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Battlefield 2042

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Battlefield 2042
Item: Battlefield 2042
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2021

GenresAdventure, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Shooter, RPG, Military and Warfare, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableNov 12, 2021

PlatformPC, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5

DeveloperEA DICE

Overview

Battlefield 2042 marks the return to the iconic all-out warfare of the franchise. Adapt and overcome dynamically-changing battlegrounds with the help of your squad and a cutting-edge arsenal. With support for 128 players, prepare for unprecedented scale on vast environments. Take on massive experiences, from updated multiplayer modes like Conquest and Breakthrough to the all-new Hazard Zone.

Elsewhere

3.5

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Battlefield 2042's narrative context and world-building show potential with a politically charged backdrop of a climate crisis, but the lack of a traditional single-player campaign leaves critics disappointed. While some find the multiplayer's story engaging, many agree it's cliché and underdeveloped, missing the chance for a compelling narrative. The overall sentiment is that the game's ambitious premise falls flat due to poor execution, resulting in a sense of disconnect and missed opportunities.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

37%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The reviews for Battlefield 2042 reveal a few positive aspects regarding its narrative context and world-building, despite the absence of a traditional single-player campaign. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and COGconnected highlight the game's engaging premise, which revolves around a global climate crisis and the ensuing conflict between the United States and Russia. This setting is described as realistic and politically charged, offering a backdrop that could have been compelling if developed further. Eurogamer Italy also notes that while the game lacks a conventional campaign, it provides a convincing narrative context for its multiplayer battles, suggesting that the foundation for an interesting story exists, even if it is not fully realized in gameplay. However, the overwhelming sentiment among critics is disappointment regarding the game's lack of a single-player campaign. Reviewers such as App Trigger and Atomix express regret over this notable absence, which they feel detracts from the overall experience. Many critics, including GameCritics and GameOver.gr, point out that the bits of story and lore presented throughout the gameplay are cliché and lack depth, leaving players with a sense of disconnect from the narrative. The consensus is that while the game attempts to establish a narrative through multiplayer modes and external media, it ultimately falls short, with critics like Gamer Escape and PC Gamer emphasizing the underdeveloped nature of the story and its relegation to mere background noise during gameplay. Overall, the critics agree that Battlefield 2042's decision to forgo a single-player campaign in favor of a multiplayer-focused experience has left a significant gap in its storytelling. While some reviewers appreciate the potential for a rich narrative, as noted by Daily Star and GameMAG, the execution has been criticized for its vagueness and lack of coherence. The absence of a campaign is seen as a missed opportunity, with many critics, including IGN Adria and MGG, lamenting that a more fleshed-out story could have enhanced the game's appeal. In conclusion, while Battlefield 2042's setting and premise hold promise, the execution of its narrative leaves much to be desired, leading to a general consensus of disappointment among reviewers.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Battlefield 2042 boasts epic large-scale battles and innovative modes like Hazard Zone and Portal, earning praise for its immersive gameplay and dynamic action. However, it suffers from chaotic matches, a flawed class system, and poor communication tools, leading to frustrating experiences. Critics agree that while the game attempts to innovate, it ultimately fails to capture the strategic depth and balance expected from the franchise, leaving fans wanting the structured gameplay of earlier titles.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

