Battlefield 2
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Battlefield 2 | |
|---|---|
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| Developer(s) | Digital Illusions CE |
| Publisher(s) | EA Games |
| Series | Battlefield series |
| Engine | Battlefield 2 Engine |
| Latest version | 1.41 |
| Release date(s) | June 21, 2005 ( )June 22, 2005 (  )June 24, 2005 (  ) |
| Genre(s) | First-person shooter |
| Mode(s) | Single player, Multiplayer, Conquest, Co-op |
| Rating(s) | ESRB: Teen (T) PEGI: 16+ OFLC: M |
| Platform(s) | Windows XP |
| Media | DVD (1) or CD (3) (both same features) |
| System requirements | see Official system requirements |
| Input | Keyboard, mouse, joystick (optional) |
Battlefield 2 (abbreviated to BF2) is a computer game where players fight in a modern (early Twenty-First Century) battlefield using state-of-the-art firearms and vehicles.[1] BF2 represents a first-person shooter with some strategy and RPG (Role-Playing-Game) elements.[2] BF2 was developed by Digital Illusions CE (DICE) with a custom engine for gameplay, physics, and graphics. In addition, Trauma Studios contributed to the development of the game after it was acquired by Digital Illusions CE.[3] BF2 is published by Electronic Arts as the third full game of the Battlefield series, released in late June of 2005.[2]
BF2 includes a single-player mode with three difficulty levels and a multi-player mode via the Internet or a LAN. Both player modes use the same maps and use Battlefield's conquest game mode. Single-player mode allows 15 computer controlled players,[4] while Internet mode allows up to 64 players.
A console branded version also exists (for Xbox, Xbox 360 and PS2), named Battlefield 2: Modern Combat. Although the game shares the same name, it differs quite considerably in execution, content, and gameplay from its PC counterpart.[5]
Contents |
[edit] Gameplay
There are two main game modes, Conquest and Cooperative gameplay. The ultimate objective of "Conquest" (Battlefield 2's only officially ranked game mode) is to reduce the opposing team's "tickets” to zero. This can be accomplished by capturing flags (which also allows the team to spawn at that point), killing opponents, or both. By capturing flags, the team with less than half of the flags or failing to capture a certain number of flags (depending on the map) will have their tickets gradually diminish. By killing an opponent, his or her team’s ticket will decrement by one. Furthermore, if a team has nowhere to spawn and all of its members are dead, their ticket count will instantly go to zero.
Cooperative Gameplay, known as “co-op”, is same as conquest mode except that players also play with and against computers or known as “bots”. This game mode is not part of the ranking system.
[edit] Infantry classes
In Battlefield 2, as with previous Battlefield titles, players are able to select from a variety of infantry classes. Each class of soldier is equipped with different weaponry appropriate to their role in the battle. Assault soldiers, for example, are general-purpose infantry with grenade-launcher equipped assault-rifles, Medics carry first -aid equipment, and Anti-Tank troopers are equipped with rocket-propelled weapons effective against vehicles.
Players are able to choose a class at the start of a match, or between dying and respawning once the match has begun. Players can also change their class by picking up a "kit" from the body of an incapacitated soldier, friendly or otherwise. Hence, an Assault soldier can become a Medic if they come across a fallen Medic, and even use his defibrillators to revive the fallen soldier.
[edit] Vehicles
The various forces still use the trademark feature of the Battlefield series - the large stable of vehicles that any player, regardless of faction, specialty or experience, can climb into and control. There are many different types of vehicles playable in Battlefield 2. They are all based on real-life vehicles used by the militaries of different countries.
Some vehicles can only be destroyed by a certain weapon, but most can be destroyed by any of the weapons. Only anti-tank, explosive, and large caliber weapons can damage heavily armored vehicles. All vehicles are damaged or destroyed if they crash into any terrain object at a high enough speed, even trees and poles. Vehicles have a damage meter which is lowered with successive damage and can be replenished by a supply crate or the wrench from the Engineer kit. Helicopters and jets can also be repaired by returning to a friendly helipad or airstrip. Once a vehicle reaches a certain damage level (below 3 bars on the damage meter), it catches on fire and its damage meter slowly diminishes until the vehicle is either destroyed or repaired to a safe level.
