EA's latest venture into the world of LIVE and WAR!

EA Games have created a new Battlefield game, ‘Modern Combat’, to show off their prowess in the Live arena. Alongside copying an established format, (1942, Vietnam, Special Forces....) this game hope to utilise on the 360’s capabilities, and bring clan warfare to the position it belongs, out in front. But can a tired format really bring anything new to Live. Hopefully, EA has got it right this time.

Battlefield 2... Does it do exactly what it says on the tin??

When you first open the box, place the disc in the tray, you are filled with anticipation. Will it have the realism of Call Of Duty 2? Or the gameplay of Perfect Dark Zero? Is Battlefield 2 all it says on the tin? ‘All out war, your way’.

The game itself consists of you fighting on behalf of either side, and ultimately deciding which side to confirm allegiance. Apparently, it’s a story-driven arena, but this never really transpires in the gameplay. You have options of playing as either U.S., E.U, (wasn’t aware they had a military), China or Middle East, and with over fifty weapons at hand, many detailed maps and vehicles, you’re bound to feel spoilt for choice. The game boosts of online clan support, a ‘deep stat tracking system’, and ten wonderful maps for multiplayer, this game has been bred with Live in mind.

So... How do I blow stuff up?

To find out, you have a quick run at the single-player campaign. What is going on? A five minute tutorial would be nice, just to get to grip with the controls/tiny map/no-idea-what-you’re-doing-so-I’ll-shoot-everything. Hang on, how can I be three people at once? Mmm, not too good.

Ok, initial disappointment over. I’ll just give it one more try. I’ll just press that little ‘Live’ button.

It's....IT's....ALIVE!!

And this is what warrants the £50 price tag. Yippee, a Live game that really is Live. (and I must admit, the first FPS type game that you don’t want to shoot your annoying team-mates.) I’m going to jump on a tank, or maybe a boat, damn it, I’ll just call in an artillery strike. Why not. War is great.

Battlefield 2 has that nice ‘chunky’ feel of a Halo style game. Excellent when it comes to assault rifles, but if you are a natural born sniper, you may need a bit of practise to get the refined feel you need to shot your enemies in the gut. It is well paced too, especially on Live, as the joining, loading and re-spawning occur smoothly. This game is perfect as an ‘all out war’ game, all that is required of you is to shoot, kill and dominate. That’s it. No more, no less. After all, that is what you subscribe to Live for is it not?

Who wants a fist sandwich?

Returning back to the single-player game for more practise, you realise that is all it is created for, practise. The achievements are not really exciting. You never get involved with any particular character, apart from the bloodied, battle-crying solider you have become, the soul of the game is empty. If, like me, you like to have a certain empathy with a games character, you won’t find it in Battlefield 2. If however, you just want to kick some American (or any other nationality) ‘butt’, go right ahead. You will thoroughly relish the experience.

This game is one that you will play time and time again. It doesn’t share the problem of many 360 releases in the fact it has no longevity. This game will be there for you to enjoy on Live for a long time to come, it will be there to welcome you and your friends after a return from the pub to indulge in multi-player. You won’t tire of it, (unless you have no friends, or do not subscribe to Live).

XboxLIVE = 10 Game play = 9 Longevity =10 Graphics =9 Sound = 8 Control =8 Playability = 10 Overall= 9

By Mystical Mamba