46%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

21%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Battlefield 2042 has garnered a mix of positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding its ambitious scale and variety of modes. Many reviewers, such as Gamer.no and Digital Trends, appreciate the large-scale battles that accommodate up to 128 players, which creates a sense of immersion and intensity. The introduction of new modes like Hazard Zone and Portal has been highlighted by critics like MGG and GameSpot, who note that these modes offer unique experiences and encourage strategic gameplay. Additionally, the dynamic nature of the gameplay, with its fast-paced action and diverse weaponry, has been praised by critics such as Twinfinite and Cubed3, who emphasize the enjoyable aspects of character movement and customization options. However, the gameplay of Battlefield 2042 is not without its significant drawbacks. Many critics express concerns over the chaotic nature of matches, with a lack of structure and teamwork leading to overwhelming experiences. For instance, PLAY! Zine and GameOver.gr point out that the removal of the traditional class system has negatively impacted the skill-based mechanics of the game, resulting in unbalanced gameplay. Critics like Meristation and We Got This Covered have also noted issues with gunplay mechanics, including severe bullet deviation and hitbox problems, which detract from the overall experience. Furthermore, the absence of effective communication tools, as highlighted by The Loadout, hampers tactical coordination among players, leading to a frustrating experience in larger matches. The overall consensus among critics is that while Battlefield 2042 attempts to innovate within the franchise, it struggles with balancing gameplay and maintaining the strategic depth that fans expect. Many reviewers, including Atomix and IGN Adria, agree that the introduction of specialists, while adding some unique abilities, ultimately disrupts team collaboration and leads to chaotic gameplay. Critics like Gamer Escape and GamesRadar+ echo these sentiments, noting that the game’s ambitious design often results in unbalanced and frustrating experiences. Despite some enjoyable moments and the potential for engaging gameplay, the overarching sentiment is that Battlefield 2042 falls short of the franchise's legacy, leaving many players longing for the structured and strategic gameplay that has characterized previous titles.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Battlefield 2042 boasts stunning graphics and immersive environments, praised for its dynamic weather and detailed designs on high-end systems. However, critics slam its bland map design and technical issues, leading to a polarized reception. While visually impressive, the game falters in gameplay cohesion and execution, leaving many disappointed compared to its predecessors.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

46%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

41%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Battlefield 2042 have garnered a mixed reception from critics, with several praising the game for its impressive visual fidelity and atmospheric effects. Critics such as Softpedia and Checkpoint Gaming highlight the game's stunning landscapes, dynamic weather effects, and detailed weapon and vehicle designs, particularly on high-end PCs and next-gen consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X. The Frostbite engine is frequently noted for its ability to deliver breathtaking visuals and immersive environments, with GameMAG and Eurogamer Italy praising the game's visual appeal and the scale of its maps. Furthermore, the dynamic weather events, including tornadoes and sandstorms, are described as visually striking, adding a layer of excitement to the gameplay experience, as noted by EGM. However, despite the commendations, a significant number of critics have pointed out substantial flaws in the game's visual design. Stevivor, GameGrin, and GameOver.gr all express disappointment with the map design, describing them as bland, unfinished, and lacking meaningful elevation or cover. Critics like PlayStation LifeStyle and Riot Pixels also mention technical issues such as texture pop-in, low-poly character models, and stuttering graphics, particularly on older consoles. The overall sentiment suggests that while the graphics may be impressive in isolation, the execution in terms of map design and gameplay flow leaves much to be desired, with many maps feeling sparse and uninspired. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Battlefield 2042 presents a visually stunning experience that is marred by gameplay and design shortcomings. While some reviewers, like Noisy Pixel and Daily Star, celebrate the game's impressive visuals and dynamic environments, others, such as Gamepressure and VGC, argue that the maps lack character and can feel empty, detracting from the overall experience. The combination of high-quality graphics and significant design flaws creates a polarized view, with critics acknowledging the potential of the game while expressing disappointment in its execution. This dichotomy suggests that while Battlefield 2042 may shine in terms of visual fidelity, it struggles to deliver a cohesive and engaging gameplay experience that meets the expectations set by its predecessors.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Battlefield 2042's sound design receives a mixed reception from critics. While some praise its immersive audio and authentic war sounds, many highlight significant flaws—like poor directional audio and inconsistent effects—that hinder gameplay. The overall sentiment reveals a gap between potential and execution, leaving room for improvement in the series' audio experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

