Blocky Chaos: BattleBit Remastered Review
Back in 2010, the multiplayer first-person shooter genre reached new heights with games like Battlefield: Bad Company 2. If you were like me, that game likely dominated your Steam playlist that year. It seems the developers behind BattleBit Remastered were in the same boat. This crazy game takes the best elements of Bad Company 2 – class balance, destructible maps, and over-the-top squad-based shootouts – and combines them with a Minecraft-like world made entirely out of blocks. While it’s still in early access and needs some polishing, BattleBit’s massive 127vs127-player skirmishes are a nostalgia trip back to the glory days of chaotic multiplayer gaming. And the best part? No microtransactions!
A Fresh Start
Before we dive into the details, let’s clear one thing up: BattleBit Remastered isn’t actually a remaster of an existing game. It’s more like an in-joke for how many times the developers started over. There’s no single-player campaign to introduce you to the blocky world, but there is a shooting range where you can try out every class kit, gun, and attachment. It’s a well-designed mode that offers a comprehensive overview of BattleBit’s mechanics, but it’s entirely optional if you’re ready to jump right into online battles.
The Battle Unfolds
In BattleBit, the primary mode is Conquest, where two factions fight over control points on a large battlefield. This mode stays true to the Battlefield formula and works just as well. There are also other familiar modes like Rush and Frontlines, offering plenty of variety. However, if you’re looking for a simple Deathmatch mode, you won’t find it here. BattleBit focuses on strategic warfare, and you can choose between different player counts for your battles, from 32vs32 to the insane 127vs127-player skirmishes.
Mind-Blowing Chaos
Things truly heat up when you join a match with 254 players. BattleBit’s 19 geographically diverse maps provide the perfect backdrop for intense battles. Every building is destructible, and with vehicles and plenty of explosives at your disposal, the action is non-stop. The sheer chaos of hundreds of players fighting each other is a sight to behold, and the simplicity of the blocky graphics allows for epic firefights without performance issues. Night mode and urban maps like Tensatown add an extra layer of warfare to the already explosive gameplay.
The Shooting Experience
At its core, BattleBit Remastered is a well-designed first-person shooter. The wide range of weapons, both primary and secondary, offers plenty of customization options for your loadout. They sound great and handle realistically, providing satisfying feedback. Long-range weapons like sniper rifles are easy to use, with bullet drop being manageable. Each class also has unique throwables and gadgets that add tactical depth to the game. Customizing your appearance for stat bonuses adds another layer of gameplay.
Room for Improvement
While BattleBit has most of the features you’d expect from a Battlefield game, there are a few areas that need improvement. Movement speed can feel dizzying at times, with some weapons allowing players to sprint at an unrealistic pace. Melee combat is virtually non-existent, except for the Assault class’s sledgehammer. Some mechanics, like the Support class’s ammo crates, require extra finagling to work properly. However, these issues don’t detract too much from the overall experience.
Squad-Based Gameplay
One of the highlights of BattleBit is its focus on squad-based teamplay. Each of the six classes plays a crucial role in the success of your squad. The Medic and Support classes are vital for keeping your squad alive and supplied with ammunition. The Engineer class can take down enemy vehicles with explosives. The Recon class excels at long-range combat and provides tactical field equipment. Every class has a purpose, adding depth to character customization.
Overall, BattleBit Remastered delivers a unique multiplayer experience that combines the best elements of Battlefield with a blocky twist. While it’s still in early access and has some room for improvement, the game’s chaotic battles, extensive customization options, and focus on squad-based teamplay make it worth checking out. So gear up, gather your squad, and dive into the blocky chaos of BattleBit!