battlefield-hardline
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EA unlocks all weapons, gadgets in Battlefield Hardline beta
For its final few days in closed beta, EA has decided to unlock all weapons and gadgets available in Battlefield Hardline. Unlocking everything will give PC and PS4 beta players the chance to wield any of the content currently gated by level, including the ballistic shied, breaching charge, and decoy gadgets. According to a press release, EA and Visceral promise that all the weapons and gadgets featured in the beta "are just a taste of what fans can expect" when Battlefield Hardline launches on the PC, Xbox One, PS4, PS3 and Xbox 360 on October 21. Visceral has also deployed a PC patch that tackles some audio issues and improves netcode, one element in Battlefield Hardline that will assuredly be under much scrutiny considering the shaky past with online connectivity the franchise has become known for. Originally scheduled to end earlier this month, EA extended the Battlefield Hardline PS4 and PC-exclusive closed beta to Thursday, June 26. A beta test for other platforms is expected later this year. [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.
EA tacks an extra week onto Battlefield Hardline beta
Good news for those who haven't yet had their fill of EA's take on cops and robbers: The Battlefield Hardline beta test has been extended by a full week. "It is with excitement that we announce the Battlefield Hardline beta will continue for an additional week, ending on Thursday, June 26th at 12:00PM PST," wrote DICE general manager Karl-Magnus Troedsson in a recent blog entry. Troedsson then notes that beta slots are still open on both PC and PlayStation 4 for those willing to register, before mentioning the second Battlefield Hardline beta, which will open testing of the in-development shooter to all platforms later this year. Though entry into the beta bears no cover charge, players can earn a variety of bonus content by participating. As we mentioned earlier today, anyone participating in the beta will receive exclusive gear for Battlefield 4, as well as to-be-announced content for Battlefield Hardline once it makes its official retail debut. [Image: EA]
Battlefield Hardline's PC beta now available 'instantly'
PC owners are now able to gain "instant access" to the beta version of Battlefield Hardline just by signing up on the game's official site. The beta phase arrived earlier this month on PC and PS4, but sign-ups were previously on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those that were previously on the outside of the "Police Line, Do Not Cross" tape now have free reign to live out their policing fantasies in the early version of the game on PC. Signing up for the beta also grants players a few free perks when the game launches in full on October 21. Those include a weapon camo/skin, weapon sight, dog tag for Battlefield 4 (available next month) and as-yet-unknown "additional Battlefield Hardline content." Additionally, both PC and PS4 players that reach rank 10 will receive a special Battlepack at the game's launch as well as $1,000 of in-game cash by enabling Facebook sharing. For those still on the fence about Hardline, be sure to check out our video preview of the game. [Image: EA]
Report: Battlefield Hardline to spawn novel beta for Xbox One
The cops versus robbers multiplayer beta test of Battlefield Hardline is currently exclusive to the PC and PlayStation 4, but Xbox One owners can expect a beta of their own at some point prior to the game's retail launch. "We will have a beta on on all platforms before release," DICE general manager Karl-Magnus Troedsson is quoted as saying by Total Xbox. "But it won't be this beta on Xbox. It's not going to be the same version, just to be clear." Troedsson offered no further information on how the Xbox One beta might be different from the ongoing test, nor any word on when it might appear. Battlefield Hardline is slated to hit shelves on October 21, leaving a little over four months for the beta test to commence on Microsoft's hardware. Those Xbox One owners who are suddenly fidgeting anxiously, dreaming about the moment they'll finally be able to live out their virtual dreams of starring in a Michael Mann heist film, should pass the time by poring over at our video preview of Battlefield Hardline. [Image: EA]
Video preview: Crossing the thin blue line in Battlefield Hardline
Battlefield Hardline pulls players out of the military's theatre of war and puts them in the role as cops and robbers, vying for the biggest stack of cash. In Joystiq's latest video preview, Editor-in-Chief Ludwig Kietzmann battles for both sides: As an officer in the world's most brutal police force (yikes) and as a criminal on the hunt for his next big score. Developed by Visceral Games – makers of the Dead Space franchise – Battlefield Hardline is coming to the PC, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and PS3 on October 21. EA surprised onlookers at its E3 media briefing, announcing and launching a beta for the game on PC and PS4.
