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Battlefield 4's Dragon's Teeth adds guns, places to shoot guns
Battlefield 4 Premium subscribers have two content packs to go before their $50 helping of content is finished, with Dragon's Teeth serving as the next leg of their tour. EA hasn't specified which week of the summer we can expect this content, but a new listing details what we can expect from it. Like the previous content pack, Naval Strike, Dragon's Teeth will add four maps to Battlefield 4's multiplayer playground: Propaganda, a map with towering statues of despots, Pearl Market, a square split between alleyways and rooftops, Lumphini Garden, a space filled with personal-watercraft-friendly canals, and Sunken Dragon, which lets forces fight in a floating restaurant or just drain the lake it's presumably floating in. Dragon's Teeth's loadout will offer five weapons that are "all-new" to Battlefield 4, as well as a bullet-blocking ballistic shield that serves as a gadget. The remotely-operated and armed R.A.W.R. ground vehicle will serve as a new Battle Pickup, while a new game mode called Chain Link will have players linking capture points to win matches. If you need something to aim for with this new content beyond opponents, Dragon's Teeth will bring along 10 additional assignments, which reward completing specific feats with unlocks. A price isn't listed in Dragon's Teeth description, but previous content packs are priced at $15, or you can with go the one-and-done purchase of a Battlefield 4 Premium membership. If buying multiplayer content for a game with a notoriously awful reputation for functioning properly concerns you, or if you've long since given up on trying to get into a match, it might be worth one final attempt: Battlefield 4 received a netcode-improving patch earlier this month. [Image: EA]
EA CEO deems Battlefield 4 launch 'unacceptable'
In an unexpected display of candid honesty, EA CEO Andrew Wilson has opted to own up to the failures of Battlefield 4, drawing a connection to the game's online scope. Though our review of the game was positive, once Battlefield 4 launched players were faced with months of ongoing connectivity issues, to the point where EA delayed development on the game's promised DLC packs in favor of fixing extant bugs. According to Wilson, this laundry list of malfunctions is the fault of a development team that was trying to do too much in too little time.
Roger that: Battlefield 4 gets netcode improvement patch
*The following is a transcript of a recorded conversation from a U.S. military base.* Private Rogers: That "major" update to Battlefield 4's netcode that DICE VP Karl Magnus Troedsson mentioned last week is ready to launch, major! Major Clarence: Roger, Roger. Are we green, general? General Victor: You have clearance, Clarence. The Battlefield 4 netcode update is now live on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC, and will be released to PS4 and Xbox One systems later this week. In tests, it showed a roughly 60 percent reduction in delay. The patch also contains various bug fixes and tweaks to gameplay, such as reduced camera shake induced by being near an explosion. *You finish reading the notes and think to yourself, "It sure is fortunate that these military professionals said all this information out loud, even though it likely seemed extraneous at the time."*
'Major' update to Battlefield 4 netcode in the works
With a new Battlefield game on the horizon, series creator DICE has stepped out ahead of "too soon" backlash to say that support for Battlefield 4 will continue. "We've always dared to try new settings and experiences with Battlefield and seeing this new one take shape is a long lasting dream come true," writes DICE VP Karl Magnus Troedsson. "That said, I want to be sure you all understand that introducing Hardline in no way means we're done working on Battlefield 4." Given its notoriously botched launch, critics of Battlefield 4 might say that work never really finished. Battlefield: Hardline, which pits the police against crooks in urban shootouts, is not being developed by DICE but Visceral Games, best known for the Dead Space series. While EA's horror team tackles the new shooter, DICE will work on a "major" update to Battlefield 4's netcode, Troedsson says.
