Home » Previews » E3 2015 Preview: Star Wars: Battlefront
Previews

E3 2015 Preview: Star Wars: Battlefront

Cautiously optimistic. That’s how I would describe how I was feeling before my hands-on time with Battlefront. I’d heard nothing but good things about the game, but when it comes to Star Wars, I’m a harsh critic. Not only that but PVP isn’t always my thing unless it blows me away from the start. Needless to say, Battlefront had a big job ahead of it.

When I finally got some time with it all those thoughts just disappeared.

I wasn’t thinking about how this works for the franchise or its shelf-life after launch. It all just washed away and I was simply happy. Now that I’ve snapped out of my stupor I can delve back into Star Wars: Battlefront and explain why all the little things add up to something I can wait for.

Battlefront01

First of all, its Star Wars; that’s a win but only if its done right, and Battlefront is a fantastic example. Forgive me for speaking in intangibles again but I’m sure any Star Wars fan can attest to the existence of the fine line between getting it right and completely ruining something. These days Star Wars is arguably more a brand than a series of films and with that comes good and bad.

Too often entries into the Star Wars universe are obvious cash ins that push the brand and damage the identity of the franchise. Battlefront has clearly been developed by fans. The painstaking effort and obsessive attention to detail is immediately apparent. It’s hard to describe but of one thing I’m sure. Dice was the right choice for this game.

One of my biggest concerns for Battlefront was the Battlefield connection. We know DICE can put together a decent shooter with a hell of a following but how will that translate to Battlefront? Thankfully my fear that Battlefront will be just a Battlefield game with a Star Wars skin is unfounded. There are certain elements and functions that Dice have used from their time with Battlefield and implemented into Battlefront simply because they work. It still feels like a completely different game just with some similar DNA.

Star Wars Battlefront _4-17_F

Running through the trenches of Hoth and toppling AT-ATs is brilliant. I recaptured the felling of all those days at home from school sick spent watching Star Wars over and over. Nostalgia is a powerful weapon and Star Wars Battlefront has got it in spades. The music and sound effects are perfect and bring iconic battles to life. There’s always so much going on in a match. Sometimes it can get a little hectic but simple objectives help you to stay on track and keep focused on the end goal.

I was worried before I spent time With Battlefront it wouldn’t live up to my outrageous expectations. I’ve never happier to be proven wrong.

Star Wars: Battlefront will be available November 19 on PS4, Xbox One and Windows PC.


This article may contain affiliate links, meaning we could earn a small commission if you click-through and make a purchase. Stevivor is an independent outlet and our journalism is in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative.

About the author

Shane Wall

I'm just a simple man trying to make my way in the universe. A game geek turned audio engineer/musician. Shane's life is a delicate balance of video games, music and science fiction.