EA / Ubisoft E3 2014 conference round-up: Prototypes and push-ups
The big three console manufacturers aren't the only ones having all the fun at E3; Ubisoft and Electronic Arts are known to get in on the party as well. These two publishers can do many things, but one thing they can't do is take you back in time in the event that you missed their press conferences. Fortunately for you, Joystiq does what reality don't. Ready to travel with us and wrangle up all the news from the Ubisoft and EA pressers? Let's go!
'Battlefield: Hardline' is an insane version of cops and robbers, beta launches today
Who hasn't played cops and robbers at some point in their life? That's what Battlefield: Hardline is. Matches can handle 32 players and the portion of the match we saw at EA's press conference resembled classic heist flick Heat's climactic bank robbery, but the craziness is amped up dramatically. Player-controlled helicopters can swoop in to take out the robbers, cranes knock down building facades, and players can drop off of bridges and onto the back of a teammate's speeding motorcycle. Granted, this was a prepared video that cut around from perspective to perspective of multiple players, but it looked more chaotic than any match of Battlefield 4 that I've seen. Even better, if you want to play it right now, a beta launches today on PC and PlayStation 4. If you have a copy of Battlefield 4 on PS4 you can access the test-version via the dashboard of Sony's latest console. Need something to do while it downloads? Take a peek at gameplay video after the break.
Battlefield Hardline beta launches today on PC and PS4
EA announced today that players can get an early look at its team-based FPS Battlefield Hardline via a public beta launching today on the PlayStation 4 and PC. Players who own the PlayStation 4 version of Battlefield 4 can download the beta via the PlayStation Store, and PC signups are available at EA's website on a first-come, first-serve basis. Battlefield Hardline was additionally confirmed for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and a beta will be available this fall for all platforms. Beta players will receive access to exclusive in-game items and other content in the full version of Battlefield Hardline, which premieres October 21.
Watch EA's E3 2014 press conference right here [Update: It's over!]
Find out what new games are coming from EA with us on our liveblog and in video form on this page. The action begins at 12:00 p.m. PT (3:00 p.m. ET). The publisher's E3 2014 press conference in Los Angeles will feature games like Dragon Age: Inquisition and Battlefield Hardline, spotlight the latest entries in the Madden, FIFA and NHL series, and maybe dish out some fresh information on the next Mass Effect game from BioWare or Mirror's Edge 2. Update: Show's over, folks! Feel free to check out all of EA's big announcements and rewatch the press event above. [Image: Electronic Arts]
Amazon pre-orders list Battlefield Hardline platforms
Amazon has launched pre-orders for Battlefield Hardline, listing Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4 and PC as future locales for the cops-n-robbers-style shooter. Amazon's pre-order page prices Hardline at $59.99 and mirrors the October 21 date shown in a recent trailer. The listing describes Hardline as the crime-focused shooter that materials released by EA (and fans) has led us to imagine, but it also encourages fans to check back on June 9 at 4 pm EST for "more information and videos." [Image: EA]
Joystiq Weekly: GOG's Galaxy, Murdered: Soul Suspect review, Homefront's combat and more
Welcome to Joystiq Weekly, a "too long; didn't read" of each week's biggest stories, reviews and original content. Each category's top story is introduced with a reactionary gif, because moving pictures aren't just for The Daily Prophet. E3 doesn't technically start until June 10, but with all of this week's announcements and E3 trailers, you wouldn't really know it. Forza Horizon 2 will let you drive recklessly later this year, Homefront is due for a return in Homefront: The Revolution, and the thinly-veiled Mortal Kombat X tease is finally over. And that's just the early stuff - we're about to get trampled with news and hands-on demonstrations as the convention itself kicks off next week. Don't worry though, we'll survive by channeling Simba's light-footed evasive maneuvers. Just ... y'know, without the tragic loss immediately preceding our exercise. You don't have to stick around and watch us warm up though - this week's highlights are waiting for you after the break. There are release dates for The Witcher 3 and Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved, reviews for 1,001 Spikes and Tomodachi Life, and an exploration of combat in Homefront: The Revolution. It's all awaiting you neat and orderly-like after the jump!
