• Battlefield Brings in the Bad Boys with Battlefield: Hardline This Fall

    There have been rumblings for the past couple months that the next Battlefield game was going to shift away from the typical warfront and into the urban streets with a police theme. Those rumblings were confirmed earlier this week with a project that had a code name of Omaha. Battlefield: Hardline will be coming this fall with a further reveal to come at next month's E3 conference in Los Angeles. The Dead Space studio Visceral will handle the single player campaign; while DICE will handle the multiplayer aspect. A seven minute video was leaked ahead of this official announcement. Follow the break for our breakdown of what we have seen.

    First off here is the leaked video via Gamespot:


    BATTLEFIELD MULTIPLAYER

    From the video, there seems to be even more of an emphasis on tactictal teamwork than in the past, and that will most likely be evident with the new game modes that were presented.

    • Heist Mode

    In this game mode, you wil either be a cop or a robber just like in the days of when you were a kid. The robbers will try to break into the vault and make out with a large sum of cash while the cops attempt to block every possible mode of escape. I'm assuming that the bank maps here will have multiple ways to escape and enter similar to the final Rush location in Siene Crossing from Battlefield 3.

    • Rescue Mode

    This game mode brings me back to the old SOCOM days playing Extraction. Once again you can play as a cop who is trying to storm the building, locate the hostages and successfully extract them, or you can play as the robber who is trying to take down the cops to prevent them from pulling off the rescue. I wonder if the hostages can be shot like they could in SOCOM. That definitely would add a new dimension to the mode.

    • Hotwire Mode

    This mode definitely seems like the classic Need For Speed mode where you have to get from one point to the other in one piece. You're in a high speed chase to try to get from A to B if you're the robber, and as a cop, you're trying to destroy the robber's cars to prevent them from making it to the end. The video makes it sound like you're in a large open world, so maybe there are checkpoints or bags of cash that the robbers are trying to snag along the way. It'll be interesting to see if this mode will differ from the straightforward Need For Speed cops and robbers mode.

    • Bloodmoney Mode

    This mode sounds like the most fun out of the ones detailed in the video. There will be a huge stack of cash in the middle of a map with the cops on one end and the robbers on the other. It's basically a large scale tug-o-war with a hail of bullets. The objective here is to grab the cash in the middle and bring it back to your base. There have been some other games with a similar objective. Uncharted comes to mind, and I am wondering if the cash holder will be slowed down to make it even tougher to get back to your base with the moolah. I hope so as it adds to a different level of difficulty to succeed.

    These modes were the only ones detailed in the video, but I'm assuming there will be the classic Battlefield game modes as well such as Deathmatch, Domination, and hopefully Rush.


    VISCERAL SINGLEPLAYER

    The single player on most FPS games is always the afterthought as the main focus is on the multiplayer aspect. Battlefield is taking a different approach from their past games and they're bringing in the Visceral studio to develop the single player. Visceral is well known from the Dead Space series; which have had some great single player campaigns. The story will center around a young cop named Nick Mendoza who will have to try to balance and choose sides between good cop and bad cop. The video states that each level will play out like an episode on TV, and the style will be influenced from popular cop television shows.

    The video also states that the environments will be wider and more open than ever before, and you can take various different paths to complete a mission. It makes me wonder if there will be some sort of open world aspect to the game where you can go off and do side missions as well. I'm guessing that it will be a typical linear story of a FPS, but an open world story would definitely be interesting for a Battlefield game. On top of this, the video also states that the AI has been built from the ground up to present more of a challenge.

    DOWNTOWN DESTRUCTION

    Assuming that they are using the much heralded Frostbite engine, Battfield: Hardline will be able to take advantage of this tech in multiple ways. The lifelike destruction of levels from this engine will be brought to the urban environments that are showcased in the game. The great thing about this engine is that the destruction can alter the map and alter your strategy along the way. The video states that there will be various environments such as a subterrainian grow lab, bank vaults, and car dealerships where this destruction can take place.

