It’s Long Past Time For Battlefield to Take Another Shot at This Setting

It's Long Past Time For Battlefield to Take Another Shot at This Setting

As a battle-hardened veteran of countless virtual skirmishes, I can confidently say that my heart skips a beat whenever I hear the words “Battlefield Vietnam.” This game was not just a mere title in the franchise; it was an immersive experience that transported me to the heart of the Vietnam War.


The Battlefield series, renowned among gaming franchises, includes its primary releases, lesser-known spin-offs, and both successful and unsuccessful experiments. Nestled between the original Battlefield 1942 and Battlefield 2 is Battlefield Vietnam, the franchise’s second installment, which boasted several distinctive design choices and an enticing setting that have left many fans eager for a remake.

In late 2002, Battlefield 1942 was first released. Originally developed by Refraction Games, it later fell under the wing of DICE (a subsidiary of Electronic Arts). This game stood out as a significant milestone in the world of large-scale multiplayer First-Person Shooters, when online gaming was still maturing. Instead of focusing on individual performance and kill counts, this game emphasized teamwork and coordination, with capturing points taking priority over solo players with quick reflexes. As DICE prepared to create a sequel, they decided to take a daring leap into the past, transporting players to the treacherous jungles of Vietnam, littered with punji traps.

A Warm Welcome to the Jungle

2004 saw the launch of Battlefield Vietnam, which received mostly positive feedback and sold more units than its previous version, cementing it as an unquestionable hit and establishing the Battlefield series as a staple in the gaming genre for years afterward. As we approach two decades since its debut, the Vietnam setting has not been revisited by the franchise beyond Battlefield Bad Company 2’s exceptional Vietnam expansion. Regrettably, the conflict is scarcely portrayed in games, with choices like Rising Storm 2: Vietnam being rare. There exists an opportunity for a game, and a sequel to Battlefield Vietnam (Battlefield Vietnam 2) would likely encounter less competition as a similar title set during World Wars or contemporary military conflicts.

In the game Battlefield Vietnam, there were several distinctive elements that set it apart and have become signature aspects of the series. These included helicopters, transportable vehicles, and non-traditional factions. The contrasting weapons, strategies, and resources between the US forces and North and South Vietnamese forces fostered innovation in gameplay and prevented gameplay from becoming monotonous. This facet of Battlefield Vietnam, where factions were starkly differentiated, is a principle that DICE has continued to uphold, but it might be said that this factional contrast was never more pronounced than in the game Battlefield Vietnam.

The Iconic Sounds of the Vietnam War

It's Long Past Time For Battlefield to Take Another Shot at This Setting

Remarkably, a beloved aspect of Battlefield Vietnam – the use of in-game vehicle radios playing songs from the Vietnam War era – has not returned in more recent Battlefield games like Battlefield Hardline. These radios added an auditory layer to the intense combat, with players and their teammates grooving to tunes that echoed the Vietnam War and 1970s. Dropping into a Huey helicopter assault felt even more immersive with Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Fortunate Son blaring in the background. Players could even customize the game by adding their own MP3s to the radio stations, leading to unique and unforgettable gaming experiences.

Battlefield Will be Back

In May 2024, during an EA earnings call, details about the future of Battlefield were disclosed. CEO Andrew Wilson shared that he had been testing the upcoming installment in the franchise, describing it as a “remarkable live service” and promising it would come back in a fresh new form. The quotes do not guarantee that the next phase for Battlefield will break away from the themes of the past two decades, but it’s also not entirely off the table. Some of the series’ most devoted fans felt let down by the issues in Battlefield 2042’s specialist and progression systems, but DICE has made significant improvements since its launch, similar to how Battlefront 2 was eventually revamped into a game worthy of its legacy. The new Battlefield game, whether unveiled at the 2024 Game Awards or another event, is eagerly awaited by fans, and it could be an ideal time for a sequel like Battlefield Vietnam 2 to make its appearance.

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2024-09-01 19:04