14 DAY TRIAL // Battlefield Hardline is certainly an interesting experience, bringing changes to the core recipe of the series including as far as the multiplayer modes are concerned, but especially when it comes to the single-player story, which does quite a few things right but also some other things wrong.
Battlefield games haven't been exactly known for their single-player stories, as series developer DICE has focused more on providing a semblance of events that showcase the game's many features, from its guns and vehicles to its visuals and mechanics. As such, while some moments might have awoken the interest of players, the general plot was forgettable, with the exception being the Bad Company titles.
Battlefield Hardline launched last week and brought forth not just a new central conflict, in the form of the cops vs. robbers one, but also a new approach to the single-player story mode, which borrows heavily from procedural cop dramas seen on TV, such as "Law & Order," "CSI," "NCIS," and other such series.
The TV story does things right and wrong
First up, the TV show construction, which splits the plot into episodes, makes it quite easy for those who just want to go into the story in between multiplayer matches. The chapters provide both great endings and beginnings, and sum things up in case you forget or spend a bit too much time in the online mode.
The characters are relatively interesting, and there are some pleasant surprises when it comes to treating some clichés like traitors or dirty cops. While you might have suspicions throughout an episode, you can find the ending to completely subvert your expectations.
What's more, while things start out rather serious, they become much more outlandish as episodes unfold, and you'll soon unleash explosions and engage in big battles. Sure, you don't have that big of an excuse for doing such things, but they still feel awesome.
Unfortunately, the story also feels a bit tedious in some moments, so don't expect all action all the time, as you'll still engage in some lackluster moments, such as lengthy cruises through the Everglades, aimless exploration of former battlegrounds, and other such things.
While some characters are well written, others are pure stereotypes and some are pretty boring, including the main protagonist.
Overall, however, Visceral should be congratulated for its story mode in Hardline, as it does things differently, and even if it has faults, it's still entertaining.