36%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

40%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

24%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Battlefield 2042 have garnered a mixed reception among critics, with several highlighting its strengths. IGN France commends the immersive and well-executed sound design that enhances the overall gameplay experience, while Gaming Nexus emphasizes the chaotic sounds of explosions and gunfire that contribute to an authentic war atmosphere. Similarly, Daily Star praises the weapon sounds, describing them as "awesome" and capturing a real war vibe. Critics like Generación Xbox and SomosXbox also laud the sound design as outstanding, particularly in enhancing the immersion during gameplay, especially in the Battlefield Portal mode. These positive remarks suggest that when the audio elements work effectively, they can significantly elevate the gaming experience. However, the negative aspects of the sound design seem to overshadow the positives for many reviewers. PLAY! Zine points out a lack of impactful moments and inconsistencies in the sound design, while Checkpoint Gaming criticizes the audio mix for lacking precision, making it difficult to pinpoint enemy sounds. Gamersky echoes this sentiment, noting poor directional audio and lackluster feedback for gunfire, which detracts from the immersive experience. Additionally, several critics, including GameMAG and Xbox Achievements, express disappointment in the overall sound design, stating it falls short compared to previous titles in the series. The complaints about annoying sound effects in menus and the underwhelming musical score further contribute to the overall negative sentiment. In summary, the overall consensus among critics regarding the sound design and music of Battlefield 2042 is that it presents a dichotomy of experiences. While some reviewers, like GamesRadar+ and Twinfinite, find that the audio enhances the chaotic and immersive nature of the game, many others, including We Got This Covered and New Game Network, describe the sound design as disorienting and lacking in memorable elements. The criticisms regarding directional audio and sound localization, particularly for footsteps, are prevalent, indicating that while there are moments of brilliance, the execution is inconsistent and often detracts from the gameplay experience. This mixed reception suggests that while Battlefield 2042 has the potential for great sound design, significant areas for improvement remain.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Battlefield 2042's voice acting has some praised character depth and nostalgic callbacks, particularly with Michael K. Williams reprising role. However, critics largely slam it for lack of variety, repetitive lines, and an overall absurd tone, leading to a negative perception that falls short of franchise standards.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

50%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Battlefield 2042 has received some praise from critics, particularly for its character development and unique personalities. Gamepressure highlights that the characters possess distinct traits and engage in battle with personalized lines, which adds depth to the gameplay experience. Additionally, Easy Allies appreciates the return of Michael K. Williams as Irish, connecting the game to its predecessor, Battlefield 4, and enriching the narrative without feeling forced. This suggests that there are moments of effective voice acting that contribute positively to the game's atmosphere and lore. However, the overall sentiment regarding the voice acting is largely negative. GameWatcher points out a significant lack of variety, noting that enemies and allies often share the same lines, which diminishes the immersion and excitement of combat. Riot Pixels goes further by describing the voice acting as absurd and out of place, indicating a disconnect between the audio and the game's intended tone. We Got This Covered also criticizes the voice acting for being shrill and repetitive, which detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game. These critiques suggest that while there are some standout performances, they are overshadowed by broader issues of monotony and inconsistency. In conclusion, the consensus among critics indicates that while Battlefield 2042 features some commendable aspects of voice acting, such as character uniqueness and nostalgic callbacks, these are significantly undermined by a lack of variety and quality. The repetitive nature of the dialogue and the absurdity noted by some reviewers contribute to a negative perception of the voice acting overall. Critics like GameWatcher and Riot Pixels encapsulate the mixed feelings surrounding this aspect of the game, leading to a general impression that the voice acting fails to meet the expectations set by previous titles in the franchise.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Battlefield 2042's technical performance is largely disappointing across platforms, plagued by severe bugs, optimization issues, and crashes, especially on PC. While the Xbox Series X shows some smooth gameplay, overall feedback highlights a game that feels unpolished and unfinished, with many critics asserting it wasn't ready for release. Glimpses of potential exist, but technical shortcomings overshadow the experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

56%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Battlefield 2042 has garnered a mixed reception across various platforms, with some positive notes primarily on the Xbox Series X. Critics like Generación Xbox praised the game for its smooth gameplay at 4K and 60 fps without any frame drops, suggesting that it performs well under optimal conditions. Additionally, a few reviewers on PC, such as Eurogamer Italy and Gameblog.fr, noted improvements in stability and performance compared to the beta, with some even describing the game as generally playable. There are mentions of impressive technical achievements on PC, with Hobby Consolas highlighting some quality aspects despite minor bugs. However, the negatives heavily outweigh the positives for most platforms. On PC, reviewers like GameGrin and Riot Pixels pointed out severe optimization issues, bugs, and significant lag, even on high-end hardware. Gfinity and Vgames echoed these sentiments, reporting glitches like character detachment and input lag that severely hindered gameplay. The Xbox Series X also faced criticism, with GameMAG and Gamers' Temple noting connection problems and frequent crashes, while the PS5 platform was described by critics such as GameOver.gr and But Why Tho? as suffering from numerous bugs, server issues, and graphical glitches that detracted from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Battlefield 2042 has significant technical performance issues across all platforms, with PC being the most affected. Despite some reviewers acknowledging improvements and stable performance on certain configurations, the overwhelming feedback highlights a game that feels unpolished and riddled with bugs. Critics like IGN and GameSpot emphasized that the game was not ready for release, with many features lacking and core gameplay mechanics disrupted. The sentiment is clear: while there are glimpses of potential, the game currently struggles with severe technical shortcomings that diminish the overall experience for players.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Battlefield 2042's replay value is a mixed bag; critics praise the Battlefield Portal mode and diverse multiplayer options for enhancing engagement. However, many flag issues like lackluster core gameplay, repetitive matches, and slow progression as major drawbacks, leading to a sense of an unfinished product. While there's hope for future updates, the game currently struggles to fully realize its potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

