements of what destructible environments will appear to be like in their upcoming title. From what I've read and seen, and hope, since BF4 focuses so heavily on big guns, big warfare and big machines, BF4 should take the crown at this exceptionally hard to design destructible system.
It's hard to judge graphics thus far, but from the videos and image stills, it does look truly amazing. I can see that DICE have really tried to produce their finest work yet, if this is what the earliest PS4 games look like, we will all be in a for a treat in the console's later years. 8.3/10 for you graphics!!!
STORYLINE:
At this present point in time, this category can not be properly analyzed. For the sake of spoilers, will only review upon playing it at release.
For the sake of the series, the stroyline needs to be more in-depth and compelling. Thus far in the Battlefield series, the storyline has rated second-nature to the online multiplayer experience. It was obvious in BF3 that they had stopped trying in the storytelling compartment, for that matter, all BF games have lacked a good story. I am hoping that, when I do feel like a break from versing online, I can enjoy a well-structured and playable main campaign that lasts longer then 8 hours. Perhaps with more then plain map layouts, big explosions (usually for no reason), incredibly poor support characters and weak AI.
MUSICAL SCORE:
As above, I am not willing to judge to the Musical score as of yet. Will review upon playing it at release.
GAMEPLAY:
I have viewed and read some critical points-of-view on the hands on gaming experience. I have briefly touched on the fact that the vehicles need to be easily controllable and accessible if this game wants to sell. I believe it will be a challenge to begin with as we will be testing out new waters with the new controller system. But, from what i've seen and what i've learnt from both the new PS4 and Xbox controls, sensitivity is nearly god-all mighty. This is a true gamers blessing for all lovers of First person shooters. I honestly don't believe BF4 will have any issues with gameplay, despite possibly a hiccup or two at launch with connectivity issues, controls and maybe even a bug in the system.
OVERALL:
This is a game that I am truly looking forward to. In the past, I have not taken the BF series very seriously, I know its always been a fierce competitor but I've still dished it by the wayside. With the growing lack of interest on my behalf towards the other new FPS coming out soon due to a certain blandness, I will be turning my sights on BF4 to be a saviour. The past few years, I have began to wane my interest in this genre of gaming, I desperately need something to hook me back into the spotlight of just what a game like this can dish out. The graphics look fantastic, the mulitplayer will be the true selling point of the game beyond no doubt and I am truly hoping the storyline will offer me something worth writing about. I have high praise and hopes for this game so far, I just hope it can fulfill the excitement it has already bestowed upon me. Because if this genre fails to spark an interest in me, I fear my love for the FPS genre may well and truly be dead.
You have just been enlightened by a Mudgee review.
