The enduring reputation of a online game usually hinges on a fancy interaction of things, together with gameplay mechanics, neighborhood assist, and the provision of energetic servers. Assessing the participant base of older titles requires consideration of those parts to find out if adequate participation persists for a viable on-line expertise.
A recreation’s preliminary attraction and the standard of subsequent updates considerably contribute to its longevity. Historic context, equivalent to the sport’s launch date relative to newer iterations within the franchise, additionally influences the scale of the remaining participant neighborhood. Devoted fanbases and community-driven occasions can revitalize curiosity and maintain exercise ranges lengthy after the sport’s peak reputation.
This evaluation will look at the present state of on-line engagement, server availability, and neighborhood presence to determine the viability of partaking with this specific title within the current day.
1. Lively Servers
The digital panorama of any on-line multiplayer recreation is outlined by its energetic servers. These digital areas function the battlegrounds, the race tracks, the cooperative arenas the place gamers converge. With no adequate variety of these servers populated, your complete premise of a shared, interactive expertise collapses. For a title like Battlefield 4, the presence of energetic servers isn’t merely a function; it’s the lifeblood that sustains the sport’s neighborhood. The straightforward query, “Do folks nonetheless play Battlefield 4?” is straight answered by the variety of these servers that stay on-line and teeming with gamers.
The cause-and-effect relationship is obvious. A wholesome inhabitants of energetic servers attracts gamers. The flexibility to shortly discover a match, to affix a recreation in progress, or to expertise quite a lot of recreation modes hinges on this infrastructure. Conversely, when server counts dwindle, the participant expertise deteriorates. Ready occasions improve, map rotations turn into restricted, and the sense of a vibrant neighborhood fades. Actual-life examples abound of video games which have slowly suffocated as their servers have been decommissioned, forsaking solely digital ghosts. The significance of energetic servers in sustaining Battlefield 4‘s participant base can’t be overstated. They’re the tangible proof of its continued existence as a multiplayer expertise.
Finally, the energetic servers characterize extra than simply computational assets; they embody the collective determination of gamers to proceed investing their time and power right into a recreation. Whereas nostalgia, franchise loyalty, and the standard of the gameplay contribute, the presence of these populated servers is the simple indicator of whether or not a neighborhood persists. Challenges actually exist; sustaining server infrastructure prices cash, and as newer titles emerge, assets are sometimes reallocated. But, so long as servers stay energetic and gamers proceed to log in, the reply to the preliminary query stays affirmative: folks nonetheless play Battlefield 4, a testomony to the sport’s enduring attraction and the neighborhood’s dedication.
2. Neighborhood Measurement
The bustling marketplaces of antiquity, the city squares of a bygone period, and, in a digital echo, the web communities of video video games share a elementary trait: exercise hinges on inhabitants. For Battlefield 4, neighborhood measurement acts as a barometer, measuring the vitality of the sport’s ecosystem and offering an important perception into the query of its continued relevance. A small, fragmented neighborhood struggles to maintain itself; the absence of available teammates, the repetition of encounters with the identical gamers, and the stagnation of methods curtail the enjoyment and drive away potential newcomers. Conversely, a strong neighborhood fosters innovation, encourages competitors, and ensures a continuing inflow of contemporary views, invigorating the web expertise.
Take into account the cautionary tales of lesser-known multiplayer video games. Preliminary fanfare could appeal to a wave of gamers, however with out concerted efforts to domesticate a devoted neighborhood, attrition inevitably takes its toll. Servers empty, boards fall silent, and the promise of dynamic on-line battles fades right into a lonely echo. Battlefield 4, nonetheless, has to this point defied this destiny. Fan-run web sites, Discord servers teeming with energetic members, and arranged occasions attest to the existence of a dedicated participant base. These digital gatherings function hubs for data sharing, workforce recruitment, and strategic dialogue, guaranteeing that the sport stays greater than only a assortment of remoted people logging in for a fleeting skirmish. The neighborhood measurement straight influences the provision of numerous recreation modes, the frequency of coordinated assaults, and the general sense of belonging that retains gamers invested.
