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I read a suggestion on some forum or another that they should import a lot of the BC1 maps. That would save them a lot of time creating maps from scratch. I think it's a good idea, it can't take that much work to update the maps.. just ask IW. :rofl:

I also agree with the lack of maps being this games downfall for me right now. I'm fairly bored of all the maps. I can't count how many times I had to play Arica Harbor this last week, it seemed like every time I joined a server it was that map. Really annoying.

Tried playing the free MW2 weekend for a little variety...noob tubers are way more common in that game than BC2. And the maps are so much smaller it makes the problem about 100x worse. Overall, I'm not impressed. CoD4 was the best game of that series for me.

COD4's triple grenade perk spammers are just as bad as tubers in mw2 :p They are practically the same game only they removed dedi servers in mw2, added some killstreaks/new maps and charges 10$ extra.

isn't the GOL the one hit kill? lol . M24 needs more skill :D. .. M24 ftw. :yes:

M24 and GOL are almost identical except GOL has no sniper sway. They're only one-shot kill in hardcore or if you get a headshot.

Nothing better than tracking someone halfway across the map, drawing a bead on them and BOOM headshot. Love how the head snaps back :D

Doesn't that describe every MP game out there, though?

How can it when I can play a slew of multiplayer games for months yet I can't with this?

Most multiplayer games will surprise you every time, this doesn't, this is so predictable as to where you might

find snipers, how the matches play out, camping spots etc. it's like playing the same matches over and over because

despite having large maps - There's so many "De facto" tactics that are used EVERY time.

So no, it does not describe every MP game out there.

I also hate how disconnected the feel of shooting someone is, barely feels like you hit someone until they

just die. That is such an important aspect and they failed to capture it completely - That little thing is what

makes you start the game and play for a few rounds, that awesome sensation it is when they get 'killing' just right.

And before everyone gets their knickers all wet - It's a personal opinion and I know I just offended the "Oh holy" BC2

but it's just not fun to play after a month or two and many of my friends agree.

If they released some mod tools I'm sure someone would create a Strike at Karland or similar, those maps were amazing. And some of the maps in 2142 were great like Camp Gibraltar. If they released mod tools and let the community do a map contest they could include it in an upcoming patch - I seem to remember they have done that for 2142 if I am remembering correctly.

I have to agree, gets very repetitive and predictable fast - I stopped playing it as well.

Agreed. More and more people are also feeling that way. I decided to get some additional value out of the game by going back into the little campaign and get the acheevos, all the MCOM stations, and weapons. BTW, anyone who didn't do the game on hard, but wants the "It sucks to be right" aheevo at the end, it's super easy. It is almost the exact same difficulty as on easy, but a tiny bit faster bleed out.

I have to admit, destroying 50 buildings and 1000 objects when not caring about the campaign was fun as heck, especially in a tank.

Most multiplayer games will surprise you every time, this doesn't, this is so predictable as to where you might

find snipers, how the matches play out, camping spots etc. it's like playing the same matches over and over because

despite having large maps - There's so many "De facto" tactics that are used EVERY time.

So no, it does not describe every MP game out there.

*Points at every other shooter on the market*

*Points at every other shooter on the market*

Funny enough, at least most other shooters still has the random aspect because players know how to vary things - In this game EVERYTHING is clockwork predictable.

Also because of the size, when players try a new position - Another player will just take their position. In other shooters, it's on a much, much smaller scale thus there isn't enough

players to occupy the 'standard' positions every time. Not to mention, despite having large maps, there aren't many tactical 'decent' positions and the primary ones will just get filled up

every single round. So in the end, you can ALWAYS count on players being on certain positions in every map plus you get so many kills because of it, in the end it's just not fun getting kills anymore

and that's pretty bad in a FPS.

So no, this is not like every other shooter - This is actually the most predictable shooter I've played in years.

And the above is not the only problem with the game, there's so many little niggles I won't go in-depth with because I can't be arsed discussing it on here

but suffice to say, I'm done with the game :)

Seems a bit over dramatic...

I mean, what exactly would make it more interesting?

Maybe it is, but it's just my opinion.

If you have played the original BF 1942, BF Vietnam and BF2 you would now what i mean by interesting.

Devs have been ruinning game franchises(BFBC2, MW2, OFP2) in the name of "extra" money by creating cross-plataform crap.

Usually they will remove features and decrease the quality of the game.

I got disappointed in these 3 games in which i spent my hard earned money. And i promised it was the last time.