You can now buy Battlefield 4 item packs with real money
Battlefield 4 developer DICE is now opening up the option for players to purchase in-game content using real money. Starting today, the game's three types of battlepacks can be picked up; $1 for Bronze packs, $2 for Silver ones and $3 for Gold packs. Battlepack tiers vary in the number and rarity of the items within, bronze packs including three items while the gold battlepacks feature five. The packs will still be awarded to players through regular gameplay progression. In-game goodies found in the packs include accessories, knives, profile pictures, emblem shapes, dog tags, experience point boosts and paints The battlepacks are available to purchase through Origin, the developer's Battlelog site, Battlefield 4's in-game store as well as through the Xbox Live Marketplace and PlayStation Store. The next game in the series is reportedly known as Battlefield Hardline and is being developed by Visceral Games, according to assets leaked by EA earlier today. [Image: Electronic Arts]
Fans spy Battlefield Hardline assets, revealing police-themed shooter
The next entry in EA's Battlefield franchise abandons the series' traditional military setting in favor of the urban battlegrounds patrolled by civilian police officers, according to a handful of assets leaked by the publisher alongside its latest Battlelog update. Unlike past entries in the series, Battlefield Hardline will not be developed by DICE, but is instead being crafted by Dead Space developer Visceral Games. Despite this, and the change of setting, the game includes at least four distinct character classes, a multiplayer map dubbed "Downtown" and game modes with such names as "Blood Money" and "Bomb Squad." The fan-favorite "Carrier Assault" mode was also listed among the Battlefield Hardline assets. The Battlefield Daily Twitter feed also found images representing the awards to be found in Battlefield Hardline. Each icon looks similar to those found in Battlefield 4, though in lieu of that game's military theme, these awards feature handcuffs, bags of cash (complete with cartoonish money symbols) and a grappling hook - implements you'd expect to see in a bank heist, but not in a Chinese warzone. There's currently no word on when Battlefield Hardline might debut, though it seems very likely that EA will share more on the game at the upcoming E3 conference. We've attempted to contact the publisher in the meantime, in the hopes that it might want to shed light on things a bit early, but have so far received no response. [Image: EA]
Battlefield 4 PS3 20-hour trial lauches today for Plus members
20 hours of unpaid access to Battlefield 4 is today's unusual serving of PlayStation Plus for PS3 owners in North America. The new initiative grants full access to the DICE shooter on Sony's last-gen console, including single-player and multiplayer. The 20 hours are denoted as "playable" from the first moment you launch it, though it's unclear if that's accumulative or not. Of course it doesn't matter if you play it for 20 hours straight, in which case good for you - you're living the dream! Plus members can also grab five-star platformer Limbo, with last year's Vita version hitting the service today as well. [Image: EA]
Battlefield 4 console update lets players squad up with friends
EA DICE has launched a long-requested "Squad Join" feature for the console versions of Battlefield 4, allowing players to team up with friends and maintain a persistent party across multiplayer matches. The Squad Join feature supports up to five simultaneous squadmates, and the beta version is available for base game maps in the Conquest, Team Deathmatch, Obliteration, Rush, and Domination game modes. EA notes that additional Squad Join features will be added alongside the launch of Battlefield 4's Dragon's Teeth DLC pack this summer. Currently, the Squad Join beta is exclusive to the Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4 versions of Battlefield 4. [Video: EA DICE]
Battlefield 4 adds server rental service, patches 'death shield'
EA DICE has issued a new cross-platform update for its competitive first-person shooter Battlefield 4, fixing a widely reported multiplayer glitch and introducing the Rent-A-Server program for console players. Announced last month, EA's Rent-A-Server program gives console owners control over in-game parameters like friendly fire, team balance, map rotation, and regenerating health during multiplayer matches. Rent-A-Server prices range from $1.49 for one-day access to $59.99 for a 90-day rental. Currently, the service is temporarily unavailable on the Xbox One as EA investigates post-launch issues. This week's update additionally patches out a reported "Death Shield" glitch, which would envelop killed players with an invisible bullet-blocking shield in Battlefield 4's multiplayer component. The fix is available now across all platforms. [Image: Electronic Arts]