    GADGETS & GUNS

    Your typical miltary grade weapons will exist in this game as usual, but there are some different items that really are going to make things interesting. In the singleplayer game, Nick has a high tech police scanner that helps him gather clues and plot attacks during the missions. The scanner also helps you with your game style; whether it is run and gun, or if you want to be stealthy, it can help you plan your set-up on how to succeed. Tazers will be used as well, but they didn't specify it it would be in the singleplayer only story, or both. What was confirmed in multiplayer is the use of gadgets such as ziplines and grappling hooks. This is going to add a whole new dynamic to the gameplay of Battlefield online, and I'm really excited for those additions.

    VEHICULAR MAYHEM

    As always, vehicles play a huge part in the offline and online game modes for Battlefield: Hardline. Muscle cars, motorcycles, police cruisers, counter-attack trucks, boats, planes, and armed choppers will all be to your disposal.




    IN CONCLUSION


    The end of the video touts that it's a new world with new levels of freedom and new ways to play. This is really an exciting statement for fans of the Battlefield franchise. A meaningful single player story will be nice as long as it is in-depth and fairly lenghty. That is the problem with a lot of stories in a FPS title, you can typically finish the story in almost one setting. With the PS4 and XBOX One in full swing now, the consumer's demand for a higher bar is completely realistic. There should be no excuse to have both a solid and deep single player to go with a top notch multiplayer. There will be more info in regards to Battlefield: Hardline at E3 coming up in just over a week. Stay tuned to The Gaming Tailgate for more information!
    Comments 71 Comments
    1. cdj's Avatar
      cdj -

      Battlefield Hardline's open multiplayer beta will take place next week, according to an Electronic Arts announcement this morning, released alongside a trailer.

      The cops-vs-robbers multiplayer shooting game will run from Feb. 3 to Feb. 8 and will be available on Windows PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Xbox One. In Battlefield Hardline, heavily armed cops are pitted against equally tooled-up criminals in a contest for terrain, loot and lives.

      The beta will feature three different maps including an urban downtown setting and a rural ghost town. Various modes will be available including Hotwire, in which both teams seek to possess stolen cars dotted around the map. Heist is based on a bank robbery, with various exits and entry points. Conquest is also available, offering battles for up to 64 players.
      Courtesy: Polygon
    1. JBHuskers's Avatar
      JBHuskers -
      Excited to see if it feels different or not.
    1. cdj's Avatar
      cdj -
      The beta is now available. If you play, let us know what you think. I probably won't be able to give it a try until tomorrow.
    1. JBHuskers's Avatar
      JBHuskers -
      Initial install is only about 3 GB. Much bigger install in-game.
    1. cdj's Avatar
      cdj -
      I didn't play much (any?) of BF4 online, so it's taking time to get the hang of each game mode, menu/interface layout, etc. It's fun, but I am surprised (shouldn't be, though) at how many players run around like chickens with their head cut off. I'm still more interested in SP than MP, though.
    1. JBHuskers's Avatar
      JBHuskers -
      Quote Originally Posted by cdj View Post
      I didn't play much (any?) of BF4 online, so it's taking time to get the hang of each game mode, menu/interface layout, etc. It's fun, but I am surprised (shouldn't be, though) at how many players run around like chickens with their head cut off. I'm still more interested in SP than MP, though.
      Well Hardwire is a chicken with heads cut off mode for the most part since it's basically Domination with moving bases.

      I love the mode though.
    1. cdj's Avatar
      cdj -
      Following some initial reports, developer Visceral Games on Wednesday officially announced that EA Access members on Xbox One will get to play Battlefield Hardline on March 12, a full five days before the game launches to the public on March 17.

      Courtesy: Gamespot
    1. JBHuskers's Avatar
      JBHuskers -
      NICE!
    1. cdj's Avatar
      cdj -
      A teaser (?) video (read: link) for Battlefield Hardline Premium...




      Four Super Features

      As a Battlefield Hardline Premium member, you can look forward to four Super Features, designed to make the gaming experience richer and more personalized. The four features are:

      • Masks – New player masks with unique gameplay benefits tied to the theme of each mask.
      • Gun Bench – Provides players with the ability to visually customize their weapons and track their kills per weapon.
      • Competitive Play – Support for competitive play through Battlefield Hardline Premium-access only tournaments and ladders.
      • Legendary Status – Provides replayability of the entire progression system.



