Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Review
When it comes down to multiplatform first person shooters, many think that Infinity Ward's Call of Duty has that market cornered. Well, they don't, because Electronic Arts and DICE have something to say about that with their all new Battlefield entry: Bad Company 2. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is truly a solid effort from a multiplatform game, an effort we'd really love to see more of from other developers and publishers.
As the game opens up, a prologue throws you back into time very briefly and sets you during a World War II event. Wait, no, don't scoff! This isn't a World War II game, it just uses that one scenario as a backdrop, as soon as you complete your first mission you'll be fast forwarded to a time that's much closer to the present where tensions between America and Russia escalates and an all new conflict breaks out. Without spoiling anything, this conflict relates to the established prologue, and the story will eventually take you out of Russia and into South American countries like Bolivia and Colombia.
The story is there and, for the most part, it's pretty decent. But you'll likely forget about it when you're completely enamored by the game's superb mechanics. Much like Killzone 2, Bad Company 2 gives you that sense of immersion that every gamer looks for out of an FPS. Every shot feels like it counts for something, as the feedback you get from your guns is spectacular! Not only that, but when those bullets connect with an enemy you get more feedback, as enemies will recoil from impact, fall, grab their wound, or perform various other animations that let you know you were successful.
Best of all, I noticed numerous other things about the A.I., and that's their attire and the effect it has on gameplay. For example, in the opening mission where armor is very weak or non-existent on your enemies, it will only take a shot or two to kill a foe. Where as when you're facing enemies that are decked out with protection, it may require 2-4 shots to take one out, unless you score a headshot. Now, even when you're in the present time of the game, enemies will vary in the amount and type of armor they wear, so you will still come across lightly-armored foes that you can level quickly. And it's that sort of realism that really makes Battlefield: Bad Company 2 click for me. Truly, the game mechanics are some of the best the FPS genre has seen this generation.
But, I'm sure, just like with other FPS games, most of you bought this for the multiplayer. And by all means there's nothing wrong with that, because Bad Company 2 boasts a tremendous multiplayer setup, that can hold even more players than Call of Duty can. A total of 24 gamers can run around, but be aware that BC2's multiplayer is a bit more strategic than other shooters. You've got four different job classes (Assault, Engineer, Recon, and Medic) that you can pick before spawning. All of them should be pretty explanatory, with the exception of Engineer, which boasts both Demolition and Specialist in one package. You can take control of tanks, remote helicopters, and other crafts/vehicles, all of which you can use to gain an advantage on the field. All of the action will unfold across four match types: Rush, Conquest, Squad Deathmatch, and Squad Rush. And yes, weapon customization and experience points are present.
Graphics are often the crux in multiplayer games. While Battlefield doesn't shatter any ground, or topple Sony's own Killzone 2, it still is a good looking game. For starters, BC2 runs at a proper resolution, a full 720p unlike Call of Duty. Lighting effects are also pretty impressive, especially when you're in a lush area full of greenery all around you. There are a high number of really sloppy and washed out textures, and you'll no doubt notice them when you're taking cover. But you will try to look past them when you realize the full picture is very sharp, runs well, and animates well.
Helping aid the game mechanics and the feedback of your gun shots is the audio, which successfully replicates every fired bullet with precision. Turning up the sound on this one is suggested, as it only helps the experience. Of course, aside from sound effects, there's a good amount of voice work that you'll hear all throughout the game, whether its during a cut-scene or during battle from either your squad or the enemies spouting hate in their language. For the most part, it's hard to find too much fault with the voice acting, so Bad Company 2 rounds out its score quite high across the board.
If you were one of the many disappointed by the last Call of Duty game, and haven't scored your copy of Battlefield: Bad Company 2, then I highly encourage you to do so. It is the first blockbuster FPS game of 2010, and it'll take a lot of effort for another game developer to top this. Employing some of the best game mechanics in the genre, terrific balance, terrific multiplayer fun, and a technical package you can appreciate, Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is an FPS you need to play.
3/24/2010 Arnold Katayev
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Comments (64 posts)
LegendaryWolfeh
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 12:09:18 PM
But when you look at everything from a big view, it does look pretty nice graphically, and everything feels like you're actually immersed in the game with the environment and controls, really enjoyed it. SP that it. MP...there's just so much bush camping D:
Alienange
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 12:40:13 PM
Jawknee
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 1:07:20 PM
Imagi
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 3:26:44 PM
FlyingKickPunch
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 3:33:05 PM
NonProphet
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 3:51:09 PM
Wage SLAVES
Thursday, March 25, 2010 @ 9:17:52 AM
FullmetalX10
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 12:12:05 PM
Reply
Single player is to me the most important part of the game, to me it's the most immersive thing in the game, just sitting there in your room, totally concentrated, and if a game is good, then you will get immersed and forget the room you're in. You will be transfered into the alternate reality that is the video game world.
Don't have that much with multiplayer...
Beamboom
Saturday, March 27, 2010 @ 4:40:46 PM
MadKatBebop
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 12:37:16 PM
Mr Bitey
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 2:37:00 PM
BikerSaint
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 12:30:58 PM
Reply
Maggot666PL
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 12:48:13 PM
ArnoldK PSXE [Administrator]
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 1:02:59 PM
Alienange
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 1:07:46 PM
Last edited by Alienange on 3/24/2010 1:08:05 PM
Jawknee
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 1:08:18 PM
Hezzron
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 1:18:29 PM
Alienange
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 1:40:12 PM
Jawknee
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 1:46:39 PM
i said YOU call people haters and you don't like it when people disagree with you. the Hitler part was as little joke to illustrate just how much you dislike it when people disagree with you. YOUR not Hitler, you treat your opponents like they are. You need to relax.
