Review: Battlefield 1

After years of competing with the “Call of Duty” franchise, the top spot for the best and most-played modern warfare FPS has brought some new features. In this latest edition, EA Games decided to look to the past by stepping back into the First World War—an era that has generally been rather ignored by first- and third-person shooters. The tactic worked, drawing attention both from its trailer and the game’s innovative concept.

“Battlefield 1” largely lives up to its initial promise by bringing back the classic gameplay Battlefield is known for—set against the backdrop of the First World War. The historical research was very well executed, complemented by impeccable voice acting. In other words, it’s impossible to start playing BF1 without feeling that you’re in a game that is truly “different” from the ordinary.

It is notable that there are significant differences compared to the other games in the franchise, such as the use of antique weapons, as well as the aesthetic and graphical elements that really stand out and delight the eyes. Truly, “Battlefield 1” is beautiful and immersive, although it does not deliver a major leap in graphical realism compared to BF4.

In our review, the graphical downgrade relative to the trailers is evident—which was expected, though it shouldn’t be taken as normal. Even so, the graphics are impressive, and everything is very well optimized for the PC. The same applies to the servers, which, even in beta, performed flawlessly.

The new features in this edition of Battlefield are quite interesting. The weather changes truly affect the flow of the game. For example, a sandstorm in a desert map can completely upend your strategy, making the recon class very difficult to use and even restricting the actions of classes geared more toward the front line.

Horses are indeed present, as the trailers had indicated, but unfortunately, it isn’t possible to launch large cavalry charges—since only two seem to “appear” at the same time. Even so, it’s a lot of fun to ride, and taking down enemies with a cavalry saber is quite exhilarating.

Gameplay has been made easier in some areas and more challenging in others for historical reasons. Taking down an enemy feels somewhat easier, even considering the “poor” aiming of the weapons. However, controlling airplanes is something for those already accustomed to it. The planes are slow and make very wide turns, while tanks (and other ground vehicles) are far less technologically advanced and, incredibly, more varied.

Despite its strengths, some drawbacks in the game are apparent and are unlikely to be corrected. In fact, the weapons have gameplay that is somewhat different from the norm; even so, they seem too fast for what would be appropriate for the First World War. In truth, the entire game feels too fast for that period.

Although “Battlefield 1” appears very much rooted in the First World War, the game is not “worn by war” as that era was; it doesn’t evoke trench warfare to the extent it could, instead resembling previous titles adapted to a “World War I” setting rather than a true attempt at creating a game style focused on that period.