With Battlefield 6 on the horizon, it's a great time to revisit Battlefield 1, a game fondly remembered and approached with fresh eyes after a nine-year hiatus from the series. This review offers a clean look at the first game in the revised Battlefield series, distinguishing itself from earlier titles in the series.
Storytelling and Setting
Battlefield 1 truly stands out for its storytelling, with the decision to delve into World War I proving to be an inspired and refreshing choice. The campaign missions collectively offer a strong experience, with two particular chapters shining brightly.
Standout Missions
1. Friends in High Places
This mission is a highlight, especially for those who appreciate high-flying action. Players step into the shoes of Clyde Blackburn, an unlikely pilot who finds his calling in the skies. The flight mechanics are enjoyable, complemented by the absolutely gorgeous scenery that serves as a dynamic playground. The narrative cleverly builds towards absurd scenarios, a fact that Clyde himself acknowledges through his engaging narration, providing a humorous twist on typical genre tropes. This mission alone is deemed worth the entry price.
In stark contrast but equally impactful, "Through Mud and Blood" offers a more grounded and brutal depiction of WWI. It begins with the unique experience of starting in an "overpowered" position within a massive Mark V Landship tank – a departure from the usual FPS progression of building up power. However, the tide turns, leading to one of the most memorable set pieces: "Breakdown." This section forces players out of the tank to search a village for parts. The level design provides minimal direction, encouraging players to strategize and explore the environment. The atmosphere is top-tier, and the gameplay strikes a perfect balance between tension and fun.
Overall Campaign and Legacy
While other missions might not reach the same heights as "Friends in High Places" and "Through Mud and Blood," they still achieve high marks. In Battlefield's extensive history, Battlefield 1 might risk being overlooked as time passes. However, a return visit clearly shows why it remains a great game that transcends the typical "military shooter" label, standing out as a significant entry in the series.
STORY - 10
OBJECTIVES - 8
IN-GAME ART / DESIGN - 10
AUDIO / SOUND - 10
GAMEPLAY - 7
EMOTIONAL IMPACT - 8
LONGEVITY - 10
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE - 10
X-FACTOR - 10
PROMOTIONAL ART / DESIGN - 1
84 Overall
---------------
Game played on an Xbox Series X in a large room using 5.1 Audio with 55-year-old Model 32 KLH speakers in the front and modern Polk speakers in the back. The screen is a 55" 4k HDR. I sit 6-8 feet away from it.
Credits
Aleksander S. Grøndal - Senior Producer
Jörgen Carlström - Senior Development Director
Stefan Strandberg - Creative Director
Gustav Tilleby - Art Director
Lars Gustavsson - Design Director
Vidar Nygren - Technical Director
Stefan Vukanovic - Technical Art Director
Bence Pajor - Audio Director
Mikael Högström - Animation Director