Plus other day i stumbled upon a funny yet interesting article at Cracked.com talking about how the game industry tries to make you addicted and made me think a little about how i spend my free time.

Anyway, i agree with what Sethos says and this is just my point of view.

If you guys still enjoy the game, im happy for you. :)

BTW, my friend abandoned the game after only 2 weeks.

Also because of the size, when players try a new position - Another player will just take their position. In other shooters, it's on a much, much smaller scale thus there isn't enough players to occupy the 'standard' positions every time.

So your point boils down to this. Fair enough.

Join a server with 24 people. I find it much more enjoyable. :)

I have shared it before in this thread, but I am just really into playing Conquest and that is it. I have indeed tried (at the urging of other members), and multiple times in fact, playing Rush mode, and while it is not awful, I just cannot get into playing it for several reasons.

So right now, lack of maps are killing it for me.

Same here, and I think that's sort of aggravating the problem. I tried Rush during the beta, and then again once the game came out and I just can't get into it. It doesn't feel like true Battlefield to me, and you have about a 10% chance of finding a public server that actually has a competent attacking team. So basically I'm left in a situation where I can only play half of the multiplayer maps that the game has to offer, and of those maps, Panama Canal and Atacama Desert are the only standout ones for me (but I'm a sucker for sunny maps, so maybe that has something to do with it).

Though I must say, I really do like Panama Canal. I could probably play on a server that's running just that 24/7. I wonder if such a thing exists.

EDIT: Just tried Arica Harbour on Conquest for the first time today. Pretty good map. Nice to have another desert/urban map to play Conquest on.

Edited by LingeringSoul

More weapons/maps. Vehicles too, if possible. That'd be awesome. I highly doubt it though. I wonder what's taking them so long with the 2nd map pack. It isn't even a real map pack. All they're doing is adding Rush/Conquest mode to existing maps. :/

More weapons/maps. Vehicles too, if possible. That'd be awesome. I highly doubt it though. I wonder what's taking them so long with the 2nd map pack. It isn't even a real map pack. All they're doing is adding Rush/Conquest mode to existing maps. :/

Rumor has it, that it's new maps. :)

More weapons/maps. Vehicles too, if possible. That'd be awesome. I highly doubt it though. I wonder what's taking them so long with the 2nd map pack. It isn't even a real map pack. All they're doing is adding Rush/Conquest mode to existing maps. :/

Yeah fat chance of that happening. Can't think of one BF game that they introduced more vehicles after shipping.

at least most other shooters still has the random aspect because players know how to vary things

Everything your saying is still describing every MP game out there. Examples please. I'm really curious as to what games you find less predictable than this.

They'll add more maps. I don't see anything wrong with any of the current maps and I'm definitely not bored due to the maps. I'm bored, because I can't ever get a squad together. :(

Then you fail to understand my point and I'd be wasting my time.

Or you fail at properly describing your point and providing examples.

I enjoy BC2 more than any MP I've played in the past year or so and I really would like to know why someone doesn't. A real reason, not just some babble claiming your point is perfectly clear, but yet not willingly to provide one example to help those who fail to see your logic.

Does BC2 have Snipers? Yup as do all MP games.

Does BC2 have Campers? Yup as do all MP games.

Does BC2 have maps that are repeated, depending on the game type your playing? Yup as do all MP games.

Does BC2 have less maps and game types than other games? Yup, but does that make it bad?

Does BC2 have people using strategy in a specific way as it's proved to be the "best" way? Yup as do all MP games.

