STAR WARS™ Battlefront™ II

STAR WARS™ Battlefront™ II is a visually stunning and well-optimized game that offers a diverse multiplayer experience set in the iconic Star Wars universe. Initially marred by controversial microtransactions, unbalanced gameplay, and poor matchmaking, the game suffered a significant player drop and ceased receiving updates in 2020. However, it has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity, boasting a growing player base and renewed community vitality. The game features multiple modes including team deathmatch, hero battles, and unique offerings like Ewok Hunt, alongside a campaign and PvE content for offline play.

Despite its strengths, the game struggles with balance issues, especially between ordinary units and powerful heroes, which can lead to frustratingly one-sided matches. The campaign is considered mediocre with a shallow storyline and level design. Additionally, rampant cheating, poor matchmaking, and the mandatory EA launcher on PC detract from the experience. Nevertheless, it remains the best modern Star Wars multiplayer battlefield game, particularly appealing to fans who appreciate its immersive gameplay and graphics.

Highlights

Players praise the game's breathtaking graphics and industry-leading optimization, offering an immersive Star Wars battlefield experience. The variety in multiplayer modes, from ground combat to starfighter dogfights, and the inclusion of diverse characters and vehicles provide rich gameplay diversity. The campaign and PvE modes add offline content, and the soundtrack enhances immersion. Many acknowledge the game's improved state post-removal of microtransactions, with free skins and emotes increasing enjoyment. The resurgence of the player community and modding scene further elevate the game's replayability, making it a unique and creative Star Wars title.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the game's unbalanced hero and unit mechanics, creating uneven and frustrating multiplayer matches. The campaign suffers from poor plot depth, confusing character relationships, and uninspired level design. Cheating and hacking are pervasive in online modes, severely impacting playability, with inadequate developer support to address these issues. Matchmaking issues and mandatory use of the EA launcher on PC add further frustration. Some players find the progression system grindy despite the removal of pay-to-win elements. Overall, the game is seen as abandoned by its publisher, limiting its potential and causing community dissatisfaction.