Battlefield Hardline Review: 7 Powerful Reasons It’s Still Worth Playing Today
Key Takeaways
- Battlefield Hardline is a bold cop-vs-criminal twist on the Battlefield formula
- The story mode feels like a binge-worthy crime TV show
- Multiplayer is fast, chaotic, and surprisingly fun with friends
- Heist mode is still one of the most unique modes Battlefield ever made
- It’s not perfect, but it is underrated
Battlefield Hardline is a different kind of Battlefield game that swaps soldiers and tanks for cops, criminals, and high-speed chases. With a fun story, unique modes like Heist, and fast multiplayer action, it still offers a fresh FPS experience even today.
Battlefield Hardline Review – A Cop Show Disguised as a Shooter
I still remember booting up Battlefield Hardline for the first time and thinking, “Wait… where are the tanks? Why am I arresting people?”
It felt weird. Different. Almost wrong.
But then something happened… I started having fun.
Hardline doesn’t try to be another war simulator. It’s more like a playable episode of a crime drama. Think Bad Boys, The Wire, and Fast & Furious had a baby and gave it a gun.
And honestly? That’s why I like it.
What Is Battlefield Hardline?
Battlefield Hardline was released in 2015 by Visceral Games. Instead of focusing on war, it focuses on:
- Cops
- Criminals
- Bank robberies
- Car chases
- Street shootouts
It’s Battlefield… but in the city.
Campaign – Feels Like a Crime TV Show You Can Play
A Story That Actually Tries
Most Battlefield campaigns are… let’s be honest… forgettable.
Hardline? I actually cared.
You play as Nick Mendoza, a detective caught in a mess of corruption, betrayal, and dirty cops. It’s cheesy at times, but in a fun way.
Each mission is styled like a TV episode, complete with:
- Episode titles
- “Previously on…” recaps
- Cliffhanger endings
I lowkey loved that. It made me want to keep playing “just one more episode”… and suddenly it was 3am.
Arresting Enemies Is Weirdly Satisfying
Instead of just shooting everyone, you can:
- Sneak up and arrest criminals
- Use zip ties
- Get bonus points for being a “good cop”
It made me feel like a tactical genius… until I messed up and chaos exploded. Classic me.
Gameplay – Classic Battlefield With a Street-Level Twist
Guns Feel Great
The gunplay is tight, responsive, and satisfying. Whether you’re using:
- Shotguns
- SMGs
- Assault rifles
Everything feels punchy and smooth.
Vehicles… But Not Tanks
No giant war machines here. Instead, you get:
- Police cars
- Bikes
- Armored vans
- Helicopters
And yes, car chases are as fun as they sound.
Multiplayer – Where Hardline Really Shines
This is where the game surprised me the most.
Heist Mode – The Star of the Show
Also Read This Article On 7 Powerful Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory Mods That Make the Classic Feel Brand New
Heist mode is simple and brilliant:
- Criminals steal money from a vault
- Cops try to stop them
- Criminals escape to drop-off points
It’s intense, chaotic, and pure adrenaline. I’ve had matches where my heart was pounding like I was actually in a movie chase scene.
Other Fun Modes
Hardline also includes:
- Hotwire – capture points using cars (yes, really)
- Blood Money – steal and defend cash piles
- Conquest – classic Battlefield chaos
Each mode feels fresh and fits the cops vs criminals theme.
Maps – Smaller, Tighter, and More Personal
Unlike huge open war zones, Hardline maps are:
- Urban
- Close-quarters
- Vertical
You’re fighting in:
- Downtown streets
- Malls
- Construction sites
- Nightclubs
It feels more personal and intense. You’re not a soldier in a war… you’re in a messy street fight.
Graphics & Sound – Still Solid Today
For a 2015 game, Hardline still looks good.
Visuals
- Clean city environments
- Nice lighting
- Detailed interiors
Sound Design
- Police sirens
- Gunshots echoing in alleyways
- Radio chatter
It really sells the cop show vibe. Sometimes I’d just stand there listening to the chaos like, “Yeah… this is wild.”
Is Battlefield Hardline Underrated?
Short answer: Yes. Very.
Long answer: It was hated at launch because:
- It wasn’t “real Battlefield” to some fans
- No big wars or tanks
- Too different, too risky
But now? That’s exactly why it stands out.
It tried something new. And I respect that.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unique cops vs criminals theme | Not for hardcore war fans |
| Fun story mode | Short campaign |
| Amazing Heist mode | Smaller player base now |
| Fast, chaotic multiplayer | Some maps feel cramped |
| Great gunplay | Less “epic” scale than other BF games |
Who Should Play Battlefield Hardline?
Also Read This Article On Dishonored Game Review: 7 Powerful Reasons This Stealth Masterpiece Still Rules
You’ll enjoy this game if you:
- Like fast-paced shooters
- Enjoy crime movies and TV shows
- Want something different from normal Battlefield
- Play with friends
You might skip it if you:
- Only like military shooters
- Want massive tank battles
- Hate smaller maps
Summary
Battlefield Hardline breaks away from war and delivers a fast, fun cops vs criminals shooter. With a TV-style story, creative multiplayer modes, and intense urban action, it remains one of the most underrated Battlefield games ever made.
FAQs
Yes, but player counts are lower. You can still find matches, especially on console.
Yes, it’s an official Battlefield game, just with a different theme.
Absolutely. It’s short but fun and very unique.
Yes, the campaign is fully single-player. Multiplayer is optional.
If you want something different and fun, yes. It still holds up.