In essence, the correlation between neighborhood measurement and the continued playability of Battlefield 4 is symbiotic. A wholesome neighborhood fosters a optimistic gaming expertise, which, in flip, attracts and retains gamers, perpetuating the cycle. Whereas server availability supplies the infrastructure, and interesting gameplay gives the preliminary hook, the neighborhood finally serves because the glue that binds the gamers collectively. The problem lies in nurturing this neighborhood, fostering inclusivity, and guaranteeing that veterans and newcomers alike discover worth in taking part. For so long as a vibrant neighborhood persists, the reply as to if folks nonetheless have interaction with Battlefield 4 resounds with a powerful ‘sure’.
3. Sport Updates
The digital battlefield, very like its real-world counterpart, is in fixed flux. The relevance of older titles like Battlefield 4 is inextricably linked to the periodic interventions generally known as recreation updates. These updates, starting from minor bug fixes to substantial content material additions, function a lifeline, respiration contemporary air into getting older code and reigniting participant curiosity. With out them, a recreation dangers stagnation, succumbing to the relentless march of technological progress and the attract of newer releases.
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Bug Fixes and Stability Patches
The preliminary attraction of a recreation can shortly erode if affected by technical points. Glitches, exploits, and instability hinder the immersive expertise and drive gamers away. Well timed bug fixes and stability patches, subsequently, are important for sustaining a baseline degree of playability. Take into account the outcry that usually greets a serious recreation launch riddled with errors; the following rush of patches to handle these points straight impacts participant retention. Equally, Battlefield 4, regardless of its preliminary success, benefited from ongoing efforts to iron out wrinkles and guarantee a easy, constant gameplay expertise, which, in flip, inspired gamers to stay engaged.
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Stability Changes
Equity and steadiness are cornerstones of aggressive multiplayer video games. When sure weapons, autos, or methods show excessively dominant, the equilibrium is disrupted, resulting in frustration and a decline in participant participation. Stability changes, whether or not nerfing overpowered parts or buffing underutilized choices, are essential for preserving a degree taking part in discipline. The historical past of on-line gaming is replete with examples of titles revitalized by focused steadiness tweaks. Battlefield 4 underwent quite a few such changes all through its lifespan, guaranteeing that the meta remained dynamic and that quite a lot of playstyles remained viable.
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Content material Additions
Even essentially the most partaking gameplay can ultimately develop stale with out new content material to discover. Maps, weapons, autos, and recreation modes present contemporary challenges and alternatives for experimentation, injecting new life into the core expertise. Growth packs, downloadable content material (DLC), and even smaller, free updates can reignite participant curiosity and appeal to lapsed customers again to the sport. The discharge of recent maps for Battlefield 4, as an illustration, not solely offered new tactical environments but additionally served as a rallying level for the neighborhood, fostering a renewed sense of pleasure and discovery.
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Safety Updates and Anti-Cheat Measures
The integrity of on-line multiplayer video games is consistently threatened by dishonest and hacking. Unfair benefits erode the aggressive spirit and create a poisonous atmosphere, driving official gamers away. Common safety updates and strong anti-cheat measures are important for sustaining a degree taking part in discipline and fostering a way of belief throughout the neighborhood. Video games identified for lax safety protocols usually endure a speedy decline in participant numbers as dishonest turns into rampant. Battlefield 4, by its ongoing efforts to fight hacking, aimed to protect the integrity of its on-line expertise and shield its participant base.
The influence of recreation updates on the enduring relevance of Battlefield 4 is simple. These updates, whether or not addressing technical points, fine-tuning steadiness, introducing new content material, or safeguarding in opposition to dishonest, function a significant hyperlink between the sport’s preliminary launch and its present state. With out them, the sport would probably have pale into obscurity, one other forgotten relic of the previous. Their continued implementation speaks volumes concerning the builders’ dedication to supporting the sport and the neighborhood’s willingness to stay engaged.
4. Franchise Loyalty
Throughout digital landscapes and years of gaming historical past, the banner of franchise loyalty flies excessive. It’s the intangible pressure that binds gamers to a collection, influencing buying choices, dictating playtime, and finally figuring out the enduring relevance of titles like Battlefield 4. This loyalty, constructed on previous experiences, expectations for future installments, and a way of belonging inside a shared neighborhood, is a essential part in understanding whether or not a recreation stays energetic lengthy after its preliminary launch.
