So Battlefield Hardline Beta was released on 03 Feb. The download is around 11GB and gameplay is available until the 08 Feb so get in quick if you want to have a bash!
"The open beta will let you try out three different multiplayer maps and modes. First off, Hotwire mode brings high-speed chases to the Battlefield, as the criminals attempt to steal a list of marked cars while the cops try to repossess them. Available on two maps in the beta, Downtown and Dust Bowl, success in Hotwire will require excellent teamwork and precision driving.
The desert town of Dust Bowl known for its drug trafficking problems will also be playable onConquest, the fan favorite Battlefield mode, which takes the battle up to 64 players. Finally, there’s the Bank Job map where you’ll get to try out Heist mode. The criminals are trying to break into a bank vault, but the cops are doing their best to stop them. Which side of the law will you ride with?"
Plenty of people have had a go with mixed opinions, as you would expect from a Beta.
Here are my views but don't take my word for it, try it out for yourself!
Personally I think it looks great, the Dust Bowl map is stunning and the weapons seem more realistic, but the game feels slow in action for Conquest and Heist modes.
The Hotwire mode really isn't my cup of tea, give me a traditional Battlefield tank any time of the day!
When switching back to BF4 from Hardline it feels like you are playing a far superior game that runs noticeable faster. My biggest problem with the game is the characters, annoying constant shouting of '5 O' every time someones spots the enemy for example irritates the hell out of me!
The game is what it is but I'm disappointed and the beta certainly isn't enough for me to buy the game at release, there certainly isn't enough to justify the cost of buying a new game and subsequent DLC.
Strange thing is that if I was to look at the game completely neutral with no Battlefield experience or bias then I would probably enjoy it more.
This leaves me in a predicament though, I only ever really play one game at a time and I am a massive Battlefield fan, but if I don't get Hardline then will BF4 be sufficient until Star Wars Battlefront at the end of the year which is the next game I pretty much know I will buy?