Status:
- Complete in Box
- Play Tested
Battlefield Hardline (PS3), developed by Visceral Games and published by Electronic Arts, was released in 2015 as part of the Battlefield series. Unlike previous Battlefield titles, which focused on military warfare, Battlefield Hardline takes a different approach, focusing on a crime-and-police theme, with players assuming the roles of both law enforcement officers and criminals. Set in a more urban and modern context, the game blends the familiar Battlefield gameplay with a more grounded, action-movie-like narrative. Here's a detailed review of Battlefield Hardline on PS3:
1. Gameplay
Battlefield Hardline retains the core mechanics of Battlefield gameslarge-scale multiplayer, vehicular combat, and tactical gunplaywhile introducing new features centered around the law enforcement/criminal theme.
2. Graphics & Presentation
For a game released in 2015, Battlefield Hardline on PS3 is visually impressive but shows the limitations of the older hardware compared to its more powerful counterparts.
3. Story and Characters
Battlefield Hardline sets itself apart from the main Battlefield series by focusing on a cop versus criminal storyline. The protagonist, Nick Mendoza, is a police officer who becomes entangled in a conspiracy involving the criminal underworld. As he investigates, Mendoza faces moral dilemmas, personal betrayal, and a growing sense of distrust in his own department.
- Nick Mendoza: The main character is somewhat generic but plays his role well as a determined detective. His journey is typical for a crime story, though his motivations and development are engaging enough to keep the player invested.
- Supporting Characters: The supporting characters, such as Mendozas partner, Khai Minh Dao, and the corrupt officers he encounters, serve to push the plot forward. While they do add drama and tension to the narrative, their personalities can feel stereotypical and not as fully fleshed out as they could have been.
The campaigns story is entertaining, though it doesnt quite reach the depth or complexity of other open-world crime games like Grand Theft Auto V. The narrative is straightforward, with the usual twists and turns typical of a cop drama, but it still provides an enjoyable experience.
4. Sound & Music
The sound design in Battlefield Hardline is solid, with well-executed voice acting, ambient sounds, and music that fits the urban crime setting.
- Voice Acting: The voice acting is generally well-done, with performances that match the characters personalities. Leading the charge is Nicholas Mendoza, voiced by Nolan North (famous for his work as Nathan Drake in Uncharted), who does a good job bringing the character to life. The other characters also do a good job conveying the emotional beats of the story.
- Music: The games soundtrack, composed by Angelo Badalamenti and Chris Tilton, complements the crime drama theme. The music is atmospheric, adding to the tension of certain moments, while also providing a more energetic, upbeat tone for action-heavy sequences.
5. Controls
The controls in Battlefield Hardline feel familiar to Battlefield players, with a few adjustments for the more urban environment. The aiming and shooting mechanics are responsive and intuitive