[edit] Features
Even though Battlefield 2 is a sequel to Battlefield 1942, there are many changes to the popular gameplay of the original. Many of these new gameplay features were added to the game with teamwork and collaboration in mind. The upgraded game engine includes improved physics, dynamic lighting, and more realistic material penetration. The main feature for this game though is the massive multiplayer content.
[edit] Squads
Players are able to form themselves into one-to-six-man squads, for better versatility and survivability on the battlefield. Members of a squad have the added ability to communicate to players within their squad via Voice-over IP (VoIP), a method of voice communication integrated into BF2.
The squad leader is tasked with providing objectives to his squad members (such as moving, attacking, defending, repairing an objective) which will appear on their interface as waypoints or coloured smoke markers. The squad leader is also the only person in the team that has full access to the T menu, which consists of the ability to request orders, artillery, UAV support, and supply/vehicle drops from the commander, as well as the only player that is able to communicate directly to the commander via VoIP.
The members of the squad have the option of "spawning" on their squad leader instead of the flag. This can present considerable advantage, for as long as the squad leader is alive and the team has at least one control point, squad members can keep spawning on him and continue their attack until their objective is achieved.
[edit] Commanders
The commander position is an exclusive role in each team that is assigned via player application according to online rankings. The Commander plays the strategic role of a battlefield commander, assigning objectives to squad leaders and providing artillery, satellite scan, MQ-1 Predator UAV reconnaissance, supply and vehicle drops. The commander is like any other soldier on the battlefield in that he chooses a kit, spawns in, can die, etc. The commander can resign at any time and become a regular soldier, letting others apply for the commander position. If players feel that their current commander is not doing a good job of commanding, there is an option to vote for a mutiny. If an overwhelming majority of teammates vote "yes," the mutiny succeeds and the Commander will be forced to relinquish his role as commander
[edit] Global ranking
A log of all players' activities, kills, weapon usage, and other achievements on "official" ranked servers is kept, and organized into a ranking system. Rankings are based on USMC military ranks, ranging from Private all the way to General. Achievements and promotions are largely based on the player's global points which increases as he or she accomplishes certain objectives in the game. At the same time, points can be deducted from the global score due to player's negative actions such as killing/hurting teammates. Once the player's global points reaches a certain number, he or she will be promoted to the next rank, giving him or her precedence when applying for the team commander position. These ranks become harder to achieve the higher up the hierarchy. A player's point standing and rank can be viewed within Battlefield 2 or from the Internet such as B.F.2.S., or bf2player.
[edit] Awards and unlockable weapons
One can earn awards (ribbons, badges, and medals) for certain tasks accomplished. Badges and ribbons are the easiest to obtain, and medals are much harder, requiring dedication and prolonged play. As players ascend through the ranks they will gain the ability to unlock certain weapons. For each rank gained after the rank of Private First Class, a player will be granted the ability to unlock one of seven unlockable weapons with the original game, one for each class. Players who have the Special Forces expansion have the option to unlock another 7 weapons, and can unlock a total of 2 weapons after each promotion. This system has players who have not purchased the expansion at a disadvantage with regard to weapon availability on servers which allow use of unlocked weapons. For each kit, however, in order to unlock the Special Forces weapon one must first unlock the "Vanilla" weapon. For instance, if the player wanted to unlock the L96A1 Sniper rifle, they would first have to unlock the M95. The ranking system and unlockables can be used on all servers which allow them, but only "official" (ranked) servers record and send back stats.
[edit] Battlefield recorder
A built-in game recorder records battles for subsequent replay. These files can be downloaded off a server which supports BattleRecorder directly after their respective game. Recorded battle files are around 1MB to 8MB in size and are played within the Battlefield 2 engine. Camera angles can be changed (free roaming & selected player), as well as the speed, though it cannot be rewound. Files can be exported to AVI format. The Battlefield Recorder has facilitated the creation of various machinima.
[edit] Maps
Battlefield 2 offers 14 maps for the players to play. These maps are diverse which ranges from jungles such as Songhua Stalemate, urban areas such as Strike at Karkand, to an unfinished Dam known as Kubra Dam. The USMC is present in all maps and faces against either the MEC or the PLA depending on the map. PLA is present in Far East theaters such as Dragon Valley and Daqing Oilfields. MEC is present in Middle East theaters such as Gulf of Oman and Zatar Wetlands.
