Stepping up to the plate for the first time is a big deal. Having the first attempt be arguably perfect means your second attempt has got to be an amazing follow-up. Electronic Arts, being the biggest publisher of games in the US, certainly knows this, and it shows when you lay your hands on Battlefield 2. While players of its predecessors will certainly recognize the core gameplay, EA has opted to make some very interesting changes.

As one who has never played the original, I wasn't really sure what to expect. With quite possibly the most enthusiastic "game guide" (much like tour guides, but instead of a museum he or she guides you about a producer's booth) leaning over my shoulder, shouting helpful advice like "On the left! Under the bridge!" I was awakened by this nirvana of deathmatches.

This Battlefield is set in modern times, and the largest emphasis is on realism. All of the weapons, vehicles, and locales are actual ones that are used by mercenaries and world governments the world over. A player fighting for the mighty Chinese will probably be using recent versions of classic Soviet weaponry bought from the collapsing industrial powerhouse. The infamous AK-47 is a common favorite. American forces will be equipping updated Special Forces weaponry like that featured in recent games such as SWAT 4. The final force is the Middle Eastern Coalition, which is comprised primarily of militias from the Arab nations of the Middle East. All three forces have realistic uniforms, call signs, and gear. Also, the vehicles look and feel amazing.

The physics and the graphics have both been given a huge boost. The game looks perfect, so much so that you'll question whether the enemy soldier you just looked at smirked at you. The level of detail, both on models and the expansive environments, is simply astonishing. Pieces of debris and splinters of wood fly when pelted with lead and metal cans send sparks flying and go rolling, creating mobile cover. These graphical details alone make this a much greater sequel than Battlefield Vietnam.

Just like in the previous game, levels allow up to 64 players at a time, but now they shrink and expand depending upon the number of players in the field. When playing with 32 players, some outlying sections of that Middle-Eastern city or the devastating ice flow on the far end of the tundra won't be accessible. These locations are related to modern real-life locations, but are actually fictional spots. The menus are very self-explanatory. I was able to pick up the mouse and get into the action without any assistance or experience.

This battleground will leave you salivating for more. Load up your gear and ship out with this new classic on June 21st.