I think I speak for the majority of those who played the Star Wars Battlefront II beta when I say that, while the gameplay itself was fantastic and much improved, there were a few little niggles that made us concerned. The biggest problem being the progression system, which is entirely based on random loot box drops. These drops include buffs to abilities, and when you also factor in that these can be bought using the microtransaction currency called “Crystals,” things get a little messy and unfair.
Yes, EA has dropped the season pass and all future DLC will be free, but that doesn’t necessarily mean players will be happy with pay-to-win loot crates. Cosmetics, sure! Buffs, no!
Fortunately, EA has been listening, and they’ve gone ahead and issued a response to all of the feedback gathered during the beta period. We’re reminded that the beta was just “a small piece of what [they’re] making” and that EA is “continuing to listen to [players] coming out of the beta.”
EA then acknowledges the following issues, which are being looked at: crates and progression, Strike mode, the Specialist’s Infiltration ability (too powerful), and the First Order Flametrooper (too weak). There will also be a new mechanic added for launch that rewards all players in a spawn wave, encouraging gamers to stay and play together as a team.
Talking specifically about loot boxes, EA then goes into detail about the system, with the hope of clearing things up. We’re assured that “the complete system was not in the beta and [it] will continue to be tuned over time.”
Here’s more information on how EA sees the loot system working:
- There are many things you can earn in the game, including weapons, attachments, credits, Star Cards, Emotes, Outfits and Victory Poses.
- As a balance goal, we’re working towards having the most powerful items in the game only earnable via in-game achievements.
- Crates will include a mix of of Star Cards, Outfits, Emotes or Victory Poses.
- Players earn crates by completing challenges and other gameplay milestones, or by purchasing them with in-game credits or Crystals, our premium currency.
- If you get a duplicate Star Card in a crate, you will get crafting parts which you can then use to help upgrade the Star Card of your choice.
- And lastly, you have to earn the right to be able to upgrade Star Cards and unlock most Weapons. You can only upgrade or unlock them if you have reached a high enough rank, which is determined by playing the game.
I guess we’ll just have to see how players’ feedback is interpreted and what we end up with at launch!
Star Wars Battlefront II launches on PS4, Xbox One, and PC on November 17.
