Battlefield Hardlimes To Get Another Beta This Fall
Better safe than sorry
Battlefield Hardlimes' surprise E3 beta is officially over and done with, or in military speak (that I have learned exclusively from videogames), Charlie Mike Oscar Bravo Rhinoceros Chimpanzee Overalls Tuba. Given how Battlefield 4's launch turned out, however, I'm quite glad to hear that another beta will be happening this fall. Maybe... maybe this one will finally launch in actual, factual ship shape?
Visceral GM Steve Papoutsis outlined the cops 'n' robbers 'n' guns-way-too-big-for cops 'n' robbers shooter's future in a blog post:
"The Battlefield Hardline beta was just a small portion of what is in store. We have plenty of new modes in the game that really play off the cop and criminal theme, as well as the return of fan-favorites. The variety in maps is also something that Battlefield fans have never experienced before, from subterranean grow labs to the streets of Miami, complete with all the vibe and flavor that city has to offer."
"If you didn’t get a chance to play the Battlefield Hardline beta this time around don’t worry, we have your back as we’ll be launching another beta this fall on all announced platforms that will showcase more. Stay tuned to hear more later this year."
He also reaffirmed what I was told at E3 a couple weeks ago - that there will be single-player as well, and it'll draw heavily on Hollywood cop shows and movies. It sounds like the campaign, especially, is more Visceral's baby than a traditional manshoot/manshout Battlefield campaign. That is - at least, if it pans out - very good news.
What did you think of Hardline's beta? Graham didn't exactly fall head over Kevlar-armored SWAT boots for it, but it sounds like the rest of the game will have a fair bit more going for it.
I am still worried about the state this one might come out in, though. Yes, doing multiple beta tests bodes much better than BF3 and BF4's pre-launch build-ups, but I can't help but be a little wary when EA has a) made the same mistake multiple times with this series and b) offered almost the exact same excuse on every occasion. I encourage everyone to watch and wait here. This one is far from a sure thing, even if it is at least on the right track from a testing perspective.