INTRODUCTION
Switching gears from the typical battlefield scene, “Battlefield Hardline” is the new age installment in the Battlefield series, traversing war zones to crime-ridden streets. Trading tanks for police cruisers, this adaptation brings an exciting blend of first-person shooting and crime thriller elements, masterfully crafted by Visceral Games, renowned for their chilling Dead Space series, rather than the usual Battlefield maestros, EA DICE.
THE STRIKING STORY
A departure from war-torn landscapes, “Battlefield Hardline” catapults players into the heart of the police vs. criminals struggle. As Nick Mendoza, a rookie detective with a score to settle, players are set on a cross-country chase against ex-partners-turned-lawbreakers, giving a fresh cinematic twist to the gaming experience. Borrowing from the formula of hit TV shows, the narrative is episodic, each with its unique cliffhangers. Sprinkled amidst the action, the game enriches its history with engaging detective sequences, where players can collect evidence, hunt down suspects, and complete side missions to gain the extra bucks for upgrades and weaponry.
MAPS AND ENVIRONMENTS
The gaming environment of “Battlefield Hardline” is magnified, exhibiting larger maps than its predecessors. While some may be comparatively smaller, the urban settings and the panoramic deserts of the United States lend a realistic vibe to the gameplay. Utilizing the Levolution system, a crowd-favorite from Battlefield 4, facilitates a high level of environmental destruction, thus making each playthrough unique. Coupled with an enhanced AI system, players are in for a distinct experience whenever they revisit a mission.
THE THRILL OF MODERN COMBAT
“Battlefield Hardline” is set in the current era, equipping players with an extensive arsenal of modern weapons, each fitted with tactical accessories, to wage war against crime. Besides the usual military-grade hardware, players can wield unconventional enforcement tools such as stun guns, sawed-off shotguns, and police batons. The game also offers a plethora of handy gadgets like zip lines and grappling hooks. The vehicular action is exciting, ranging from helicopters to civilian cars and combat vehicles to boats.
MULTIPLAYER MADNESS
As with any Battlefield game, the multiplayer component is the cornerstone of “Battlefield Hardline.” Players can join either the ranks of the law or the side of the lawbreakers, bringing an exhilarating PvP experience. The game introduces innovative modes like “Heist,” where players either commit the perfect bank robbery or stop it dead in its tracks, and “Blood Money,” a high-stakes, fast-paced struggle between two teams over a massive pile of cash. In “Rescue,” players partake in high-intensity hostage situations, and “Hotwire” mode puts players in a thrilling high-speed chase. Additionally, traditional methods like “Team Deathmatch” remain available, keeping the game rooted in its lineage.
TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK
In multiplayer mode, efficient teamwork is the name of the game. The importance of collaboration is highlighted, with players stepping into the shoes of one of four character classes: the Operator, the Mechanic, the Enforcer, and the Professional. Each class is equipped with unique abilities and gear, driving the need for effective communication and cooperative strategies. Thus, in “Battlefield Hardline,” individual heroics give way to well-coordinated team efforts, making the victories all the more satisfying.
