Battlefield 4 for me is a very realistic shooter, with a story steeped in modern conflicts and global tensions. With a Chinese invasion of international waters, and against American forces in the region, it's quite a dark, yet realistic storyline as is usually found in the Battlefield franchise. With realistic environments, and settings like Shanghai and other hotspots in the region, it really feels like you are fighting in a real, modern war.
Visually and graphically, Battlefield 4 does not disappoint with some of the most realistic, and amazing explosions that you would expect in war, from vehicles blown up in the heat of battle, to buildings falling apart as you scramble for your life. As you yourself blow through walls, and scenery it feels like a war that is really tearing the world around you apart. Weapons glint in sunlight, and the water effects that the PS4 showcased are the most realistic, I have ever seen in gaming since.
In terms of audio, Battlefield 4 uses some amazing sound effects in their battles, and major war moments but also sad, sombre music to emotional moments between characters. Explosion effects are stunning, when in a tank battle or using explosives yourself on your enemies. But I have found issues with the game in terms of audio, sometimes a fizzing sound can disrupt the game-play, and it can become annoying as it can really break the game-play. I have found the best way to overcome this issue, is to restart the game - but that's not a real comfort.
I have only tried the multiplayer mode for a short while, it still stands up well among rivals even now; with some huge, massive maps to battle it out, from rooftop battles to street warfare. I have not as yet encountered any issues of connectivity in starting games, and have immediately joined games without issue as of yet.
I also like that you can unlock weapons, through playing through the campaign and earn points to unlock the next weapon in the line, and this can change the pace of the game ,when you can equip these new weapons in the main game, through using the weapon boxes and lockers. There are many variants of weapons, including attachments and additions that can change the flow of battles once unlocked.
The Good:
- A realistic story, steeped in realism and moder conflicts, and global tensions with some very interesting twists with characters.
- Impeccable visuals and graphics, with stunning water effects, explosions and character animations. Explosions feel and look real, and give the game a real hardened, gritty war feel.
- Some nice soundtrack songs used in the heat of battles, and emotional moments between characters.
- Multiplayer is still enjoyable, smooth controls and wide-open maps to enjoy big, massive battles on rooftops and in city streets.
- Campaign uses an unlock system very well, earning points in killing enemies and completing objectives unlock weapons through the campaign you can use when you wish.
The Bad:
- An annoying audio issue, wherein a fizzing-like sound can start up and continue through gameplay that disrupts the enjoyment of the game. Only way to fix this, for me is to restart the game again from the dashboard.
Battlefield 4 is an acceptable sequel in the franchise, and is quite an enjoyable PS4 launch title with it's stunning next-gen visuals and graphics, and smoother frame rates, that immerses you far more than it's PS3, XBOX 360 and XBOX ONE counterparts. It's worth buying for fans of the franchise, but also fans of war simulators that immerse you that the Battlefield franchise does not fail to do.