Battlefield 4: Naval Strike now available to non-Premium masses
It looks like the Megalodon has a whole new batch of victims incoming. After being released an exclusive for Premium members, Battlefield 4's Naval Strike DLC is now available for purchase for all. The content is available on PC, Xbox One, PS4, PS3 and Xbox 360. Naval Strike adds four new maps; a hovercraft vehicle; new Carrier Assault mode, which is inspired by Battlefield 2142's Titan Mode; and the aforementioned giant shark attack. Battlefield 4's Naval Strike DLC is priced at $15. [Images: DICE]
Battlefield 4's Megalodon finally surfaces in Naval Strike expansion
Though dedicated fans have been scouring every inch of Battlefield 4 since its debut last October, no one has yet offered real evidence of the existence of the gigantic Megalodon within EA's shooter - until now. The footage above comes courtesy of YouTube user "jackfrags" who lays out simple instructions on how to spawn the giant beast within your own Battlefield 4 match. First, you must be playing on the Nansha Strike map which was included with the recent Naval Strike DLC pack. Second, you must find nine other willing players to swim with you out to a specific buoy near the main island. Third, you must all be comfortable with having a giant, supposedly extinct sea creature crush you with its massive bulk. If that sounds like too much work, just watch that clip again. You won't get the thrill of virtually being there, but it's the only way to really appreciate the inexplicable yet undeniably impressive explosion that accompanies the Megalodon crashing back into the sea. [Image: EA]
Battlefield 4 'Naval Strike' DLC now approaching PC waters
DICE isn't keeping PC marines on standby for the latest Battlefield 4 content as long as expected. The delayed "Naval Strike" DLC was projected to hit PC sometime in early April, but the studio announced it's rolling out on the platform today for the shooter's Premium members. DICE originally delayed the content because it was concerned about potential performance issues on mid-to-high-end PCs. Naval Strike introduces new maps, weapons, gadgets and assignments to Battlefield 4, as well as a hovercraft vehicle and a brand new Village People rhythm mini-game. Okay, we made that last one up, but it really does introduce a new Carrier Assault mode in which teams do battle and try to sink each other's aircraft carriers. [Image: EA]
Delayed Battlefield 4 'Naval Strike' DLC rolling out on Xbox One
The Battlefield 4 'Naval Strike' DLC is sailing towards Premium members on Xbox One after DICE delayed it earlier in the week to address animation issues. However, PC players are still waiting on the update, and DICE is pinning its arrival for "early April." "We have delayed the PC version of Naval Strike because we are concerned that the combination of the pack and planned PC updates would increase performance issues on mid-range to high-end PCs," reads an update on the Battlefield Blog. "We are working hard to resolve that issue now." When it finally docks on PC, Naval Strike will bring four new maps, ten assignments, five weapons, two gadgets, and a hovercraft vehicle to Battlefield 4. The DLC also features a new Carrier Assault mode in which opposing sides fight to sink each other's aircraft carrier while keeping their own one afloat. [Image: EA]
Battlefield 4 'Naval Strike' delayed on PC, Battlelog updated
Battlefield 4 Premium members on consoles can grab the game's third expansion, Naval Strike, today. The PC version has been delayed because developer DICE has "detected an issue and it needs to be solved." The PC version won't receive a release date until the company feels it meets "the highest quality level possible." That's certainly a new approach. The Battlelog companion app has also received an update. It includes several solid fixes to the game's overall experience, including the long overdue ability to open Battlepacks and view already accessed content. At this rate, Battlefield 4 should have its development pipeline all cleaned up just in time for the next installment's launch. [Image: EA]
Battlefield 4 Naval Strike DLC hits open ocean March 25
Put your mind at ease, Battlefield 4 players. You can make a stand, lend a hand, protect the motherland and join your fellow man IN THE NAVY in the game's Naval Strike DLC on March 25. The DLC will feature four new maps, five weapons, two gadgets, a hovercraft vehicle, ten assignments and a new Carrier Assault mode where players compete to sink the enemy's aircraft carrier first. Battlefield 4 Premium members will be the first with access to the content, while non-Premium members will have to wait until April 8 to become a macho, macho man ... in the Navy.