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    • Nope. That lack of surround sound capability (analog) won't fly with me. Sure, I use headphones most of the time, but still.
    • Creative Sound Blaster AE-X PCIe review: your headphones will love it by Steven Parker If you have been reading Neowin for any length of time, you may remember that I reviewed the Sound Blaster Audigy FX Pro back in April. I found it to be an excellent budget sound card, even though it lacked support for formats such as DTS over the included SPDIF port. Anyway, Creative reached out to me again asking if I was interested in reviewing the Sound Blaster AE-X. It is a card mainly targeted at headphone wearers, which I'll get into a bit later. Before we get underway, here is a disclaimer: Creative Labs provided a free sample without any review pre-approval. Here are the full specs of it: Creative Sound Blaster AE-X Dimensions: 179 x 126 x 18 mm Weight: 263g / 9.28 oz Platform: PCI-e DAC: ESS ES9039Q2M Connectivity Options Side: Rear: 1 x HD Audio Front Panel Connector, 1 x ⅛“ Headphone port, 1 x RCA Line-out (Left) port, 1 x RCA Line-out (Right) port, 1 x Coaxial SPDIF-out port, 1 x ⅛“ Mic in/Line-in port, 1 x TOSLINK SPDIF-in port Surround: No DNR / SNR: THD+N: 0.0001% Dynamic Range 130 dB Recording Resolution: PCM up to 32-bit / 192kHz (Stereo) Direct Mode: Line Out (Stereo): PCM up to 32-bit  384 kHz Coaxial SPDIF Out: PCM up to 24-bit 192.0 kHz Headphone Amp: PCM up to 32-bit / 384kHz (Stereo) Native DSD: DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 Output Impedance: 1Ω, Supported Headphone Impedance: 8–600Ω, IEM: 0.5Vrms, Low: 1.5Vrms, Mid: 3Vrms, High: 6Vrms, Maximum output power: 350mW @ 32Ω (High), Maximum output voltage: 6Vrms (High) Front Panel Headphone Amp: PCM up to 32-bit / 192kHz (Stereo) Native DSD: DSD64, DSD128 Output Impedance: 10Ω, Supported Headphone Impedance: 32–300Ω, Maximum output power: 40mW @ 32Ω, Maximum output voltage: 1.9Vrms ASIO: ASIO 2.3 Total Harmonic Distortion: THD+N: 0.0006% Dynamic Range: 114 dB Scout Mode: Yes EMI shielding: No (but it passed all the FCC emission tests) Operating temperature: 0–45°C Input Power: 12V⎓0.5A Warranty: 1 Year (MSRP) Price: $179.99 / £169.99 The Sound Blaster AE-X was announced at the end of May, and it becomes clear that it is mainly for headphone wearers. I should also note that the card does not support DDL/DTS encoding technology, but it is said to support decoding through the coaxial SPDIF port. I was able to test this working with the classic Windows Sound properties, but I could not get a DTS (decode) signal through my Logitech Z906, it defaulted to 3D sound whenever I played DTS content through Plex or Emby. In addition, this card only supports two channels (stereo) over the speakers. The surround support is limited to the Headphone Amp, so before I get underway, what we have here is a card mostly intended for headphone use, especially with its SPDIF In (Toslink) port where you could connect another device like a console. So what about the highlights of this card? The AE-X is powered by the ESS SABRE DAC (ES9039Q2M), which is capable of a 130 dB dynamic range. In addition, it supports 32-bit/384 kHz playback for deeper detail and clarity. The headphone amplifier delivers up to 350 mW @ 32Ω, which admittedly far surpasses standard onboard audio, offering support for studio-grade headphones. DSD256 and ASIO 2.3 are also supported. What doesn't it have? No support for What-U-Hear, Super X-Fi, or the SmartComms Kit No EMI shielding, but it passed all the FCC emission tests (from the FAQ) I also want to make it clear that I am no audiophile. For me, it's purely subjective and it should just "work" out of the box. First impressions As I said in the introduction, I was a bit sad to see that the AE-X only supports stereo output, meaning it would not be on par with my ALC1220 over my speakers, as I mentioned it seems like this card is marketed toward headphone users. Since I am not an avid gamer that would rule me out as a potential customer, but I can still test its capabilities! The card arrived in a nice-looking box, as shown above. It's quite a bit larger than the Audify FX Pro that I reviewed back in April, and at first I thought the covering meant that it was EMI shielded, but it isn't as mentioned above in the highlights section. What's in the box: 1 x Sound Blaster AE-X PCIe card 1 x 3.5 mm CTIA TRRS to Dual TRS Headset Splitter Cable 1 x Quick Start Guide Aside from the Quick Start Guide, which someone at my age (I guess) needs a magnifying glass to read thanks to the tiny fonts, Creative Labs also has the manual online, which first requires you to prove that you're human in order to access it (so I can't direct link it). Anyway, the box is mostly made up of cardboard, and the only plastic in it is the anti-static bag for the card itself. Design Top Bottom The card itself looks pretty cool and actually wouldn't look out of place in an all-white build. There's only one connector, and for some reason it is awkwardly placed on the side (front-facing) that is for the front panel audio connector, which will let you use the headphones through the front PC audio jack. Since the front panel