Specialist, Loadout and Faction suggestions
Specialists:
Specialists provide a unique new gameplay mechanic to BF2042 and should not be removed, even regarding negative community feedback. However, whilst specialists have provided a new approach in gameplay, its application of "operators" themselves doesn't seem to fit the BF2042 narrative. BF2042 focuses its storyline on conflicts through the use of no-pats who are utilized by either the U.S. or Russia rather than standard uniformed militaries. Though, the hero-type approach to the specialists doesn't seem to fit this narrative very well and should be changed to better reflect the story and gameplay mechanics.
Having the same operators on both teams takes away from the general premise of opposing sides and makes it seem like the designed characters fight for whoever, regardless of ideals. While the idea of no allegiances connects to the story, the same operators on both teams immediately do away with the concept. What I propose is that specialists are kept in the game, but changes are made to them. Rather than having specific hero-type operators as the specialists use the AI models in their place. These models are more militarized and would seemingly fit the storyline a lot better, especially considering each faction has its own corresponding unique vehicles. I would change the name of the specialists, but obviously, assign certain already in-game AI models to each specialist type. This would better diversify the battlefield and make teams more distinguishable, overall making gameplay more enjoyable. Additionally, the current operators could be kept attached to the specialists themselves, but rather simply act as a skin option rather than the only playable character. Though I would recommend having the AI being the default skins for the operators.
Regardless of whether the AI models are implemented or not the current lineup of specialist operators needs more distinction between teams. This could either be through unique designs for each team or unique operators for each team itself. That being keeping the same specialist types, but simply having a different character taking that role for either faction.
Loadouts:
Loadouts currently seem fairly pointless in the current naming conventions and during gameplay, simply serving as a way to save certain gadget/weapon combos. To better match older Battlefield class systems whilst maintaining the new loadout structure, I think there should be a simple change. Simply lock certain gadgets to certain loadouts rather than having every gadget available for every loadout. This would make understanding who is playing with what gadgets more apparent during gameplay. Whilst specialists and weapons to any loadout seem fine, the no restrictions on gadgets make the system confusing and fairly useless. Obviously, not every gadget would need to be restricted to certain classes, but things like med bags, ammo bags, or rocket launchers should be restricted to a certain loadout type.
Factions:
The issue with factions is fairly minor but should be addressed at some point to make gameplay more adherent to the overarching storyline. The issue being, the lack of more faction-specific vehicles. It's nice that some faction-specific vehicles have been implemented thus far but it would make more sense if more were implemented in place of current models. Current models I think would benefit from more faction uniqueness would be the LAT4 Recon, EBAA Wildcat, MAV, and M5C Bolte. While not every vehicle should be faction specific, there are times where non-faction specific vehicles moving around the map take away from the faction vs faction gameplay.
Anyways I'm interested to hear anyone else's thoughts and if these ideas could improve upon the current system in BF2042.
