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Battlefield 2042 (PS4) Review
Developer: DICE
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Genre: First-Person Shooter / Multiplayer
Release: 2021
Battlefield 2042 is a bold but troubled attempt to modernize the long-running Battlefield formula. Set in a near-future world devastated by climate change, resource shortages and political instability, the game focuses entirely on multiplayer rather than offering a traditional single-player campaign.
On PS4, the experience is significantly more limited than the PS5 version. Matches support up to 64 players, with reduced map sizes compared with the larger next-generation battlefields. The game nevertheless retains the series' signature combination of infantry combat, vehicles, destruction and large-scale warfare.
At its best, Battlefield 2042 delivers spectacular moments of chaotic multiplayer warfare. Unfortunately, its launch-era technical problems, controversial Specialist system, uneven map design and lack of a campaign prevent it from reaching the standard established by earlier Battlefield games.
Gameplay & Mechanics
The core Battlefield formula remains intact: players fight across large maps using assault rifles, sniper rifles, explosives, vehicles and aircraft while capturing objectives and supporting their squad.
The major change is the introduction of Specialists.
Instead of selecting traditional classes with predefined equipment, players choose a Specialist with a unique ability or trait and then customize their weapons and gadgets independently.
This provides considerable freedom, but it also removes some of the strong class identities that helped define previous Battlefield games.
Strengths
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Excellent gunplay.
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Large-scale battles remain spectacular.
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Vehicles provide a major advantage when used effectively.
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Weapon customization is flexible.
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Excellent sound and environmental effects.
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Dynamic weather can dramatically change battles.
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Destruction still creates memorable "Battlefield moments."
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Squad-based gameplay can be extremely rewarding.
Weaknesses
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Specialist system weakens traditional class teamwork.
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Some weapons lack the distinctive feel of previous entries.
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Infantry combat can feel chaotic.
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Spawn locations can be frustrating.
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Weapon balancing has been inconsistent.
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PS4 hardware limits the scale compared with PS5.
The fundamentals are still fun, particularly when infantry, tanks, helicopters and aircraft collide around an objective. However, the overall design doesn't always feel as focused as earlier games.
All-Out Warfare
All-Out Warfare is the main experience and includes the traditional Conquest and Breakthrough modes.
Conquest has two teams fighting across multiple sectors and objectives, while Breakthrough creates a more directed frontline where attackers attempt to capture successive sectors.
On PS4, matches are limited to 64 players, rather than the 128-player battles available on PS5 and PC. The PS4 maps are also smaller and more focused.
The reduced scale isn't necessarily a bad thing. In some cases, the PS4 version can actually feel more manageable than the enormous next-generation battlefields.
The biggest issue is that some maps contain large areas with relatively little happening. Players can spend considerable time travelling between objectives, particularly when vehicles aren't readily available.
When the action comes together, however, Battlefield 2042 can still produce spectacular moments.
Maps & World Design
The maps are built around the game's near-future setting and include locations such as deserts, cities, industrial facilities, frozen landscapes and shipping areas.
Several maps feature dynamic environmental events, including tornadoes and sandstorms. These events can suddenly alter visibility and movement, creating unpredictable situations.
The problem is that many of the maps feel too open.
Large empty spaces can make infantry players feel exposed, while objectives aren't always arranged in a way that creates the concentrated battles that made maps such as Battlefield 3's Caspian Border or Battlefield 4's Siege of Shanghai so memorable.
The PS4 versions' smaller layouts help somewhat, but the map design remains one of the weaker aspects of the game.
Final Verdict
Battlefield 2042 is a frustrating game because its best moments demonstrate exactly how good it could have been.
When everything comes togethera squad pushing an objective while tanks engage across the street, aircraft attack overhead and a tornado tears through the battlefieldthe game produces the spectacular chaos that makes Battlefield special.
The problem is that these moments aren't consistently supported by the surrounding design. The Specialist system weakens class-based teamwork, many maps feel too large or empty, the lack of a campaign removes a major component of previous entries, and the PS4 version cannot reproduce the enormous 128-player battles designed around the PS5 and PC versions.
Battlefield Portal is a particularly strong idea and provides some of the game's most enjoyable and creative experiences, while Conquest and Breakthrough remain solid foundations.
Ultimately, Battlefield 2042 is a competent multiplayer shooter that contains flashes of brilliance but falls short of the series' best entries. On PS4, the experience is further constrained by the hardware's reduced player count and smaller maps.
For dedicated Battlefield fans, there is still fun to be found, especially with friends and a coordinated squad. However, compared with Battlefield 3, Battlefield 4 and Battlefield 1, it lacks the same sense of identity and polish.
Score: 6.5/10
