Classic World War II team-based shooter offering fast-paced multiplayer action and enduring nostalgic appeal
Classic World War II team-based shooter offering fast-paced multiplayer action and enduring nostalgic appeal
Pros
- Excellent game play
- Low system requirements
- A classical appeal
- Easier than some modern variants
Cons
- Dated graphics
- Difficult single-player campaigns
Battlefield 1942 is a classic first-person shooter game which has been popular since its release in 2002.
Fans of heart-pounding World War II campaigns will not be disappointed with what Battlefield 1942 has to offer. Developed by DICE Software in 2002, this platform is one of the most popular first-person shooters in existence. Although the graphics may appear to be a bit dated in relation to modern games, the fact of the matter is such a classical appeal is just as well suited for modern players. Another massive benefit is that thanks to increases in computer performance, Battlefield 1942 will not be plagued by freezes and buffering issues as it was in the past.
The Plot
There are several ways to play this game. Some prefer the "lone wolf" strategy. While a single player can be very fun, one of the main premises of Battlefield 1942 is to utilise teamwork to complete the necessary objectives. From storming beaches to conquering an enemy-held base, the sheer possibilities are nearly endless. This multi-player capacity is further enhanced due to the ability to have up to 32 individual players on a specific team. The ultimate objective is to capture the flag of an opponent. When more players are involved, the flag progressively becomes easier to obtain. So, there is a very real sense of camaraderie that was not present within many games of this era.
Challenges
It should be mentioned that Battlefield 1942 will not exhibit the same artificial intelligence as more modern variants. Although this could frustrate those who are extremely well versed in such platforms, by no means are the enemies easy to defeat. This is obviously not as relevant when playing against human counterparts. The main takeaway point is that what Battlefield 1942 may lack in innovation is certainly counterbalanced by fast-paced excitement and a classical attraction.
Soldiers and Equipment
Another feature that has enabled this game to stand the test of time is that the player is not limited by the roles that can be chosen. Different soldiers such as infantrymen and snipers boast unique skill sets. Vehicles and hardware will appear on the maps as the game progresses. The more difficult levels can offer up such powerful options as planes and tanks.
A Competitive Environment
Battlefield 1942 is heavily focused upon pitting one's skills against another player. Not only can this be seen in the real-time action that takes place, but certain metrics are recorded for later review. These include kill counts, the number of times a player has died and captured opponents. It is clear to see why this game was revolutionary for its time. Many feel that these same features were the basis for more modern platforms that have been developed since. Battlefield 1942 is said to be on par with other massively successful franchises such as Quake and Counter Strike.
System Requirements
It is recommended to have a computer with a processing speed of at least 500 MHz. 128 megabytes of RAM are required alongside 32 megabytes of VRAM (video memory). 1.2 gigabytes of hard drive space is also needed. These figures are able to be accommodated by most operating systems these days. Battlefield 1942 is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8.
Battlefield 1942 is a must-have game for anyone who is truly loyal to first-person shooter platforms. Let us take a look at some of the benefits and drawbacks.
Pros
- Excellent game play
- Low system requirements
- A classical appeal
- Easier than some modern variants
Cons
- Dated graphics
- Difficult single-player campaigns
Battlefield 1942, a newly free-to-play game, has just celebrated its ten years with the Battlefield franchise. Despite the age, the game still has immaculate multiplayer gaming, and you can have up to two teams with 32 players on both sides of classic Battlefield maps. In 2002, you needed fast internet speeds and a high-performance computer to play the game. Today, technology has outpaced this game, and that is no longer the case. Almost anyone can enjoy the 32 vs 32 player maps.
This game does look its age with the outdated graphics, but you have excellent gameplay that has not diminished with the passage of time. The game has been set on classic maps that were originally set in World War II. You have a variety of different games that include "Capture the Flag," which is one of the best online multiplayer games of all time. That gameplay set the stage for a lot of the other games in the future. The advantage of Battlefield 1942 is how you have a more accessible game than if you chose Battlefield 3, and you do not feel like you have been outgunned by other players who boast superior firepower. All of the soldier classes have been well balanced against each other; you have infantry, snipers, and more. You also have a variety of military vehicles that spawn on the map, including fighter planes and jeeps.
In Battlefield 1942, one of the excellent things about this game is how it encourages teamwork. Sometimes you will need teamwork to man a tank or the guns. Other times, you need teamwork so that you can storm a base using sniper cover. You can also play the game as a lone wolf, but that is less fun and misses the point of having fun with your teammates. To capture the flag, you go near the flag, and the more teammates that you have near the flag, the easier your capture will be. Battlefield 1942 records your deaths, kills, and flag captures so that you can compare them to the other players.
Battlefield 1942 does have single player campaign, but keep in mind that this portion of the game did not stand the test of time. The enemy AI is terrible, and it lacks the drama that you might find in the more modern Battlefield games with single player campaigns. You should not; however, let that detract from the fun of the rest of the game because the online play is spectacular. Next to Counter-Strike and Quake, Battlefield 1942 is one of the legendary first-person-shooter games of that time.
Battlefield 1942 covers 16 maps, and you have a lot of variety including tank charges and artillery bombarding. In total, you have over 35 vehicles and 20 weapons that range from the BARs to rifles to bazookas. The advantage of the game is how you can play all these roles to cooperate with your teammates. The battles have been well designed so that you will have maximum enjoyment in the game.