Last edited by Jawknee on 3/24/2010 1:51:36 PM
MadKatBebop
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 1:46:54 PM
Jawknee
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 1:51:19 PM
Nick Maim
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 3:00:04 PM
I have both games and have played both extensively. Bad Company 2 picks up where MW2 leaves off. Not only can you run around on huge maps shooting your friends on the internet, but in BadCo 2 you can fly around, drive around and boat around. Squad co-operation is necessary, and rewarded. Environmental destruction is part of game advantage, as is using ingenuity such as placing c-4 on a quad bike, driving up to a tank, jumping off just before impact, sending the quad into the tank and detonating it, and everyone in it.
BadCo is full of epic moments. The closest you get to that in MW2 is when you can control a chopper... sort of. Lame that you can only use the turret, not actually fly it..
hehateme
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 1:10:29 PM
Reply
tridon
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 1:26:41 PM
Reply
MadKatBebop
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 1:55:02 PM
Last edited by MadKatBebop on 3/24/2010 1:55:36 PM
Lazytrappin
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 7:36:28 PM
Hezzron
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 1:35:01 PM
Reply
I like this kind of stuff, but I'm gonna wait until it's cheaper in a few months. Sue me, I'm thrifty.
tlpn99
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 2:00:08 PM
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Multiplayer online right first off the bat when you get this dont be put off by the online side when you try it. At first I was running round like a noob and you soon get taken out by the people who are a higher skill level than you. I was like what's this all about as I wasn't sure what I was doing etc now I love playing it.
You have to get into a squad that talks. The amount of times I jumped on with a load of random people and not one of them was talking. The only downside I would say to this is that you can only talk to your squad members. So if your friend jumps online with you then chances are they will end up playing on the opposite side and you wont be able to talk to them. This is only if your squad is full. If a space is available then they will jump into your sqaud.
Also when playing you can spot other enemies this is done by pressing select so that they become highlighted on the map. Other members on your side but not in your sqaud can see this so they know where they are etc.
The 4 classes are good and bring a variety to the game. I play with a clan all the time online and were all different levels so we will say I'll go medic or such and such it does help if you have a good mixture of the classes though.
I also like the use of the vehicles in this game. Flying the helicopter will take you some time getting used to but it's something your going to have to have to practice. I have landed one once and that was a fluke but it bounched and skidded along the ground lol. The tanks are great fun but hard to control sometimes.
I like this game as much as I like MW2. Playing both online is very different though and you soon realise that.
Good review Arnold.
Alienange
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 2:05:50 PM
MadKatBebop
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 2:25:07 PM
BeezleDrop
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 2:15:22 PM
Reply
Beamboom
Saturday, March 27, 2010 @ 4:53:24 PM
WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 2:48:03 PM
Reply
NonProphet
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 3:56:07 PM
Alienange
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 4:11:16 PM
Bloodysilence19
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 3:52:53 PM
Reply
NonProphet
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 3:58:21 PM
Reply
Imagi
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 3:58:32 PM
Reply
This is, for me, the best online shooter to date on the console platform, by far. No other game touches it for the epic adrenalin fuelled moments, and the mayhem of battle which can barrage your senses.
It is probably the closest you will come to post traumatic stress disorder without actually being in the firing line.
Alienange
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 4:15:14 PM
MadKatBebop
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 5:27:04 PM
johnld
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 4:21:21 PM
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battlefield bad company 2 beats campfest/jacked up spawns/modern warfare 2 any day.
Last edited by johnld on 3/24/2010 4:30:18 PM
MadKatBebop
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 5:34:11 PM
The Stig
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 7:12:16 PM
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But the MP is where this game really shines. Working as a team is vital, and especially good if you get a squad of your mates together. I'm having so much more fun with this than I had with MW2, which I would have traded in by now if it wasn't for the spec-ops missions.
Lazytrappin
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 7:32:21 PM
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Jamaican_Heat
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 10:19:55 PM
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BikerSaint
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 11:15:43 PM
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___________
Thursday, March 25, 2010 @ 4:37:23 AM
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MW2 just had those action moments that had your heart pounding, like the mountain climb or the snow mobile race.
BFBC2 to me was a massive let down, i absolutely loved BFBC and was expecting this to be that but on sterioids but it could not be more different.
BFBC was a really big open world game, and every mission you were handed a laser designator to wreak some havok!
sadly BFBC2 rarely lets you do that, it feels really boring and mundane in comparison to BFBC.
BFBC > BFBC2 && MW2 > BFBC2
PLEASE! DICE PLEASE GO BACK TO THE ORIGINAL BATTLEFIELD SERIES, ENOUGH OF THIS BAD COMPANY BS GO BACK TO WHAT MADE YOU FAMOUS GO BACK TO WHAT YOUR FANS WANT!!!!!!!!!!!
BATTLEFIELD FOREVER!!!!!!!
Kr3sn1k
Sunday, April 11, 2010 @ 5:48:55 PM
BeZerkid
Monday, April 19, 2010 @ 1:53:54 PM
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MickaeL486
Monday, May 17, 2010 @ 4:24:42 AM
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There's PURPOSE in BATTLEFIELD. MORE THINGS TO DO. YOU HAVE A ROLE. After playing Battlefield BC2 for the first time, I find it hard to go back to MW2. It just feels like a spastic and twitchy deathmatch. dying and killing, which becomes very dull after awhile.
BATTLEFIELD BAD COMPANY 2 FOR THE WIN!!!!
Last edited by MickaeL486 on 5/17/2010 4:25:44 AM











Jawknee
Reply
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 @ 12:05:11 PM
"While Battlefield doesn't shatter any ground, or topple Sony's own Killzone 2, it still is a good looking game."
Didn't they boast this would beat Uncharted 2 in the graphics dept?
Last edited by Jawknee on 3/24/2010 12:06:08 PM