Battlefield V review

Campaign mode

War stories return from Battlefield 1, serving as V’s campaign mode. The mode hasn’t changed much either. War stories are still fairly short cartoons. They are engaging enough to try, but they won’t be worth the price of admission. Levels seem longer – or more accurately, take a long time – because most of them focus on stealth mechanics. Of course, getting around enemies takes longer than shooting through them. Regardless, war stories have their moments, but they’re not the game’s biggest selling point.

Firestorm mode

Like any Battlefield game, the real experience lies in the multiplayer. One of the most anticipated multiplayer additions has been added battlefield V in March 2019: Firestorm mode. Firestorm is a type of battle royale game, apparently mandatory in modern shooters. It’s not as accessible as a competitor like Fortnite, but it actually works quite well.

Players parachute and collect loot on the ground, with the goal of being the last soldier standing. It’s all relatively standard, but Firestorm’s artillery and vehicles are what really set the mode apart from other royale games. These perks really shake things up. Never has a royale game been more tense than when you’re a lone player with weak equipment trying to hide from a fully armed tank. Firestorm is probably just a distraction for veteran players, but it does provide some variety to the classic roster of game modes.

Final verdict

Aside from a few new additions, Battlefield V is what you’d expect from the series. It is another battlefield. It’s a solid following to Battlefield 1, but does it stand out enough? This really depends on how well individual players appreciate the renewed focus on teamwork.

As a fan of the series (and as someone who finds it preferable to most other high-budget shooters), this sequel seems like a step in the right direction. However, if you’re not drawn to the subtle gameplay tweaks, there’s not much else to experience here that can’t be found elsewhere. Fans of the series should understand this, but anyone on the fence might want to wait for a price drop before diving into another solid, but mostly typical Battlefield.