The unique feature about BF2 maps is that each map has 3 variations that is suited for certain number of players. Each map has 16, 32, and 64 player-suggested variations in which the area of battlefield or playing field is relatively small, medium, and large, respectively. The only exception to this is Wake Island 2007, which is locked at 64-player size. Other contrasts between these variations other than the size is the difference in the number and position of control points and the availability and number of certain vehicles. As a result, the gameplay of the map is different depending on the variation.[6][7]
[edit] Reception
Battlefield 2 has sold 2,250,000 copies worldwide, as of July 2006.[8]
The game gained widespread approval from critics, receiving an aggregate score of 91% from 55 reviews,[9] including five stars out of five from large reviewing organizations Yahoo! Games, GameSpy, and Computer Gaming World. PC Gamer awarded it 94%, stating, "Its finely tuned maps and balanced gameplay prove that you CAN improve on perfection", later on PC Gamer gave it its Game of the Year award.[10]
Some of the lower scores were reactions to the large amount of bugs and glitches in the initial release. For example, Gaming Nexus (who awarded the game an 8.7 out of 10) reported, "I’ve had many cool experiences playing it and a lot of 'did I just see that' moments but all of that is crapped on by the bugs and quirks in the game.".[11] Games Radar approved of the game, awarding a 90%, but added a disclaimer that the gaming experience is best "if your machine is up to it".[12]
[edit] Awards
E3 2005 Game Critics Awards: Best Online Multiplayer.[13]
PC Gamer: 2005 Game of the Year
PC Powerplay: 2005 Game of the Year
Maximum PC Gaming Awards: 2006 Best Multiplayer (quote "despite being 2005's war")
[edit] Demo
A demo is available for download from major game sites featuring a single map (Gulf of Oman) for both single-player and multi-player. The 16-person version of the map has a time limit of 10 minutes; the 32-person version has a time limit of 12 minutes. The 64-person version is unavailable in the demo, though up to 64 players can still play on the 32-person map. EA Games shut down all of its demo servers on November 28, 2005. However, demo client and demo server software are still available for download from BF2 website should players and server operators wish to host the game themselves.[14]
Some aspects of gameplay, such as jet combat, are markedly different in the demo compared with the current game. This is due to changes made in recent patches. The demo does not feature rankings, apart from on a couple of servers.
[edit] Official system requirements
- Windows XP (32-bit) with Admin rights
- 1.7 GHz Intel Celeron D / Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon XP/ Sempron or greater
- 512 MB of RAM or more
- 8x or faster CD/DVD drive
- 2.3 GB free hard drive space or more
- Video: DirectX 9.0c compatible, must have 128 MB or more memory, be AGP or PCI-E, and one of the following chipsets:
- NVIDIA GeForce FX 5700 or greater
- ATI Radeon 8500 or greater
- Sound: DirectX 9.0c compatible (Sound Blaster X-Fi series recommended)
- Multiplayer requires 1 set of discs per PC and a broadband (Cable, DSL, or a faster) connection.
[edit] Patches
There have been a number of patches and updates made available since the release of Battlefield 2 to address certain issues and add support for the franchise's expansion and booster packs.
- Patch Update Version 1.01 (officially released on July 6, 2005) was the first patch released for Battlefield 2.[15] However, this patch was later recalled due to numerous bugs (specifically with the menu/browser) on July 8, 2005.[16]
- Patch Update Version 1.02 (officially released on July 15, 2005).[17]
- Patch Update Version 1.03 (officially released on October 4, 2005) added the map Wake Island 2007.[18]
- Patch Update Version 1.12 (officially released on November 22, 2005) accommodated the release of Battlefield 2: Special Forces. There were only few undocumented changes for the original. This patch added the second tier unlocks to the game.[19]
- Patch Update Version 1.2 (officially released on February 14, 2006) added two new unlockable weapons (the L96A1 and the P90) and nine new ranks (1st Lieutenant up to General).[20] Patch 1.20 also readied clients for the new Euro Force booster pack.
- Patch Update Version 1.21 (officially released on March 9, 2006), this patch was followed by the release of the Euro Force Booster pack on March 14, 2006.
- Patch Update Version 1.22 (officially released on March 28, 2006), improved server stability, made balance adjustments and removed exploits in some maps.
