I Was The Worst Boba Fett In A 20 v 20 Star Wars Battlefront 2 Multiplayer Game

Star Wars Battlefront 2 multiplayer was, naturally, a centerpiece of EA Play 2017. Viewers of EA’s annual press conference were treated to a live stream of a 20 v 20 match, Assault on Naboo, that showcased the Droid Army raid on the capital. Teams were pitted against each other, with one side moving a payload through a course dotted with smaller capture objectives. The stream showcased all the action you’d expect, from familiar Star Wars icons like Boba Fett and Han Solo, to ship-vs-ship combat to plenty of frenetic shootouts.

After the EA Play 2017 press conference, I got to take part in a 20 v 20 session. A little na ground on my skills so you know where coming from. I haven't played Battlefront since launch, basically, and spend all my shooter time in Overwatch . Star Wars Battlefront 2 plays a lot more like a traditional shooter, but not without it's own flair.

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The best part of Star Wars Battlefront 2 is also the least surprising. It's gorgeous. The textures, the lighting, everything during what I assume was a max settings demo looked impressive. But it's not just about graphics. You're recognizably in the Star Wars universe with almost every detail. Naboo felt familiar even though it's easily my least watched of all the movies. Couple this with authentic sound effects (because that laser noise is EVERYTHING) and the immersion is in full effect.

As expected, the heroes are a lot of fun to play and unlock. Earning battle points to do so feels more exciting when you're saving up to do a run as Boba Fett, for example. So if you're not playing well you still feel like you're making progress. My first match was terrible, but I had a smooth run inside a vehicle that made up for everything else. My second match was much better and I got to play as Boba Fett twice, albeit poorly both times. I kept mashing my jetpack in a blind panic and stood the same chance as a duck in Duck Hunt, except instead of one player it was 20.

All characters, heroes included, are defined by Star Cards that dictate the special moves they can do. There's usually multiple cards available per slot, and the ability to unlock more should entice more dedicated players to think strategically. But a Star Wars game by its very nature will draw more casual players, and the system is easy to understand even for newcomers. Boba Fett has a jet jump unique to him, but the four different character classes (assault, heavy, specialist and officer) share similar traits and roles that get reflected in the Star Cards.

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Skills aren’t the only thing designed to have a pick up and play level of access. Having played a bad, confused game in my first match I know what the game plays like if you’re a bit overwhelmed. The most helpful feature was the AI squads that spawn alongside you, easy to follow on the battlefield due to the yellow icons underneath them. Staying in range and offering support gives you points to spend, allowing you to experience a lot even if your k/d ratio is hot garbage.

Surviving shootouts is more about sight lines than anything else. There’s no sticky cover, minimal crouching but ample opportunity to hide out in blind spots. The design of the map led to several bottlenecks, particularly while storming the Palace, that could be held by one or two soldiers against a swarming dozen enemies if those soldiers found the right positions. Star Wars Battlefront 2 seems like a game that will rely heavily on map knowledge if teams want to gain an edge. Individual skill gets tested, too, ever time you reload. A reload bar that requires a bit of timing is a frequent reminder that the little things matter.

I placed 18th out of 20 in my first match, but 3rd in my second match. I’m an average shooter player according to every ranked game I’ve ever played, but I think my grasp of the game speaks to the ease with which it shepherds players around a 20 v 20 maelstrom of laserblasts and exploding droids. Of course, all eyes are on S tar Wars Battlefront 2 ’s single player campaign but the loyal fans who have stuck with the franchise since launch look to be amply rewarded with new features and new incentives for their friends to join the fracas. I definitely wanted more, even if I was the world’s worst Boba Fett.