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Nostalgia and the Fondness for Acquainted Experiences
Every Battlefield title carries with it a legacy, a set of moments etched into the reminiscences of its gamers. From the sweeping vistas of Battlefield 1942 to the city warfare of Battlefield 3, every entry establishes a definite identification. Battlefield 4 isn’t any totally different, and for a lot of, the sound of its weapon hearth, the format of its maps, and the camaraderie solid in its on-line battles evoke a strong sense of nostalgia. This craving for acquainted experiences acts as a robust pull, drawing gamers again to the sport even after newer iterations have been launched. It’s a comforting return to a identified amount, a digital reunion with previous associates and well-trodden battlefields.
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Funding within the Lore and Universe
Whereas Battlefield might not be identified for its intricate narratives, every recreation contributes to a bigger, albeit fragmented, universe. The recurring factions, the evolving weapon expertise, and the shared thematic parts create a way of continuity that resonates with devoted followers. This funding within the lore, nonetheless refined, fosters a deeper connection to the franchise as an entire. Gamers who’ve adopted the collection for years usually tend to revisit older titles, not only for the gameplay, but additionally to reconnect with a universe they’ve grown to understand. Battlefield 4, as a key chapter on this ongoing saga, holds a particular place for these invested within the overarching narrative, drawing them again to expertise its distinctive contribution to the franchise’s historical past.
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Anticipation for Future Installments
Franchise loyalty isn’t merely a mirrored image of the previous; additionally it is a beacon pointing in the direction of the long run. Every new Battlefield title is seen by the lens of earlier experiences, with gamers harboring expectations formed by their interactions with earlier video games. The success or failure of every installment straight impacts the well being of the franchise as an entire. Even those that could have briefly moved on to different video games usually preserve a watchful eye on the Battlefield collection, anticipating the following chapter and hoping for a return to type. Battlefield 4, for a lot of, stays a benchmark, an ordinary in opposition to which future installments are judged, guaranteeing that it retains a level of relevance even within the face of newer releases.
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Neighborhood Bonds and Shared Experiences
The Battlefield expertise extends far past the confines of the sport itself. It encompasses the friendships solid in on-line battles, the methods shared in boards, and the collective reminiscences created by numerous hours of gameplay. Franchise loyalty, on this context, is much less a few blind devotion to a model and extra a few dedication to a neighborhood. Gamers return to Battlefield 4 not only for the gameplay, but additionally to reconnect with the people with whom they’ve shared numerous victories and defeats. These neighborhood bonds are a strong pressure, sustaining curiosity within the recreation lengthy after its preliminary launch and guaranteeing that it stays a vibrant hub for social interplay.
Finally, franchise loyalty acts as a stabilizing pressure, guaranteeing that older titles like Battlefield 4 don’t merely fade into obscurity. The nostalgia, the funding in lore, the anticipation for future installments, and the power of neighborhood bonds all contribute to its enduring attraction. Whereas newer video games could supply graphical enhancements and up to date options, they can not replicate the distinctive historical past and shared experiences which have cemented Battlefield 4‘s place within the hearts of its devoted followers, and that is the easy purpose why many nonetheless revisit the sport.
5. Gameplay Mechanics
The enduring attraction of any online game, significantly a multiplayer title like Battlefield 4, usually rests upon the inspiration of its core gameplay mechanics. These mechanics, the foundations and techniques that govern participant interplay and environmental response, dictate the general expertise and, consequently, affect the longevity of a recreation’s participant base. A title with partaking, balanced, and strategically deep mechanics is extra more likely to retain a devoted following, even years after its preliminary launch. Conversely, flawed or simplistic techniques can result in participant frustration and a swift decline in reputation. The query of whether or not people nonetheless have interaction with Battlefield 4 is thus inextricably linked to the standard and enduring attraction of its foundational mechanics.