- Patch Update Version 1.3 (officially released on May 23, 2006) this patch introduced a new gameplay mode, cooperative gameplay, reduced the time and difficulty for many of awards requirements, and various gameplay additions and changes.[21]
- Patch Update Version 1.4 (officially released on September 5, 2006) increased server stability and added features included in the BETAs such as the map 'Road to Jalalabad' and "no vehicles" gameplay mode.[22]
- Patch Update Version 1.41 (officially released on November 16, 2006) included only one documented bug fix: "Fixed an extremely intermittent server crash bug."[23]
[edit] Official expansion packs
[edit] Battlefield 2: Special Forces
| Battlefield 2: Special Forces Expansion Pack | |
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| Developer(s) | Digital Illusions CE: Canada |
| Publisher(s) | EA Games |
| Designer(s) | Dice |
| Engine | Battlefield 2 Engine |
| Release date(s) | November 21, 2005 (SG) November 22, 2005 (NA) |
| Genre(s) | First-person shooter |
| Mode(s) | Single player, multiplayer |
| Rating(s) | ESRB: Teen (T) PEGI: 16+ OFLC: M |
| Platform(s) | Windows XP only |
| Media | 1 DVD or 2 CDs (both same features) or Digital Download |
Battlefield 2: Special Forces is an official expansion pack for the computer game Battlefield 2. It includes six new armies (compared to just three in Battlefield 2): U.S. Navy SEALs, British SAS, Russian Spetsnaz and MEC Special Forces, a Russian Rebel group and a Middle-Eastern Insurgent faction. These last two armies are apparently inspired by, respectively, Chechen rebels and insurgents in Iraq, but not named as such in the game. There are ten new vehicles, twelve new weapons, and eight new maps.
This expansion pack is available for purchase via EA's content delivery service, known as EA Link, in addition to retail copies and Battlefield 2 deluxe edition. The expansion pack also includes new awards that players can earn, such as badges, ribbons and medals. The day of release of the expansion pack, EA/Dice released a new patch (version 1.12) which fixed a few bugs but mostly added art assets for the original Battlefield 2 game to support the new weapons from the expansion.
[edit] New features
- 6 new forces: US Navy SEALs, British SAS, Russian Spetsnaz, Middle Eastern Coalition Special Forces, Chechnya Rebel Groups, and Insurgents.
- 8 new maps: Devil's Perch, Ghost Town, Iron Gator, Leviathan, Mass Destruction, Night Fight, Surge, and Warlord.
- 10 new vehicles: AH-64D Apache Longbow, Mi-35 Hind, ATV, BMP-3, civilian car, technical, Desert Raider, HMMWV w/ TOW, jet ski, and Forklift.
- Night vision goggles, for use in night scenario maps.
- Crossbow-fired Ziplines are provided to the Special Operations and Sniper classes. They provide rapid movement from high locations to lower locations, that may be impossible to reach otherwise. Once in place, the zipline can be used by anyone. After use, the ziplines can be retrieved and reused by any Special Operations or Sniper class that has already used theirs.
- Grappling hooks are provided to the Assault and Anti-tank classes. They can be thrown onto rooftops to be used to reach places that are impossible to reach by conventional means. Alternatively, they can 'drop a line' while already on a rooftop to safely climb down or help others to reach a rooftop. Once in place, the rope can be climbed by anyone. After use, the rope can be retrieved and reused by any Assault or Anti-tank class that has already used theirs.
- Tear gas launchers are provided to the Support class. Once deployed, the tear gas is released and creates a cloud that obscures sight, causes intense blurring of vision, and subjects coughing that can give away a soldier(s) position. Tear gas does not discriminate between hostile and friendly infantry, so players should always be prepared to equip their gas mask to protect themselves.
- Gas masks have been implemented into the game to combat the tear gas effects (blurred vision, coughing).
- Flashbangs replace the smoke grenade used by the Assault class. While flashbangs do not interfere with the sight of enemies at long ranges, anyone caught in the effect radius is blinded temporarily. Players are provided three flashbangs instead of one smoke grenade.
- RPG-7s are part of the new anti-tank weapons usable in Special Forces. They travel at a higher velocity than other anti-tank weapons, but cannot be guided in flight and do not travel in a straight line. They also do not trigger the lock-on warning when aimed at vehicles due to their lack of detectable guidance systems, making them perfect ambush weapons.
- New weapons:
[edit] Booster packs
Booster packs are additional content released for Battlefield 2 that can be downloaded via the EA Link for US$10, £6 or €10. The booster packs are now available in retail form as the "Booster Pack collection", which feature these packs.