38%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

54%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions regarding the replay value of Battlefield 2042 reveal a mixed sentiment among critics, with several highlighting the game's potential for engaging experiences. Critics like IGN and Game Rant praise the Battlefield Portal mode as a significant feature that enhances replayability by allowing players to create custom matches and relive classic maps from previous titles. Similarly, GameMAG and PC Gamer note that the Portal mode introduces substantial replay value through its creative possibilities and extensive customization options. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Noisy Pixel and GamesRadar+, emphasize the variety of multiplayer modes, suggesting that these elements could keep players returning for new experiences. However, many critics express concerns about the game's replay value being undermined by various issues. GameOver.gr and Games.cz point out the lack of engaging content and disappointing core gameplay, which detracts from the overall experience. Critics like Launcher and Stevivor echo this sentiment, mentioning that repetitive matches and gameplay issues diminish the enjoyment factor. Furthermore, several reviewers, including GameGrin and Xbox Achievements, highlight the slow progression system and grinding required for achievements, which may discourage players from investing time in the game long-term. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while Battlefield 2042 has notable features that could enhance replay value, such as the Portal mode and various multiplayer options, significant drawbacks hinder its long-term appeal. Many reviewers, including Cubed3 and GameCritics, emphasize the limitations in content and gameplay mechanics, suggesting that the game feels unfinished or lacks depth. Critics like Metro GameCentral and AusGamers remain hopeful for future updates that could improve the experience, but the current state of the game leaves many feeling that it does not fully deliver on its potential for replayability.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

19%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

68%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment surrounding Battlefield 2042 showcases a mix of appreciation for certain aspects of the game, particularly its innovative features and multiplayer offerings. Critics like WellPlayed and Digital Trends highlight the game’s potential, praising its engaging gameplay modes and impressive visuals that capture the essence of the franchise. The inclusion of the Battlefield Portal mode is frequently mentioned as a standout feature, providing a nostalgic yet fresh experience that resonates with long-time fans. PC Gamer and Checkpoint Gaming also commend the game for its bold and expansive multiplayer experience, which, despite its shortcomings, offers significant changes and exciting moments that can appeal to dedicated players. However, the criticisms levied against Battlefield 2042 are substantial and pervasive. Many reviewers, including Cubed3 and Game Rant, express disappointment over the game’s lack of content, polish, and essential features, describing it as feeling unfinished or like a beta version rather than a fully realized AAA title. Technical issues, bugs, and design choices that stray from the core essence of the Battlefield series are frequently cited as major detractors, with critics like Screen Rant and PlayStation LifeStyle emphasizing the flawed gunplay and unexciting maps that hinder the overall experience. The sentiment that the game is a significant step backward for the franchise is echoed by GameMAG and Xbox Achievements, who label it as one of the weakest entries in the series. In summary, the consensus among critics is largely negative, with many expressing frustration over Battlefield 2042's execution and overall quality. While there are glimpses of potential and enjoyment, particularly in its multiplayer modes and visual presentation, the overwhelming sentiment is that the game fails to meet the high expectations set by its predecessors. Critics like Easy Allies and Digital Chumps suggest that while there are engaging elements, the game is marred by technical problems and design issues that detract from the experience. As such, many reviewers recommend waiting for patches and improvements before fully committing to the game, indicating a cautious optimism for its future development.

TL;DR

Battlefield 2042 shows promise with innovative features and engaging multiplayer, but widespread criticism highlights significant flaws like lack of content, technical issues, and unpolished gameplay. While some elements resonate with fans, many see it as an unfinished product that falls short of franchise standards. Critics recommend waiting for updates before diving in, reflecting a cautious optimism for improvement.

MONSTER

Reviews

193 reviews found

100

EGM

Nov 11, 2021