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Gunplay and Weapon Selection
The digital conflict of arms, the core fight loop of any first-person shooter, is barely as compelling as its gunplay. The texture of every weapon, the load of recoil, the distinctive sound profile these parts mix to create a visceral expertise that may make or break a recreation. Battlefield 4 supplied a big selection of weapons, every with its personal distinctive traits and tactical purposes. This selection allowed gamers to tailor their loadouts to particular roles and playstyles, fostering experimentation and strategic depth. The satisfying crunch of a well-placed shot, the calculated burst of managed hearth, and the mastery of every weapon’s nuances contributed considerably to the sport’s enduring attraction. Video games with weak or repetitive gunplay usually wrestle to keep up a participant base, because the core fight loop shortly turns into tiresome. The success of Battlefield 4 on this space is a testomony to the significance of finely tuned and numerous weapon mechanics.
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Automobile Fight and Map Design
The Battlefield collection is distinguished by its integration of auto fight on a grand scale. Tanks, helicopters, boats, and plane these instruments of conflict add one other layer of complexity and strategic depth to the gameplay. Battlefield 4 featured a various vary of autos, every with its personal strengths and weaknesses, and designed its maps to accommodate large-scale vehicular warfare. Open areas, choke factors, and strategic aims have been rigorously positioned to encourage dynamic battles involving each infantry and armored models. The flexibility to seamlessly transition between infantry fight and automobile operation, to coordinate assaults involving floor and air property, and to grasp the nuances of every automobile’s dealing with created a uniquely partaking and rewarding expertise. Titles that neglect automobile fight or fail to combine it successfully usually really feel restricted in scope and strategic depth. The enduring attraction of Battlefield 4 is partly attributable to its masterful mix of infantry and automobile warfare, an indicator of the collection.
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Class System and Teamwork
The effectiveness of any navy pressure, actual or digital, depends on the coordinated efforts of specialised models. Battlefield 4‘s class system, comprised of Assault, Engineer, Assist, and Recon roles, inspired teamwork and strategic cooperation. Every class possessed distinctive skills and tools, fulfilling particular features throughout the squad. Medics revived fallen comrades, Engineers repaired autos, Helps offered ammunition, and Recons noticed enemy positions. The synergy between these roles, the reliance on one another’s strengths, and the strategic coordination required to attain victory fostered a way of camaraderie and goal. Video games that lack a strong class system or fail to incentivize teamwork usually devolve into chaotic free-for-alls, missing strategic depth and long-term engagement. The success of Battlefield 4 in selling teamwork by its class system is a key think about its enduring attraction.
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Destructible Environments
The dynamic reshaping of the battlefield, the power to change the panorama by explosive pressure, provides a novel and unpredictable ingredient to the gameplay. Battlefield 4 featured destructible environments, permitting gamers to break down buildings, create new pathways, and deny cowl to the enemy. This mechanic not solely added visible aptitude but additionally considerably impacted strategic decision-making. A well-placed explosive cost might create a breach in a fortified place, open up new flanking routes, or just deny the enemy an important vantage level. Video games that function static, unchanging environments usually really feel predictable and lack the dynamism that retains gamers engaged. The destructible environments of Battlefield 4 contributed considerably to its replayability, guaranteeing that every battle felt distinctive and unpredictable.
In essence, the gameplay mechanics of Battlefield 4, encompassing its gunplay, automobile fight, class system, and destructible environments, collectively contribute to its enduring attraction. These parts, finely tuned and strategically interwoven, create a uniquely partaking and rewarding expertise that continues to attract gamers again to the sport years after its preliminary launch. Whereas newer titles could supply graphical enhancements and up to date options, they can not replicate the precise mix of mechanics which have cemented Battlefield 4‘s place within the hearts of its devoted followers. It is how folks nonetheless play battlefield 4.
6. Nostalgia Issue
The digital panorama of video video games is affected by titles that, as soon as vibrant and populated, have regularly pale into obscurity. Servers are shut down, communities disperse, and the once-immersive worlds turn into digital ghost cities. But, some video games defy this inevitable decline, retaining a devoted participant base lengthy after their preliminary launch. For a title like Battlefield 4, the persistent exercise usually stems from a potent pressure: nostalgia. This craving for the previous, a bittersweet eager for acquainted experiences, performs a major function in sustaining the sport’s participant inhabitants. Take into account the impact: the sounds of particular weapons, the format of sure maps, the camaraderie solid in previous victories these all act as triggers, evoking reminiscences of a bygone period and prompting gamers to return to the sport. The significance of this issue can’t be overstated. In a market saturated with new releases, nostalgia supplies a strong incentive to revisit a identified amount, a comforting return to a digital dwelling.
