Evaluation of Battlefield Vietnam

Presentation

Aaron Curley

(For Professor Bruce Maxim, CIS 487, Fall 07) 1 Basic Information - 1

 Game Title: Battlefield Vietnam  Players often refer to the game as BFV.  Released March 14, 2004.  Company & Author: Digital Illusions Creative Entertainment (DICE)  Owned by (EA).  Type of Game: First Person Shooter  Current Price: Approximately $10-$15 if purchased online.

2 Game Summary – Sound & Music

 Game has 3D sound effects:  Nice to hear from which direction shots are coming from.

 Music is excellent:  Songs are classics from the Vietnam era.  Music plays on menu and while game is loading.  Some vehicles have radios in them to play music in the game.

 What’s really cool is hearing the Doppler effect as a helicopter flies by with music playing loudly.

16 Game Summary – Special Features

 A number of support tools are included with Battlefield Vietnam.  Dedicated server program • Included on CD. • Free to download; no purchase necessary. • Can get Linux version from the Internet.  Map editor • New maps can add a lot to the game.  MOD development toolkit • For instance, DICE created a WW2 MOD for Battlefield Vietnam, allowing containing three of the original 1942 maps. • Other MODs made by other people are available.  “PunkBuster” • Prevents cheating. • Can be annoying when it doesn’t work properly. 17 Game Summary – Manual

 No electronic manual could be located.  Some parts of the official strategy guide located online.

 It is impossible to be sure if a printed manual came with the game. The game was purchased a while ago and the manual could have been lost.  However, it’s likely that no manual was included.

18 Summary – Is It Worth Purchasing?

 Is it worth purchasing? Yes!  Definitely one to get a copy of, even if you have other games in the Battlefield series.  Only $10 – $15, and you might even get it cheaper.  Buy the “Redux” release to avoid the annoying patch issue, if possible. • If not, make sure you have a fast Internet connection to download the patches.

33 Summary – How Could it be Improved?

 Fix any bugs.  Better graphics/physics.  Improve computer player AI.  The bots are incredibly stupid.  Balance the maps better.  You can also do this yourself by downloading or making new maps.

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