Battlefield Play4Free (PC) Preview - PAGE 1

Battlefield Play4Free is the latest entry in EA's Play4Free lineup and also the traditionally-styled counterpart to Battlefield Heroes. Play4Free forgoes the cartoon aesthetics for a Battlefield 2 / Bad Company 2 mashup, and adopts the microtransaction model (there's no requirement to pay, but you'll nab some better weapons and cool-looking gear if you do). Naturally, the system requirements are quite low, so even that crummy laptop should be able to handle it, at least on low settings.

Open beta began last week, so I've taken some time with it to see how it's shaping up. Last I'd tried, it was in closed beta and proved a sorely dissapointing experience. DICE designer Patrick Bach recently noted the most important thing in creating a shooter is making sure shooting feels good. Then, it felt terrible -- between lag, poor framerate, and awkward movement, it was a struggle. Fortunately, that's all fixed now, and while not perfect, it's overall quite a pleasant experience. I expect developer Easy Studios will be implementing many tweaks and changes as they near the 'final' release, of course.

Upon signing up and downloading the game from the official site, you create a character restricted to a single class (Medic, Recon, Engineer, Assault); additional character slots can be purchased for about $1. From there, you customize your appearance and weapon loadout and head into battle, where you earn experience to spend on various abilities like medkit enhancements or vehicle licenses (all the good stuff including jets are here).

For now, matchmaking and bookmarks substitute for a server browser, to be implemented later, and it does a reasonable job -- I experienced no major lag at any point.

On the Oman, Sharqi, and Karkand maps, two teams are pitted each other in Conquest mode. Unfortunately, squads are not a feature here, though clan support will be added later.

The gameplay itself, as with the aesthetic, feels like a cross between BF2 and BC2. You've got the commo rose, four classes, and frequent combat. As a sum of its parts, impressions will vary depending on what you're looking for -- if it's pure BF2 with some enhancements, you probably won't be satisfied, but if you're open to elements of it spliced with some from BC2, it's a great bit of fun.

Audio is certainly capable, though nothing spectacular. Guns all sound distinct from one another, and some, like the PKM, really boom. Just don't expect BC2 levels of 'wow', and you'll be fine.

My only major complaint at this point is the narrow field of view. When aiming down your sights, it will often be much harder to hit an enemy -- at least before he hits you -- than it should be, thanks to the limited perspective. This is definitely an imperative issue, so hopefully Easy gets on it pronto.

The microtransaction model is quite the source of debate, as it should be. Items here can be rather expensive, though it depends on how you look at it. Guns for example, run about $5 each to keep forever, and to fully outfit each of the four classes, you'll spend about $50 -- the price of a full game. Of course, more will be added over time, so if you want to try everything, you'll be running a steep bill. The alternative is using credits you earn through gameplay to purchase guns for a day or a few -- not entirely desirable, though a nice feature. In any case, paying with real money is not at all required. Easy Studios' general manager Benjamin Cousins recently noted the advantages are about 5-10%, and testing with only default weapons, I never felt I could decry an opponent for taking me out with a better weapon -- it was always felt like a good, fair time. While this might not be an ideal model, I can think of a hell of a lot worse.

Battlefield Play4Free is already worthy to the franchise name, and should only get better as time goes on. In offering some solid, somewhat light fun at no required charge, it's a great way to deter pirates as much as it is to see an alternate take on BF2, or introduce yourself or a friend to the series.