Actual-life examples abound. The collective sigh that usually accompanies the point out of “Operation Locker,” the frantic firefights throughout the claustrophobic hallways, or the strategic dominance afforded by a well-piloted assault helicopter are all parts that contribute to this nostalgic pull. Gamers recall particular moments of triumph and defeat, the friendships solid within the warmth of battle, and the distinctive challenges introduced by the sport’s design. These reminiscences are usually not merely static snapshots; they’re energetic drivers, prompting gamers to reinstall the sport, reconnect with previous teammates, and relive previous glories. This understanding has sensible significance. For recreation builders, it underscores the significance of making memorable experiences, fostering neighborhood, and preserving the legacy of their titles. For gamers, it highlights the facility of shared reminiscences and the enduring attraction of well-crafted gameplay.
In conclusion, the nostalgia issue acts as a potent catalyst, sustaining exercise in Battlefield 4 lengthy after its preliminary launch. This craving for acquainted experiences, the reminiscences of previous triumphs and defeats, and the will to reconnect with a shared historical past all contribute to the sport’s enduring attraction. The problem lies in balancing this nostalgic draw with the necessity for innovation and continued improvement. Whereas the lure of the previous is robust, the way forward for Battlefield 4 finally is determined by its potential to adapt and evolve, whereas nonetheless preserving the core parts which have cemented its place within the hearts of its devoted gamers. This delicate steadiness ensures that its person base is maintained and rising.
Often Requested Questions About Battlefield 4’s Continued Exercise
Many who as soon as walked its digital battlefields now inquire concerning the state of the sport. Has time eroded its attraction? Have newer conflicts overshadowed its legacy? Right here, some continuously posed questions are addressed, providing perception into its enduring presence.
Query 1: Is it troublesome to seek out populated servers?
Tales flow into of desolate servers, echoes of battles gone. Whereas peak exercise could have waned, studies verify that discovering populated servers stays achievable, significantly throughout prime hours and inside particular areas. One should mood expectations, maybe, however the alternative for engagement persists.
Query 2: Has dishonest turn into rampant, rendering the sport unplayable?
The specter of unfair play haunts many on-line arenas. Accounts differ relating to Battlefield 4‘s present state. Some report encountering cheaters, whereas others contend that anti-cheat measures preserve an inexpensive degree of integrity. Vigilance and reporting stay important for preserving a good expertise.
Query 3: Are nearly all of gamers extremely expert veterans, making it unwelcoming for newcomers?
The educational curve of any established recreation can current a frightening problem. Whereas a core of skilled gamers undoubtedly stays, tales recommend that alternatives for newcomers nonetheless exist. Looking for out much less aggressive recreation modes or becoming a member of squads with skilled gamers can ease the transition.
Query 4: Does the sport endure from vital technical points or bugs?
Age inevitably takes its toll on software program. Whereas Battlefield 4 obtained quite a few patches all through its lifespan, studies point out that occasional glitches or technical hiccups should still come up. A level of persistence and troubleshooting could also be required.
Query 5: Is there nonetheless an energetic neighborhood for locating teammates and coordinating methods?
The digital campfire of neighborhood stays a significant ingredient. Quite a few accounts attest to the continued existence of energetic boards, Discord servers, and social media teams devoted to Battlefield 4. These platforms supply avenues for locating teammates, sharing methods, and coordinating in-game actions.
Query 6: Are all recreation modes nonetheless populated, or are solely a choose few energetic?
The range of the battlefield usually diminishes with time. Stories recommend that some recreation modes could expertise decrease participant counts than others. Widespread modes equivalent to Conquest and Workforce Deathmatch usually tend to supply available matches.
