Battlefield 2 and Special Forces Expansion

Battlefield 2 and Special Forces Expansion

Overview
Battlefield 2 is the newest release in the Battlefield series, following Battlefield 1842 and Battlefield Vietnam. It boasts improved gameplay and graphics, in addition to an enhanced physics engine and more weaponry. BF2 focusses on modern conflict - modern, up-to-date weaponry and technology is available, for all three teams. The USA, China and the MEC (Middle East Coalition) are the three featured teams, each team boasting unique weaponry and vehicles.

Gameplay
Gameplay in Battlefield 2 is very much like gamplay in its predecessors, with some new features thrown in. The new "Commander" mode allows for the deployment of spy drones, artillery strikes, 'scans' (to identify enemies), vehicle drops and supply drops. Commanders are responsible for the leadership and organisation of the team, in addition to providing support and information to the team. Battles in BF2 are similar to those in BF1942 and BFV - very violent.

Battles
Battles take place within set locations. Environments in these locations vary greatly - some battles take place in urban areas, others in desert. Two teams battle for "Capture points", in order to reduce the opponents "tickets" - both teams start with a limited number of these tickets, which are gradually reduced by either kills, or by capturing flag-capture points.

Soldier Classes
As with other BF games, each player selects a Soldier 'class'. Available classes (e.g. Medic, Engineer, Assault) each have unique abilities and weapons. A medic, for example, may heal players, wheras an Assault has a barrel-mounted grenade launcher on his rifle.

Two American soldiers attack an enemy (Chinese) outpost

Vehicles
BF2 supports a wide range of different vehicles. From fighter jets to dirt buggies, there's plenty to choose from. Choppers are armed with a large arsenal of sophisticated weaponry, such as a minigun (shown below) and missiles. Tanks, jeeps and boats are available to all teams, and enhance gameplay dramatically.

An American gunner being boring and staring out of a Blackhawk

Multiplayer
Online and network play is supported, indeed, encouraged - single player is limited to 16 players per map (obviously some cheap ploy by EA to increase server usage). I know some guy that managed to change the system file that restricts this. Just thought that you would really like to know that.

Special Forces Expansion
The SF expansion makes several large changes to the game. Night battles are introduced, with newer maps. New weapons, vehicles and teams are also included. SF is essentially a different game - focussing more on stealth and a more up-close-and-personal approach to combat. Maps are intended for fewer players and are therefore smaller. Night visions, smoke grenades and grappling hooks are just some of the new additions.

Some guy hangs from a ceiling in a pitch black room. As you would expect.

Conclusion
The game is crap. Don't buy it. Nah, it's quite good - although it is catered more towards higher performance PCs. I'm looking forward to seeing what BF2142 is like. I might review that. Eventually.