Like the first game, Battlefield: Bad Company 2 sends you into the heat of battle alongside your team of specially trained soldiers. You'll need to work cohesively as a unit to survive each firefight, instead of running in and taking out the opposition solo. Along with an array of guns and grenades, you'll use the environment to your advantage, shooting explosive barrels to bring down structures and catching enemies off-guard. Furthermore, you can hop into a tank or helicopter and dish out some major damage from both ground and air.
Recently, Electronic Arts and Digital Illusions CE (DICE, for short) showcased a new level from the game, taking place in the heart of an Alaskan pipeline facility. It's a cold reality in comparison to the sunny locales featured in the first game, but it perfectly sets the tone for the action that lies ahead. There are plenty of key spots to perch your snipers and explosive charges, so you can make easy prey out of your opposing team. Of course, if ground combat is your game, there's also plenty of room to spread out and make mincemeat of soldiers scrambling for cover.
If you prefer warmer climates, you might feel more at home in the desert location, which was recently unveiled at the Tokyo Game Show. Here, you'll cruise through a desolate town, filled with destroyed vehicles and other debris. That gives you plenty of hiding room to pop out and take quick shots at opponents. There's a beachfront as well, but there's very little cover, making you easy pickings for snipers.
In addition, the vehicles prove useful. The well armored tank packs plenty of explosive firepower, but it's slow. Not only does that make you an easy target for grenades, but it also gives faster enemies an advantage, enabling them to slip out of your range. If you prefer something a little lighter, you can cruise around in an ATV. While you're more exposed, you move much faster. Of course, we can't forget about the helicopters. Nothing beats hopping in one of these puppies and raining gunfire on those who don't see you coming. Stationary turrets are also available, but using one is particularly risky, since you don't move around like you would in a vehicle.
In Bad Company 2's multiplayer, everyone vies for points. You'll earn them not only for racking up kills, but also working alongside your team to either defend a chest or take it. Although the gold from the original game is nowhere to be found, you'll be better rewarded with the points. No word yet on how you'll be able to spend these points, but we're guessing that you'll purchase upgrades for yourself, the team and, hopefully, your vehicles.
In addition to the already excellent gameplay, Battlefield: Bad Company 2 will also have improved visuals. Snow scatters everywhere when you shoot or throw grenades. Soldiers animate just like the real deal, and collapse to the ground like a deck of cards after taking a few bullets. Best of all, the destruction is unparalleled compared to the first game. DICE's updated Frostbite engine lets you blow up tanks, helicopters and buildings.
Thus far, Battlefield: Bad Company 2 has what it takes to be an excellent shooter. EA will release it on March 2nd for PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and we'll let you know if this war is worth fighting.
Reader Comments (1)
will the cast of misfits be back in single player mode