WhenBattlefield 5released last November, a number of promised features were notably absent from the title. Since then, DICE has been working to implement these missing elements, but the company has recently confirmed that it has decided to scrap one altogether.
Specifically, the ability to drag shot allies out of danger, and into cover, is no longer planned forBattlefield 5. This was announced in a blog post on the game’s official website, and the decision to axe the feature is said to be a result of DICE discovering that “soldier dragging would negatively impact the core gameplay loop.”
That is, the animations that would be required to make dragging teammates “look and play well” would be long and complicated, which would, in turn, alter the overall speed of the shooter. DICE indicates that this would make reviving feel “slow and unresponsive” — an undeniable detriment to a system praised by someBattlefield 5reviews.
Prior to theBattlefield 5beta, it became clear that soldier dragging would not make it into the game’s launch, with DICE Multiplayer Producer David Sirland confirming on Twitter that the feature was still in development. This gave fans an indication that the ability would indeed be forthcoming, and the news that it has been nixed completely may come as a disappointment to some.
Despite the cancellation of soldier dragging, DICE has expressed its continued interest in improvingBattlefield 5, so long as the changes that are made do not alter “the essence” of the game. The company has not indicated specifics on other changes that are being considered, but the blog post does ask that fans keep sending feedback about the gameplay experience.
Another feature that was not present uponBattlefield 5’s release date was Firestorm battle royale mode that was teased but not fully revealed. This has just been rectified, asBattlefield 5’s Firestorm battle royale modebecame available earlier this week, and the new game mode may be able to keep some fans happy amidst the cancellation announcement.
That said, the battle royale genre is certainly at a point of high saturation, and it remains to be seen if Firestorm will be enough to keepBattlefield 5afloat. While DICE does have plans for the game mode, includingbringing duos mode to Firestorm, it may be difficult for some fans to stay invested with the company reneging on its promises.
Battlefield5is out now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
