Star Wars: Battlefront 2
Review
Sometimes more of the same is just the way we want it
by Rook
reviewed on PC
Interface
The player interface has not changed much from the first battlefront. Combat is fast and chaotic and comes down to the good old fashion shoot everything that moves mentality that all FPS titles are known for. The interface is streamlined so it doesn't get in the way of the action and the game controls were kept traditional to the FPS genre. Vehicle controls can get a little confusing, especially in space combat and customizing your key mapping is highly recommended.
Battlefront 2 in every respect is a basic FPS, it simply does it in a Star Wars flavor that fans can get addicted to. As with every FPS, Battlefront 2 suffers from the standard curse of repetition, so it can get old fast. No matter how often you head into the multiplayer arena, the realization that you know this map inside and out because it is your 50th time playing it today eventually sets in.
Universe comes alive
Battlefront 2 has bright, vibrant, rich environments that help put you directly into the action of the world of Star Wars. From the blinding dune sea of Tatooine to the lush forests of kysheek, nothing is lost in the games' translation of the Star Wars universe. During massive multiplayer missions, some drop in frame rate is to be expected. Generally it is not that bad unless you are playing on a small densely animated map such as kysheek.
The animations of both characters and vehicles are impressive. Walkers feel as cumbersome as they look and the same (but opposite!) can be said for speeders and other light agile vehicles. Space combat looks and feels incredible. The graphics are seamless as you weave your way between enemy ships doing everything you can to stay in the fight and out of enemy crosshairs. Each character has its own feel and look and unique characters, such as the Jedi, all appear as they do in the movies.
Sound
The sound track for Battlefront 2 is genuine movie material. Every tune and melody will be recognized by Star Wars fans and all of it is dramatically choreographed to the action taking place. Rebel themes, Imperial themes, villains themes and heroes themes, they are all here and do wonders for gameplay effects and setting the right ambiance.
The proper music mix is essential for immersion into a gaming experience. Voice acting for all the major characters are provided by the appropriate actors resulting in professional quality. A 5.1 or 7.1 sound system is highly recommended to really experience the game as it was intended too. Headphone or basic desktop speakers would obviously work, but you will likely loose much of the sound experience.
Kept me entertained
In closing, Lucas Arts has once again come through with a solid title that is sure to please many a fan, from the most hardcore Star Wars geek to the casual FPS gamer. Between its stable and exciting multiplayer action, its enjoyable and interesting story mode and its Conquest Play options, this title is sure to keep any player entertained. If you haven't bought the game yet, you're missing out. Pick it up and cruise, blast, and conquer your way through Star Wars history.
8.0
fun score
No Pros and Cons at this time
