It's High Time for Battlefield to Revisit This Iconic Setting

The Battlefield franchise has earned its place among the most revered gaming series, boasting blockbuster hits, lesser-known spin-offs, ambitious experiments, and beloved classics cherished by millions of fans. Nestled between the iconic Battlefield 1942 and the franchise’s first leap into modern warfare with Battlefield 2, is the often overlooked yet groundbreaking Battlefield Vietnam. This sequel introduced unique design elements and a compelling setting that are long overdue for a revival.

Released in late 2002, Battlefield 1942 marked a pivotal moment in multiplayer gaming. Originally developed by Refraction Games and later brought under the DICE and EA banner, the game redefined competitive shooters by prioritizing team-based cooperation over individual performance. As the franchise geared up for its next installment, DICE made the bold decision to shift the battlefield to the dense, perilous jungles of Vietnam.

A Return to the Jungle

Debuting in 2004, Battlefield Vietnam received widespread acclaim and outperformed its predecessor in sales, cementing the franchise’s reputation as a genre-defining force. Despite its success, the Vietnam War setting has remained largely unexplored in subsequent Battlefield titles, with the exception of Battlefield Bad Company 2's well-received Vietnam expansion. The Vietnam conflict is a setting that remains underutilized in the gaming world, with only a handful of titles like Rising Storm 2: Vietnam venturing into this territory. Revisiting Vietnam would offer Battlefield the chance to stand out in a market saturated with World War and modern-day military games.

Battlefield Vietnam introduced several innovative features that have since become franchise staples. The inclusion of helicopters, airlifted vehicles, and asymmetrical factions made for dynamic and varied gameplay. The contrast in weapons, tactics, and resources between the U.S. forces and the North and South Vietnamese encouraged creative strategies and kept the gameplay fresh. This factional diversity has remained a core element of Battlefield, but it was perhaps most strikingly executed in Battlefield Vietnam.

The Soundtrack of War

One of the most memorable aspects of Battlefield Vietnam was its use of vehicle radios, a feature that has yet to be fully revived in modern Battlefield titles (with Battlefield Hardline being the last to use it). These in-game radios allowed players to immerse themselves in the chaos of combat while listening to era-defining tracks from the 1970s. Whether storming enemy lines to the tune of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s "Fortunate Son" or customizing their own MP3 playlists, players were able to create unique, unforgettable moments in the heat of battle.

The Future of Battlefield

In May 2024, an EA earnings call provided some insight into the future of Battlefield. CEO Andrew Wilson hinted at the next installment, describing it as a "tremendous live service" that would "return in an entirely new way." While this suggests a fresh direction for the franchise, it doesn’t completely rule out the possibility of revisiting past settings.

Many longtime fans were disappointed by the missteps of Battlefield 2042, particularly with its specialist system and progression mechanics. However, DICE has made significant strides in addressing these issues, much like they did with Battlefront 2, transforming it into a game worthy of the Battlefield legacy.

With anticipation building for the next Battlefield reveal—whether at the 2024 Game Awards or another major event—the time might be right for Battlefield Vietnam 2. The demand is there, and the franchise could benefit greatly from returning to a setting that offers both nostalgia and untapped potential.