Headphone Amp has fewer capabilities than the rear headphone port, I decided not to use it. Rear of card PCI-e interface The rear of the card is completely open and is normally where you would find the front panel connector. The PCIe interface side is completely covered, which initially made me think it was EMI shielded. I/O panel Side (front-facing) with Front panel connector On the outer rear bracket side we have the TOSLINK SPDIF in, Coaxial SPDIF out, RCA line out (Right), RCA line out (Left), Headphone out, and Mic/Line in ports. On the front facing portion of the card itself is the F-panel connector. Usage Test System Our test system consists of the following: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Gigabyte X870E AORUS MASTER (BIOS F12) Corsair RM1000x (2024) Thermal Grizzly Kyronaut (33x33x0,2mm) 2x 32GB Kingston Fury Beast RGB DDR5 6000MT/s CL36-38-38-80 T-Force Z540 2TB (PCIe Gen5) NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition (NVIDIA) Creative Sound Blaster AE-X Windows 11 25H2 Pro I installed the card into the Gigabyte X870E AORUS MASTER which includes the RealTek ALC1220 onboard audio. For our subjective listening tests, I used the Coaxial SPDIF port to my Logitech Z906 speakers. For headphone tests I used the OneOdio Studio Max 2 Wireless DJ Headphones that I reviewed last month. After installing the audio driver, I installed Creative Nexus, which is a relatively new app designed for the latest Sound Blaster cards. Then I discovered the AE-X needed both a driver update from 1.00.15.0001 to 1.01.09.000 and a firmware update from 1.00.06.0000 to 1.00.06.0002, then I was set to go. It should be noted that the card did not work without the driver (not Plug and Play). As you can see above, you can manage the firmware, driver, and inputs via Advanced Settings on the Device tab. By default Nexus enabled "Direct Mode". Upon clicking on Acoustic Engine, the Equalizer can be enabled and set to four different presets, which are: Gaming Music Movies Footsteps Enhancer There's also a dedicated Scout Mode for gamers. I mainly used Tidal and Spotify in the past week to listen to some of my Liked Songs (which now total over 700) in Shuffle mode; there were no pops or interference that I could hear. I also found a 5.1 Surround Music playlist on Tidal that sounded really great over Studio Max 2 headphones. When I reviewed the Audigy FX Pro, I went out and purchased a Logitech Z906 set second-hand for €100 specifically to use with the card, but in this instance all I could get on the AE-X was the 3D output of surround sound through Coaxial SPDIF and although it still sounded great, it isn't quite as good as DTS Interactive via my onboard Realtek ALC1220. Conclusion So what have I learned? The AE-X lacks multi-channel support for 5.1/7.1 setups and drops support for modern surround technologies like Dolby or DTS, functioning strictly as a stereo output device. So to really benefit, you will need Studio-grade headphones to "hear" the benefits of this card. With that being said, I can imagine it will appeal to gamers who are switching between console and PC. By utilizing the SPDIF in port, you could just plug your headphones into the AE-X (front or rear port) and then switch between PC and Console without having to move the headphones to a different port. As I said in the Sound Blaster Audigy review, the EQ in the Creative Nexus app offers safe presets, which allows a user to further tweak the lows, mids, and highs for a personal listening experience. Of course it all depends on the headphones you hook up to it. Speaking of headphones, I kind of wish I had higher-quality Studio-grade headphones to really test this card with; I'm not usually wearing headphones in my day to day duties. The only time I will wear them is if I want to listen to music very late at night and I don't want to disturb my neighbors, so my rating (verdict) is based on this fact. Someone with a PC/Console setup and wears headphone religiously to game, and consume media will benefit much more than I from the high-quality Headphone Amps that are included in the AE-X. Once again, I do feel like Creative could have gone the extra mile to support the S/PDIF port a bit more. Why include it if you're not supporting the main popular digital formats? It seems like the decision was more of a legacy-based one, offering uncompressed 2-channel PCM audio, for users with high-fidelity audio systems and external DACs. Maybe I will be lucky enough to review a card that truly includes all these features in the future. I am sure readers with far more knowledge on audio systems than me will correct me in the comments below. I'll just say I am happy to learn what I don't know! Where to buy The Sound Blaster AE-X is available to purchase now in preorder for $179.99 on the U.S. Creative website, or for £169.99 on the Creative UK website and will start shipping to customers from June 25.
    • $80 or 90%, anything else would be financial suicide one way or another.
    • Or... just use Bitwarden. Free, and has on-prem option as well. Works both on desktop and mobile, wherever you are. The age of local password files is over.
    • Thanks
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