Platoon support now available to all Battlefield 4 soldiers
Following its initial debut at the end of last month, DICE has now revealed that Battlefield 4's platoons are available to anyone playing the game, whether they paid extra for a Premium membership or not. Though the developer has saddled the feature with a genre-appropriate name, the "platoons" found in Battlefield 4 are essentially identical to the "clans" found in many other online games. Each platoon features a unique name tag and emblem, as well as a private Battlelog feed. Up to 100 players can join a single platoon, and each virtual soldier's success on the battlefield will contribute to the group's overall rank. Those hoping to create their own platoon of hardened online warriors will find full details under the "Home" tab on the Battlelog website, while those hoping to join a ready-made group of likeminded virtual killers should pay a visit to the "Platoons" section of the Battlefield 4 forums. [Image: EA]
Rentable Battlefield 4 servers on the way for consoles
Committed Battlefield 4 players will soon be able to rent their own dedicated servers to power online multiplayer matches on consoles, Electronic Arts announced. "Indeed, it is coming," Battlelog manager "EA_Stiv" confirmed in response to a user question regarding rented servers on the PlayStation 4. "I'm afraid we don't have any information on this quite yet, but it is coming soon! Keep your eyes peeled on the Control Room and Battlefield blog, as those are most likely where you'll see it announced first." Electronic Arts previously hosted a server-rental service for Battlefield 3, leading to public server shortages as rentals exceeded anticipated demand. An implementation date for Battlefield 4's server rental service has not been announced. [Image: Electronic Arts]
DICE explains Battlefield 4 'Carrier Assault' mode
Haven't played Battlefield 2142? If that's the case, the upcoming 'Carrier Assault' mode in the Naval Strike DLC for Battlefield 4 will feel like a fresh experience. Inspired by 2142's 'Titan' mode, Carrier Assault challenges opposing sides to sink their enemy's aircraft carrier. In a new post on the official Battlefield blog, lead gameplay designer Gustav Halling explains how the revamped mode works: "There are two ways of destroying the enemy carrier: either by full map control or assaulting the carrier as infantry. Each round is divided into 2 stages, starting with map control and ending with carrier attack. Both teams start on their own carrier and race to control the missile launchers placed on the map, by capturing the control points near them. This will automatically launch missiles towards the enemy carrier throughout the round, eventually destroying its hull and making it open for infantry attacks," he writes. Once access to the carrier is established, players can either drive a boat to the carrier to board it, or parachute down from spawn points above to destroy a series of M-COM stations within the hull. Alternatively, they can sit back and allow for the missile silos to reduce the carrier's health to zero. Halling says the inspired mode maintains the importance of map control, so a team that can't seem to break through to an enemy carrier can still succeed by defending their carrier and controlling the missile silo. Battlefield 4's 'Naval Strike' expansion will launch (as missiles are wont to do) later this month, first for Premium members and then for all. [Image: EA/DICE]
Battlefield 4 enlists platoon support on February 27
The chaotic, virtual warfare of Battlefield 4 is about to grow more organized with tomorrow's addition of platoons. Despite the thematically-appropriate name, these platoons are best thought of as the Battlefield 4 equivalent of officially supported online clans. Up to 100 soldiers can join a given platoon where they will share a unique name tag and emblem with their fellow grunts. A private Battlelog feed will be available to each platoon, alongside a public feed useful for kicking off fights with other other groups of virtual soldiers. Developer DICE also notes that each member will have the "ability to earn stats for your platoon and rank it up," though those ranks are ornamental and offer no tangible reward beyond bragging rights. Hoping to avoid another Battlefield 4 server crush, DICE plans to roll out platoon support gradually over the course of a week. Both Premium and Standard iterations of the game will receive the feature at the same time, though a Premium membership and a rank of at least 10 will be required to create your own platoon. [Image: EA]
Free Battlefield 4 'shortcut kits' now available
Battlefield 4 is offering a pair of shortcut kits to all players over the next couple of weeks, with those who ponied up for Premium membership receiving an additional two kits. Between now and February 24, all players can download the hand gun kit; from February 25 until March 4, the shortcut kit for the grenades will be gratis. Premium players will additionally receive the DMR kit through February 24 and the Shotgun kit through March 4. We've placed the details on how to unlock the kits for various platforms after the break. This is all part of this month's Battlefield apology tour. [Image: EA]
