With E3 starting up this weekend, a lot of people are excited for news from AAA publishers like EA. Not to be one to disappoint, EA is ramping up the hype to bury people under details about Star Wars Battlefront 2. Even before EA released details today, leaks and other details were already everywhere about the game.
The first major bit of news came from spoilers from an internal press event EA held for Battlefront 2. Various high-profile YouTubers and other personalities were flown out to play Battlefront 2 in a Beta version of the multiplayer mode. The multiplayer footage shows off various heroes and their abilities, including Rey and Darth Maul battling it out on what appears to be a Naboo palace map. The various lighting and effect improvements make the Star Wars Battlefront 2 look even beautifully chaotic than it’s predecessor. Maultiplayer was a blast in the first game, and it looks as though it will only be more enjoyable this time around.
Not content with one multiplayer match, EA showed off a full 15 minute match at E3 today. This one takes place on Theed and includes Droids, Imperial Officers (who hand out buffs to their team), and a short bit of Darth Maul. One downside for me was the unnecessary commentary, but I’ll take what I can get.
Shortly before that match took place though, EA released an official gameplay trailer for Battlefront 2 and talked through the games various modes. The central focus was of course on the expansive story mode. which will bridge the gap between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens. There will allegedly be three times the content of the first game, in terms of weapons and maps and vehicles. The game will span “all three” eras, which I’m assuming means “prequel trilogy”, “original trilogy”, and “new trilogy” because – if memory serves – the Old Republic stuff isn’t official canon.
Aside from the expansion of the story in terms of size, players can also expect expansions in the form of DLC. This content will be divided into “themed seasons”, with the first focusing on the The Last Jedi movie, which will add Finn and Captain Phasma as heroes, among other things. Each season will add new maps, weapons, heroes, and vehicles. This first DLC will be free to everyone who owns Battlefront 2.
Star Wars: Battlefront 2 is due out on 17 November, with pre-orders getting beta access. Pre-orders will also grant immediate access to an “upgraded Epic Lightsaber Mastery Star Card for Yoda”. Other items to entice gamers to open their wallets early include:
- Exclusive** Star Wars: The Last Jedi outfits for Kylo Ren and Rey
- Instant access to six hero and starfighter epic Star Cards
- Kylo Ren: Power Reach and Solid Freeze
- Rey: Far Sight and Deep Mind
- Starfighters: Enhanced Auxiliary Power and First Order ship upgrade
- Instant access to Star Wars: The Last Jedi Millennium Falcon with updated sounds and appearance
Additionally, pre-orders of the Star Wars Battlefront II: Elite Trooper Deluxe Edition Deluxe Edition come with three-day early access to Star Wars Battlefront II and upgraded versions of all four trooper classes***.
*Conditions and restrictions apply. See https://www.ea.com/games/starwars/battlefront/battlefront-2/disclaimers for details.
***Exclusive to preorder and Deluxe Edition customers.
Speaking of classes, those are now a thing in Battlefront. This system hasn’t really been expanded on, but EA have said that there will be more options for customization in terms of cosmetics and in-game abilities. It’s also expected that cosmetic DLC may well be a thing in this game. A big change to Battlefront 2 in comparison to the previous game is the Battle Points. These Points will allow easier switching of classes mid-battle, as well as allow players that are doing well to unlock things like TIE fighter strikes. So no more capturing a token to jump into an ariel battle.
