In the last entry of Duel Screens Selects we took a look at Crash Team Racing: Nitro Fueled, an amazing re-make that only improved upon the original in nearly every way. While there are many legacy franchises such as Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon being re-invigorated with new life, others have had a rough road to greatness. Star Wars Battlefront 2 is a comeback worthy of the franchise with updates that have created a product that delivers on its stellar legacy. With the eighth generation of consoles coming to a close, we here at Duel Screens wanted to highlight some of our must-play experiences before grabbing your new PS5 or Xbox Series X. This is Duel Screens Selects.
A Galaxy Torn
There are few games that received the backlash that Star Wars Battlefront 2 did upon release. So great in fact it kicked off an entire investigation into the loot box business model in video games, prompting governments across the world to look into this issue. Some nations have even banned the practice entirely, citing games such as this one as predatory in nature due to the excessive microtransactions required to unlock the content within the game. Couple this with the core Star Wars demographic being children and this problem becomes much more clear. With these “pay-to-win” practices being the ire of the gaming community and the core progression system in the game, players were either leaving in droves or praying for more opportunities to obtain content.
Thankfully their prayers were answered and everyone gets to reap the benefits. Space Battles, Re-configured progression systems and the addition of each era in Star Wars history made this game one whose experiences mirror the intensity of the source material. With this detestable “pay to win” aspect gone, players of the game were now free to enjoy the title to its fullest. With rock-solid gameplay and some of your favorite Star Wars heroes and villains ready to fight this title proves to be one not just for the fan of the franchise, but for anyone looking for a fun and immersive shooter experience.
A Saga of War
The action is always intense on the battlefields of Battlefront 2. From the huge, historic battles on locales such as Hoth and Naboo to dogfights against the Death Star or a CIS Control Ship, you are always put directly into the action. This action is paced with a large variety of game modes, including both single player and multiplayer modes, with some offering multiple phases of an assault making the battle feel like a real war simulation. This is doubled-down on with the inclusion of vehicles, both aerial and ground based in some cases, getting you in the habit of making the most out of every moment. This will all feel very familiar to Battlefield fans, who will feel right at home with these giant warzones.
In addition to these modes are both single-player and multiplayer experiences against the AI. The addition of a full single-player campaign on top of a robust Arcade Mode to hone your skills is a fantastic addition and works wonders when going into online Co-Op, which resembles the Horde Mode from the Gears of War franchise. The addition of notable characters such as Darth Maul and Luke Skywalker is thrilling to see on the battlefield and it is satisfying to enter the theater as them. It gives battles an authentic feel, especially when two force-wielding superhumans duke it out in a sea of laser fire. With an amazing graphical presentation, Star Wars Battlefront 2 delivers on creating memorable moments comparable to your favorites from the films.
The Power of The Force
The road has been a long one for EA’s love letter to Star Wars fans. With time and a few massive overhauls, it has become a stand-out game for both the fan and the uninitiated. Rewarding progression, meaningful customization, iconic characters and locations along with tons of game modes gives this title a life of its own. It is immersive to achieve the milestones and unlock new gear to upgrade your favorite classes and heroes. There are also a ton of skins that can be achieved this way or through credits earned by playing the game.
Star Wars Battlefront 2 is not a game to be missed. It oozes personality and has an impeccable style. The action is pulse-pounding and the different unit types have a great charm. There is something here for everyone, making Battlefront 2 the perfect game for extended play sessions or quick battles. If you have the chance to play it then make sure you do so, you might not be able to put it down.
