I think this game might be the equivalent to CoD: Ghosts, meaning it's sorely underrated. I know most players didn't find the cops vs robbers aspect of the game amusing and I get it. Recently I've been throwing Hardline's campaign/multiplayer modes on due to the lack of content and change in direction in Battlefield 2042. The multiplayer runs pretty similar to BF4's but with new gadgets, a currency system, and the whole cops/robbers twist. The gameplay however feels just right, almost like butter on a warm pan. New gadgets like zip-lines and grappling hooks opened up new ways of movement and verticality. The grappling hook must've been inspired by R6: Siege and I didn't mind that at all. Hardline uses the same engine BF4 used, Frost Bite 3. The 2 year difference in titles allowed the devs to sharpen up and perfect the movement and visuals used in Hardline. I'm glad they did not number this title. The vibe I get from playing this spinoff resembles something from Miami Vice or GTA Online even. Chasing bad guys down in the LA River, launching firefights in the Florida Everglades, and raiding Hollywood mansions felt surreal when playing. The campaign offered some nice upgrades too. A new stealth system, similar to the Far Cry games, allowed players to complete missions their way. The score/music in the background matched perfectly with what was happening in game, whether it was sneaking through a cartel meth lab or driving down the streets in Miami. Ultimately, I'm finding a lot of fun in this old Battlefield project. In the future, I'd hope to play a new battlefield game that was built like Hardline. Meaning, it took the best aspects of it's previous titles and used it as a foundation.
