Battlefield V Review

Battlefield V, developed by DICE and published by Electronic Arts, launched on the PlayStation 4 (PS4) in 2018, taking the series back to its historical roots in World War II. While its initial reveal sparked controversy, Battlefield V PS4 aimed to deliver a more intimate, tactical, and evolving FPS experience, focusing on the untold stories and brutal realities of the global conflict. This Battlefield V PS4 review explores its unique mechanics and how it evolved over time.

Gameplay: Attrition, Fortifications, and Grand Operations

The core of Battlefield V lies in its signature large-scale multiplayer battles, supporting up to 64 players. The game introduced several significant mechanics to encourage more tactical and squad-focused play. “Attrition” limited starting ammo and health regeneration, forcing players to rely on supply stations and medics, making every bullet count. “Fortifications” allowed players to build defenses, sandbags, and trenches, dynamically altering the battlefield and adding a strategic element to holding objectives.

New modes like “Grand Operations” offered multi-stage, narrative-driven battles that unfolded over several in-game days, providing a truly epic sense of progression. The classic Conquest mode, alongside Breakthrough and Frontlines, remained popular. The diverse classes (Assault, Medic, Support, Recon) felt distinct, and vehicle combat was as impactful as ever, from tanks to planes. The PS4 version delivered a smooth and responsive FPS experience, crucial for its fast-paced combat.

• Innovative Attrition system for resource management
• Dynamic Fortifications for building defenses
• Epic, multi-stage Grand Operations mode
• Enhanced squad play and revival mechanics
• Authentic WWII weapon handling and vehicle combat

Story: Personal War Stories

Similar to Battlefield 1, Battlefield V featured “War Stories,” an anthology of single-player campaign vignettes. These focused on lesser-known or untold stories from WWII, such as a Norwegian resistance fighter, a Senegalese tirailleur in the French colonial forces, and a British Special Boat Service operative. While short, these stories provided a gritty and often emotional look at the personal sacrifices and diverse experiences of the war, offering a compelling narrative alternative to the large-scale multiplayer.

Graphics and Sound: Immersive WWII Spectacle

Powered by the Frostbite engine, Battlefield V was a visual powerhouse on the PS4. The graphics were stunning, with incredible attention to detail in uniforms, weapons, and war-torn environments. The dynamic destruction was more impressive than ever, allowing buildings to crumble and terrain to be reshaped by explosions, creating an ever-changing battlefield.

The sound design is arguably the best in the FPS genre. Every gunshot, explosion, and bullet whiz is rendered with astonishing fidelity, creating an incredibly immersive and tactical audio landscape. The authentic weapon sounds and the powerful orchestral score contribute significantly to the game’s atmosphere.

Legacy: Evolving Through Tides of War

Battlefield V had a somewhat turbulent launch, but it evolved significantly through its “Tides of War” live service model, which delivered free content updates including new maps, modes, weapons, and factions (like the Americans and Japanese in the Pacific Theater). This continuous stream of content ultimately enriched the game, making it a more comprehensive WWII experience over time.

Is Battlefield V on PS4 Worth Playing Today?

Absolutely. Battlefield V on PS4 is still a highly recommended FPS. Its unique WWII setting, innovative gameplay mechanics like Attrition and Fortifications, and its robust multiplayer (now with all Tides of War content included) offer countless hours of intense and rewarding gameplay. For fans of historical shooters, large-scale combat, and a focus on squad play, this classic PS4 game delivers an authentic and immersive experience.