Battlefield Hardline makes a break for it in October
A new Battlefield Hardline video unveils what's presumably an October 21 release date, given the game was already due in the fall. EA published the trailer this morning after - you guessed it - it leaked a little earlier. There are no official details yet regards platforms. The new Battlefield has been leakier than a vegetable trade fair, with trailers, assets and details all spilling ahead of next week's official unveiling. In terms of what's confirmed, Dead Space studio Visceral Games is developing Hardline with assistance from DICE, and the game will steer away from Battlefield's military roots to depict the more urban war between criminals and cops. We'll find out what EA has left up its sleeve for Hardline at the publisher's E3 conference on June 9. [Image: EA]
Rumor: Battlefield Hardline beta lined up for PS4
EA is bringing a beta of Battlefield Hardline to PS4, if an IGN report proves accurate. The site said it learned readers had received PS4 beta codes from Sony after they'd RSVP-ed attendance to one of the company's E3 screenings at cinemas. According to their reports, the beta grants access to two game modes and a map called "High Tension." Additionally, an unnamed IGN source said the beta is indeed coming to the Sony system. News of a possible console beta isn't surprising following yesterday's leaked video, the latest in what's been a Titanic old time for the EA shooter. The video, pulled by EA, showed alleged footage of a PC beta, and it followed last week's spring of assets and an internal, six-months-old trailer. It's now confirmed Visceral Games is leading Battlefield Hardline development on both single-player and multiplayer, with series studio DICE assisting. The crime-centric game launches this fall, while EA will finally showcase it officially at next week's E3 conference. [Image: EA]
Battlefield Hardline beta footage latest to leak online
A new video of what's claimed to be the Battlefield: Hardline beta has surfaced. Before EA steps in to block it, check out what appears to be the game's empty world, featuring the familiar Battlefield interface and player's inability to fly a helicopter. Seriously, the way you know this is Battlefield is because of perpetually crashing helicopters from pilot error. Publisher EA plans to reveal more about the game at next week's E3 spectacular. Update: Video pulled. [Image: EA]
Joystiq Weekly: Battlefield Hardline, Watch Dogs review, Evil Within preview and more
Welcome to Joystiq Weekly, a "too long; didn't read" of each week's biggest stories, reviews and original content. Each category's top story is introduced with a reactionary gif, because moving pictures aren't just for The Daily Prophet. With Sony upping PlayStation Plus to six games per month, we're pretty confident that the service is trying to ruin our lives. We're not obligated to tackle every single title, of course, but in the cycle of starting downloads for games "just in case" we ever feel an inkling to play them, we're losing track of which games we should feel guilty about not finishing and which games we should feel guilty about paying $60 for and not finishing. If not for the bills, assignments and the omnipresence of life's ever-ticking clock, we'd plop down in front of our TVs for a few years and knock out every game we ever felt intrigued by. To hell with "everything in moderation" - moderation wouldn't clear out our shelves of "yeah, maybe one day" RPGs, nor would it help us get the timing for our go-to Street Fighter combos down to the exact frame. Moderation is just a feeble admission that we can't control time (yet), and it ignores our potential to play all the video games, which we'll definitely get to. Eventually. Some day. Unfortunately, getting through every game we've ever wanted to play is still just a fantasy for now. Unless you find a way to break the laws of life's constants - if you do, you should totally let us know. We can do co-op or something. Until we reach that dream state, you can get a glimpse of Battlefield Hardline, read reviews for Watch Dogs and Among The Sleep, and dig into a neat feature on Watch Dogs that explains how legalities ruin everything. It's all waiting for you after the break!
EA confirms Battlefield Hardline, more details at E3 [update: leaked trailer?]
Battlefield Hardline is official and coming this fall, and EA's promo image adds weight to a cops-and-robbers outing for the typically military series. Responding swiftly to yesterday's leak, EA says it'll unveil the upcoming game at its E3 conference next month. It's confirmed Visceral Games is developing the game, and a leaked trailer notes the Dead Space studio is handling single-player with DICE taking up multiplayer duties. The assets found in the new Battlelog point to four character classes, modes that include Blood Money and Bomb Squad, and a map called Downtown. Similarly, EA's image features SWAT logos, masked gunmen and piles of filthy lucre. There's no word on platforms but we expect EA will share that info when it unveils Hardline on June 9. Update: Or maybe we won't have to wait to see more of Hardline. A 7-minute gameplay video posted this morning (and swiftly removed) looked like a leaked reveal trailer under an "Omaha" codename. It described Heist, Rescue, Hotwire and Bloodmoney multiplayer modes, and a single-player campaign revolving around police corruption and drug cartel. The trailer's re-emerged online, and (for now) you can find it below the break. [Image: EA]
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]
