Cert: 16+
Platform: Xbox 360, PC, PS3
Genre: First Person Shooter
DICE, the developers of Bad Company 2, clearly have their eye on Modern Warfare 2's crown; the tagline reads "Defining Online Warfare". The good news for gamers is Infinity Ward should be worried.
Bad bits first though, the single player is generic. The campaign follows a group of crack soldiers as they attempt to prevent WWIII (sound familiar?) The action is regularly interrupted by often unnecessary cutscenes which add little to the plot. The player's squad don't do much beyond drawing enemy fire and in certain fire fights are almost incapable of killing anyone. They also get right back up after being shot, blown up or even taking an RPG to the face. While shooters are hardly representative of actual combat - what with the ability to replay difficult bits and all - it grates to see the AI operating under an entirely different set of rules to the player. Still everything looks and sounds great.
Battlefield is really about the multiplayer and here it shines. Online games are all about mastering the in-game classes, utilising the various vehicles and playing in a squad where people actually communicate rather than running around like Rambo. Matches are drawn out, epic and yet accessible for newcomers. They are also about skill rather than what perks a player has unlocked.
In other words, medicine for those sick of arcade-style shooters.
Rent or Buy: Buy
Graphics: 5/5
Game Play: 4/5
Replay Value: 5/5
Overall: 4/5
Reviewed By: Bryan Collins