Booster packs add a significant amount of content to the game, but are different from expansion packs because they are intended to add to the original gameplay and not stand on their own (such as Special Forces does). The booster packs include new maps, vehicles, and a new European Union faction.
| Battlefield 2: Armored Fury Booster Pack | |
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| Developer(s) | Digital Illusions CE: Canada |
| Publisher(s) | EA Games |
| Designer(s) | Dice |
| Engine | Battlefield 2 Engine |
| Release date(s) | worldwide: June 6, 2006 |
| Genre(s) | First-person shooter |
| Mode(s) | Single player, multiplayer |
| Rating(s) | ESRB: Teen (T) PEGI: 16+ OFLC: M |
| Platform(s) | Windows XP only |
| Media | Digital Download |
[edit] Euro Force
Battlefield 2: Euro Force is the first booster pack, and was released on March 14, 2006. The booster pack allows players to play as a new European Union Army, armed with new weapons and vehicles from the various countries of the EU. It is available for purchase online at the Electronic Arts download service., or as part of the retail Booster Pack Collection. It was scheduled for release in February, but was delayed due to a substantial amount of new bugs caused by the release of patch 1.2. Euro Force is available to purchase and download (370 MB). It features a whole new army, 4 new vehicles, 3 new maps, including; 'The Great Wall of China', against the People's Liberation Army of China, And 7 new weapons including The HK53, L96, L85A2, HK21, Benelli M4, FAMAS, and P90.
[edit] Armored Fury
Battlefield 2: Armored Fury is the second booster pack released for Battlefield 2 and was released on June 6, 2006. It added 3 new maps, as well as two new vehicle classes: attack jets for close air support and reconnaissance helicopters that automatically locate enemies. Operation Midnight Sun features the Chinese landing at the Alaskan port Valdez where they are trying to secure much needed fuel from the pipeline. Operation Road Rage is a MEC vs. USMC map, where the MEC are using US Highways to transport units to industrial areas. Operation Harvest sees the United States trying to stall the MEC on route to the capital from northwest, being blocked in a Pennsylvania Dutch farm, while waiting for reinforcements. New vehicles include the A-10 Thunderbolt II (part of the Attack Jet class) and the OH-6 Little Bird (as part of the recon helicopter class). However, the proposed AV-8B Harrier was cut from the addon due to balancing issues.[24]
[edit] References
- ^ GameSpot Battlefield 2 Technical Information. GameSpot. Retrieved on 2006-05-19.
- ^ a b GameSpy Review - Page 1. GameSpy. Retrieved on 2006-05-19.
- ^ Digital Illusions buys Trauma Studios. Trauma Studios. Retrieved on 2006-05-19.
- ^ Battlefield 2 Review. GameSpy. Retrieved on 2006-05-19.
- ^ Battlefield 2: Modern Combat review. Gamespot. Retrieved on 2007-01-15.
- ^ Battlefield 2 Review. GameSpot. Retrieved on 2007-03-11.
- ^ The Maps of Battlefield: Part 1. GameSpy. Retrieved on 2007-03-11.
- ^ Digital Illusions Interim report January-June 2006. Retrieved on 2006-08-11.
- ^ Metacritic: Battlefield 2. Retrieved on 2006-05-20.
- ^ "PC Gamer", September 2005, p. 56.
- ^ Gaming Nexus' Battlefield 2 Review. Retrieved on 2006-05-20.
- ^ Battlefield 2 Review. Games Radar. Retrieved on 2006-05-20.
- ^ 2005 Winners. gamecriticsawards.com.
- ^ Battlefield 2 Download
- ^ Offical changes with Patch 1.01.
- ^ Patch 1.01 recall.
- ^ Patch 1.02 information.
- ^ Patch 1.03 information.
- ^ Patch 1.12 information.
- ^ Unofficial Guide to Badges and Ribbons. Retrieved on 2006-05-14.
- ^ Patch 1.30 information.
- ^ Patch 1.40 information.
- ^ Patch 1.41 information.
- ^ Official EA Armored Fury website.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Official
- Other
|
Battlefield 1942 • Battlefield Vietnam • Battlefield 2 • Battlefield 2: Modern Combat • Battlefield 2142 • Battlefield: Bad Company |
