"Battlefield 2" (VG) - Electronic Arts, DICE Rated T (Teen)

All is fair in love, war, and "Battlefield 2". A follow-up to the popular "Battlefield 1942," "Battlefield 2" puts you in a fictitious near-future in which the US is at odds with China and the Middle East (ok, maybe not so fictitious). Players duke it out across a variety of locales--ranging from dusty deserts, to boggy marshes, to confined cityscapes. Jets, attack helicopters, tanks, and all manner of war-machines are at your disposal.

As opposed to "Battlefield 1942," "Battlefield 2" places a large emphasis on coordination and teamwork. After joining a multiplayer server, you have the option of joining or creating a squad. One member acts as the squad leader, capable of delivering orders to his squad members via an interactive map and built-in voice commands. The squad leader than serves under the battlefield commander--an elected player with the power to initiate satellite scans, drop supplies, and order devastating artillery bombardments. This command structure is bolstered by built-in VoIP technology, allowing voice communication with microphones.

All of this may seem a bit confusing, and it is. The multitasking required simulates the chaos of war, creating a fast-paced and exhilarating experience.

Competition and dirty tactics are not only encouraged, they are rewarded. By creating a screen name, your multiplayer experience is recorded--allowing you to track your kills, deaths, and skill at the various battlefield roles. You are also given a series of rankings, telling you just how good you are compared to the rest of the world.

You'll notice that the bulk of this review focuses on the on-line aspect. Although single player is available, the experience is nowhere near as entertaining. The computer-controlled opponents, although an improvement over "Battlefield 1942," won't provide the challenge of a human player.

Graphics wise, this game is phenomenal. Character models and maps are diverse, smooth, and realistic. These graphics, however, come at a high price. This game will only run good on above average computers. You may need to upgrade your graphics card or RAM (1GB is ideal) in order to play at full effect. And, because most of the game is played on-line, a high-speed, broadband connection will be necessary.

"Battlefield 2" is a high-octane and thrilling experience, sure to keep you glued to your keyboard and mouse for hours. With the ability to gain ranks and unlock new weapons, and with many different tactics for which to wage war, the lasting appeal will keep "Battlefield 2" interesting for a long time.

Rating: 5/5