The echoes of battle nonetheless resonate inside Battlefield 4. Whereas challenges exist, alternatives for engagement persist for these keen to navigate its getting older panorama. The neighborhood endures, providing camaraderie and strategic depth to those that search it.
This exploration now transitions to a abstract of the important thing concerns for these considering a return to the digital battlefields of the previous.
Ideas For Returning To The Battlefield
The echoes of conflict nonetheless linger within the digital landscapes of Battlefield 4. For these contemplating a return to its battlefields, a number of concerns advantage cautious reflection, aiding in a smoother re-entry and enhanced expertise.
Tip 1: Mood Expectations With Actuality
Time marches relentlessly ahead. Acknowledge that Battlefield 4 isn’t the cutting-edge spectacle it as soon as was. Graphical constancy could seem dated, and server populations could fluctuate. A realistic mindset will forestall disappointment and permit appreciation for what stays.
Tip 2: Refamiliarize With The Maps
The terrain of conflict is unforgiving to the unfamiliar. Previous to diving into frenetic fight, dedicate time to reconnaissance. Discover the maps in empty servers, figuring out strategic areas, choke factors, and potential ambush websites. This funding will show invaluable when going through seasoned opponents.
Tip 3: Relearn The Weapon Arsenal
The instruments of destruction evolve over time. Experiment with totally different weapons and attachments to rediscover optimum loadouts. Perceive the nuances of recoil patterns, efficient ranges, and tactical purposes. This mastery will improve fight effectiveness and stop reliance on outdated methods.
Tip 4: Search Out Neighborhood Assist
The power of a soldier lies of their comrades. Be a part of energetic boards, Discord servers, or social media teams devoted to Battlefield 4. These communities supply a wealth of knowledge, steerage, and alternatives for locating teammates and coordinating methods.
Tip 5: Adapt To The Evolving Meta
The ebb and circulate of fight dictates adaptation. Acknowledge that methods and techniques evolve over time. Observe skilled gamers, analyze their actions, and adapt to the prevailing meta. Rigidity results in defeat; flexibility ensures survival.
Tip 6: Persevere Via Preliminary Challenges
The highway to mastery is paved with setbacks. Count on preliminary encounters to be difficult. Skilled veterans could current formidable opposition. Persevere by these trials, study from errors, and regularly hone abilities. The rewards of persistence are well-earned.
Tip 7: Discover Totally different Sport Modes
The battlefield gives numerous arenas. Experiment with totally different recreation modes to find private preferences. Conquest, Workforce Deathmatch, Rush, and Obliteration supply distinct challenges and tactical alternatives. Embracing selection will improve the general expertise.
Tip 8: Take into account Server Location And Ping
The space from the battlefield performs an important function. Prioritize servers situated geographically nearer to attenuate latency. Excessive ping values may end up in lag, hindering responsiveness and negatively impacting gameplay. A steady connection is paramount for optimum efficiency.
For many who heed these phrases, the return to Battlefield 4 could show a rewarding endeavor. The echoes of previous battles resonate with renewed goal, awaiting the arrival of veterans and newcomers alike. The sport is there, the gamers are too. It offers you ideas once you play and information you as new participant.
This consideration now strikes into an final conclusion.
Echoes within the Digital Wasteland
The question, “do folks nonetheless play battlefield 4,” served as a portal, a gateway right into a world each acquainted and aged. This exploration revealed that the digital battlefields, whereas not as densely populated as of their prime, are removed from abandoned. Lively servers flicker with life, communities pulse with a devoted power, and the sport, although seasoned by time, retains a spark that pulls gamers again. Gameplay mechanics, franchise loyalty, and, undeniably, nostalgia, weave a tapestry that sustains engagement. The solutions weren’t easy, nor uniform, and have been a continuing reminder of what it was and what it’s now.
Finally, the choice to revisit these digital theaters of conflict rests with every particular person. Whereas newer conflicts beckon with their graphical prowess and novel options, Battlefield 4 gives one thing extra: a connection to a shared historical past, a return to acquainted landscapes, and a testomony to the enduring energy of well-crafted gameplay. The weapons of its battlefield have been silent since 2013, however a easy obtain could also be an indication of life.
