Revisit the 2017 rendition of Star Wars Battlefront 2. Current status: remarkably improved, with numerous enhancements to its gameplay.
Star Wars Battlefront 2 once took a tumble, smashing into a Dagobah swamp of loot boxes, negative press, and questionable monetization strategies. At launch, it was anything but a thrilling power fantasy - in fact, it felt more like a pay-to-win disaster, causing a severe backlash. But EA and DICE, unwilling to let it succumb to the darkness, have been working tirelessly to fix their mistakes.
Over the years, Star Wars Battlefront 2 has undergone a dramatic transformation, evolving from infamous cautionary tale to beloved cult favorite. This metamorphosis wasn't just about smoothing out wrinkles - it was about completely rethinking the game's philosophy. What remains today is a polished, content-rich shooter that finally feels like the game fans had been anticipating - a game that manages to capture the essence of that galaxy far, far away. Better still, the player count continues to grow, with new recruits joining the fray every day.
The reasons for Battlefront 2's late-blooming success are twofold. Firstly, Battlefront 2 takes you to the heart of the Star Wars universe. With an extensive roster of heroes ranging from Rey to Han Solo and a vast array of vehicles, you can immerse yourself in the world of Star Wars like never before. But there's a secret, a hidden factor that's propelled Battlefront 2 to new heights: the game, while initially boasting impressive mechanics, had a troubled progression system that relied on loot boxes. More Stormtroopers than sense couldn't ignore the annoying grind, followed by a disappointing lack of useful rewards. It was a design decision so anti-player, it generated a storm of criticism even strong enough to get government bodies talking about gambling in games. The ensuing backlash was swift and, in hindsight, unquestionably the best thing that could have happened to the game.
Taking another look at the best Star Wars games
Beneath the sludge of problematic monetization was something fans truly wanted: the thrill of being in the midst of a Star Wars battle. It wasn't just celebrating the big names like Darth Vader or Yoda (though yes, you could certainly do that), but rallying together with your squad as a clone trooper in the heat of battle on Geonosis. Battlefront 2 understood the spectacle, the sounds, the atmosphere of the Star Wars universe in a way few others did. Developers DICE, renowned for the Battlefield series, brought their unique chaos and visual flair to the table - and when everything worked in harmony, it made an explosive impact.
The second reason for Battlefront 2's renaissance is timing. Some of this was sheer luck, some of it strategic. I'd point to the success of shows like The Mandalorian and Andor, and a TikTok algorithm that seems to hold lightsaber battles in high regard. Once players returned to the fray, they found a game that had subtlyreinvented itself. The loot boxes were gone, the aggressive monetization procedures were history, and in their place was a deep pool of maps, modes, and heroes waiting to be explored. Of course, you can still spend money if you want to, but it's no longer necessary and it's mostly for cosmetic reasons.
Part of the charm is the sheer enjoyment that comes from playing Battlefront 2 now. The game's environments have been meticulously designed, from the lavish marble decadence of Naboo to the sun-scorched cliffs of Tatooine. Battlefront 2 has also been balanced to reward teamwork and adaptability, whether you're fighting solo, partnering up with friends, or causing chaos as a Sith Lord. You can still experience those cinematic multiplayer moments that make you feel like you're taking part in the film itself. Fights feel intense and engaging, with every hero having the potential to showcase their raw power. I personally adore the little assault class shotgun for those close-quarters cap-offs.
Join the Community!
Don't miss out on the latest news and stories from the gaming world - sign up for our newsletter today!
As you delve deeper into Battlefront 2, you'll find the cracks where DICE performed kintsugi, transforming the game into the best multiplayer Star Wars experience out there. The live-service sheen is still visible in the bones of the UI, and the selection of weapons may be limited. But in a sea of AAA multiplayer games that constantly push aggressive monetization strategies and early access, Battlefront 2 feels oddly refreshing in its final form as a solid, complete game that respects your time.
But how did EA and DICE make such a misstep in the first place? And what does it reflect about the games industry that Battlefront 2 had to nearly collapse before it reached its potential? These are challenging questions, but they remain essential, as Battlefront 2's story serves as a reminder of the power of community feedback and corporate accountability - and the potential of second chances in gaming.
In the end, Battlefront 2 isn't just about redemption - it's a comeback story, a tale of resilience, and a testament to what can happen when a little tweaking can make even the most flawed game shine.
- The transformation of Star Wars Battlefront 2 from an infamous game to a beloved cult favorite is due to the elimination of problematic monetization practices, such as the loot boxes, and a rethinking of the game's philosophy.
- Battlefront 2 offers a thrilling immersion in the Star Wars universe with an extensive roster of heroes, a vast array of vehicles, and the chance to relive epic battles like the one on Geonosis.
- The game's resurgence can also be attributed to its timing, as the success of shows like The Mandalorian and Andor, and TikTok's algorithm, played significant roles in attracting players back to the game.
- The enjoyment of playing Battlefront 2 now stems from its well-designed environments, balanced gameplay that rewards teamwork and adaptability, and the potential to showcase each hero's raw power in intense, engaging fights.
- The game's story acts as a reminder of the importance of community feedback and corporate accountability, highlighting the potential of second chances in the gaming industry.
