SPOILER ALERT: This post contains plot details from Star Wars Battlefront II.
The Cloud Car is having a moment in Star Wars Battlefront II.
These goofy-looking atmospheric vehicles first popped up in The Empire Strikes Back, but they’ve never been …
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Like the Death Star, EA’s loot box disaster loomed over the release of Star Wars Battlefront II.
Now, the day before the game’s release, it looks like the rebels have won … for now. EA removed “crystals” — which cost IRL cash — from the game on Thursday after fans revolted.
The criticism was that people who spent tons of money would have an unfair advantage during multiplayer battles. Also, that cash wouldn’t just buy cosmetic items — it would give you access to Star Cards, which could give you credits to unlock special characters, including Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. (Yes, it’s complicated, and yes, we have an explainer.) Read more…
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It’s not even out yet, and Star Wars: Battlefront II is already a bad video game. Or if nothing else, it’s the public relations equivalent of the Chernobyl disaster.
Blame the loot boxes. Everyone knew they were a problem coming out of the public beta last month. Even publisher Electronic Arts acknowledged it — “We’ve listened to your feedback,” a post-beta update from DICE, the game’s developer, read — and pledged to fix the situation.
So here’s the simple(-ish) explanation for how things work now: The online multiplayer mode in Battlefront II is filled with things for you to unlock, including weapons, abilities, and cosmetics like emotes and victory poses. Those can all be earned randomly from loot boxes, which you purchase using one of two different kinds of currency. They can then be upgraded using a third form of currency. Read more…
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