      Four Expansion Packs

      On top of this, Battlefield Hardline Premium members will be able to enjoy four digital expansion packs featuring all-new multiplayer maps, modes, vehicles and in-game content. Remember: you’ll get a 2-week head start* with these expansions if you go Premium.

      Here’s what’s coming up:

      • Battlefield Hardline: Criminal Activity – Players have to make a name for themselves in fast-paced, highly-destructible new maps littered with small-time crime jobs. Available summer 2015.
      • Battlefield Hardline: Robbery – Take down the opposition head on and progress through key locations with major cinematic action. Available summer 2015.
      • Battlefield Hardline: Getaway – This is frantic, high-speed chases that immerse players deeper in the heist. Available fall 2015.
      • Battlefield Hardline: Betrayal – There is a rat in every operation and players will have to find out who to trust. Available winter early 2016.



      More Battlefield Hardline Premium Perks

      It doesn’t stop there. More perks are lined up for you if you decide to become a Battlefield Hardline Premium member. How does this sound:

      • Two weeks early access to all expansion packs
      • 12 Gold Battlepacks
      • New personalization options including gun camos, ammo skins, and more Battlefield Hardline Premium exclusive in-game items
      • Access to double-XP, in-game missions, and more Battlefield Hardline Premium exclusive events
      • Priority position in server queues



      Sound good? If you’re ready to throw down in the cops and criminals world of Battlefield Hardline, go Premium for the ultimate experience.

      Players can pre-order Battlefield Hardline now by visiting http://www.battlefield.com/hardline/buy.
    1. JBHuskers's Avatar
      JBHuskers -
      Definitely some cool stuff here for Premium. I'll get it for sure.
    1. cdj's Avatar
      cdj -
      I'm seeing tweets that Hardline is now available on EA Access and that you can only play the first two chapters of the story mode. Assuming remaining/balance of ten hours for MP.
    1. JBHuskers's Avatar
      JBHuskers -
      Downloading now, all 46 GB
    1. Marlowe's Avatar
      Marlowe -
      Anyone have feedback on gameplay? Specifically multiplayer. Still on the fence about picking this up. Ps4.


      Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    1. JBHuskers's Avatar
      JBHuskers -
      Quote Originally Posted by Marlowe View Post
      Anyone have feedback on gameplay? Specifically multiplayer. Still on the fence about picking this up. Ps4.


      Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
      Hardwire is a blast, it's like domination, but instead of set areas to sit in and capture, it's specific cars you have to grab and hold on to.

      There are some good game modes. Different game modes along with familiar ones.

      The gunplay is a little better than the beta, but still isn't as good as Destiny. I don't like the scope that is default on the first machine gun on the first category (can't remember the name).

      As for the story mode, I'm enjoying it so far.
    1. JBHuskers's Avatar
      JBHuskers -
      Played a lot more last night. Not sure why, but the gunplay is much better than the EA Access early release.
    1. Marlowe's Avatar
      Marlowe -
      I ended up buying this last week. Should have waited. Looks like amazon has it on sale right now. Some of the multiplayer modes are interesting but still find myself gravitating towards conquest. Gunplay feels ok. I've sniped more choppers down in the first week than I did all the while I played bf4 lol.


      Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    1. souljahbill's Avatar
      souljahbill -
      If this were a 3rd person game, I'd want to try the campaign mode. Me and FPSs just don't click.
    1. JBHuskers's Avatar
      JBHuskers -
      Quote Originally Posted by Marlowe View Post
      I ended up buying this last week. Should have waited. Looks like amazon has it on sale right now. Some of the multiplayer modes are interesting but still find myself gravitating towards conquest. Gunplay feels ok. I've sniped more choppers down in the first week than I did all the while I played bf4 lol.


      Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
      I can't get enough Blood Money. LOVE that mode. I wanna dive into Rescue though as that is like the old save the hostage SOCOM days where you only have one life.
    1. cdj's Avatar
      cdj -
      It's a 2XP weekend for Battlefield Hardline Premium members.
    1. JBHuskers's Avatar
      JBHuskers -
      Quote Originally Posted by cdj View Post
      It's a 2XP weekend for Battlefield Hardline Premium members.
      Nice, there was just one last weekend too.