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Bad Company 2 Multiplayer Hands-On

We learn the importance of the company you keep in Battlefield: Bad Company 2's multiplayer.

Tank vs. rocket launcher. Who will win?
Tank vs. rocket launcher. Who will win?
Battlefield: Bad Company represented a major shift for both developer DICE and for the Battlefield name that made it famous. Here was a console-specific Battlefield game that focused on a single-player experience, one that was action-packed and stocked with likably misanthropic characters on a mission that necessitated the blowing up of, well, pretty much everything. 

Still, Battlefield is Battlefield, and Bad Company's single-player experience was complimented by a multiplayer component that recalled the series' class-based, competitive roots in a way that worked well on consoles. Bad Company 2 is coming early next year, and while DICE and publisher EA are being tight with information about the Bad Company's next mission, I recently got to spend a little time with the game's multiplayer, which looks to refine the online experience offered by the original.

Keeping with the theme of the Bad Company 2 assets that have been released so far, the map being shown took place in snowy terrain littered with various structures, though DICE promises that there will be more variety to the setting than the first game. The asymmetrical map was large, but there were several ways to get to where the action was. Like the original, you could respawn near one of your teammates, and each base was stocked with tanks and four-wheeler ATVs, the latter of which had an appropriately and pleasingly squirrely handling profile. 

The game mode being shown was a retooled version of the first game's Gold Rush mode, though since precious metals apparently aren't the focus of the sequel, it's been renamed to simply Rush. In it, control points were scattered across the map, and the objective was to place an explosive charge at an enemy's control point, which you would then have to defend until the charge went off, lest the enemy defuse it. 

Expect more control over your load-out in Bad Company 2.
Expect more control over your load-out in Bad Company 2.
There were several class options to choose from each time you respawned, and each class offered a few different load-out choices as well. Load-out customization is a point that DICE is expanding upon significantly, and I was told that what I saw was just a taste of what the final game will offer. Taking a cue from the wildly popular multiplayer in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Bad Company 2 will have some persistence online, with certain weapons and perks being awarded based your performance in the game.

One of the defining characteristics of Bad Company was the ability to blow dramatic holes in the structures in the game. Bad Company 2 promises to up the ante on this, allowing you to take buildings down to their foundations. I didn't experience any of this first-hand during my multiplayer session, I definitely found that a building provided little safe haven from an enemy player in a tank. I had the poor luck of being on a team made up mostly of press while going against a number of DICE employees, who soundly handed our hats and our asses to us. Aside from the other team simply having more experience with the game, this really highlighted the fact that, more than the original, Bad Company 2 will require you to work well with the rest of your squad.

The multiplayer in Bad Company 2 is looking solid, but to be honest, it was the single-player game that made the original so memorable. EA promises we'll learn more about that at the upcoming Gamescom in Cologne this fall.

  

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Ryan

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Edited By Ryan  Staff
Tank vs. rocket launcher. Who will win?
Tank vs. rocket launcher. Who will win?
Battlefield: Bad Company represented a major shift for both developer DICE and for the Battlefield name that made it famous. Here was a console-specific Battlefield game that focused on a single-player experience, one that was action-packed and stocked with likably misanthropic characters on a mission that necessitated the blowing up of, well, pretty much everything. 

Still, Battlefield is Battlefield, and Bad Company's single-player experience was complimented by a multiplayer component that recalled the series' class-based, competitive roots in a way that worked well on consoles. Bad Company 2 is coming early next year, and while DICE and publisher EA are being tight with information about the Bad Company's next mission, I recently got to spend a little time with the game's multiplayer, which looks to refine the online experience offered by the original.

Keeping with the theme of the Bad Company 2 assets that have been released so far, the map being shown took place in snowy terrain littered with various structures, though DICE promises that there will be more variety to the setting than the first game. The asymmetrical map was large, but there were several ways to get to where the action was. Like the original, you could respawn near one of your teammates, and each base was stocked with tanks and four-wheeler ATVs, the latter of which had an appropriately and pleasingly squirrely handling profile. 

The game mode being shown was a retooled version of the first game's Gold Rush mode, though since precious metals apparently aren't the focus of the sequel, it's been renamed to simply Rush. In it, control points were scattered across the map, and the objective was to place an explosive charge at an enemy's control point, which you would then have to defend until the charge went off, lest the enemy defuse it. 

Expect more control over your load-out in Bad Company 2.
Expect more control over your load-out in Bad Company 2.
There were several class options to choose from each time you respawned, and each class offered a few different load-out choices as well. Load-out customization is a point that DICE is expanding upon significantly, and I was told that what I saw was just a taste of what the final game will offer. Taking a cue from the wildly popular multiplayer in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Bad Company 2 will have some persistence online, with certain weapons and perks being awarded based your performance in the game.

One of the defining characteristics of Bad Company was the ability to blow dramatic holes in the structures in the game. Bad Company 2 promises to up the ante on this, allowing you to take buildings down to their foundations. I didn't experience any of this first-hand during my multiplayer session, I definitely found that a building provided little safe haven from an enemy player in a tank. I had the poor luck of being on a team made up mostly of press while going against a number of DICE employees, who soundly handed our hats and our asses to us. Aside from the other team simply having more experience with the game, this really highlighted the fact that, more than the original, Bad Company 2 will require you to work well with the rest of your squad.

The multiplayer in Bad Company 2 is looking solid, but to be honest, it was the single-player game that made the original so memorable. EA promises we'll learn more about that at the upcoming Gamescom in Cologne this fall.

  

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Venatio

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Edited By Venatio

Looking forward to this game, its from Sweden, Like me =)

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Sniipe

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Edited By Sniipe

Never played the first, maybe I'll get this.  Looks cool.

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gingertastic_10

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Edited By gingertastic_10

this will be my first pre-ordered game for sure

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Linkyshinks

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Edited By Linkyshinks

It sounds great, a very welcome step up in all areas.

You have posted this in off topic...I guess the mods can move it.

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giyanks22

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Edited By giyanks22

This game looks awesome!!!

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FrankCanada97

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Edited By FrankCanada97

Finally! Parachutes!

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brocool

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Edited By brocool

thanks david

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chapman12

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Edited By chapman12

cool i liked the first one alot so this is a buy for me

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MetalGearSunny

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Edited By MetalGearSunny

Aww man. I want to play it this year!

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euge

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Edited By euge

Thats an awful long time to wait for this game, with any luck I'll have a job by then as well. Then it will matter to me what games are being released. Thats assuming that it gets released in Europe early 2010, so it might be even longer.

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tekmojo

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Edited By tekmojo

Rock/Paper/Scissors...SHOOT


Wise decision making it come out for PC.
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Jared

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Edited By Jared

Great interview, I plan on picking this game up, I've been enjoying the first one since launch.

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70sStylePimp

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Edited By 70sStylePimp

Being a fan of Battlefield since the early days of 1942 I was a bit sceptical of the first Bad Company and its Single Player focus.  However I was wrong and enjoyed the game a great deal.  I like how Dice are keeping quiet on the SP storyline just now.

Looking forward to checking this out in 2010. 

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WreckinRodRumbler

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For a second there, I thought RUSH was where you get to play in a Three-Man Band.

Oh well, the alternative sounds aight. Can't wait for this game!

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btk88

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Edited By btk88

Can't wait for BC2

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HassaniSabbah

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Edited By HassaniSabbah

"Taking a cue from the wildly popular multiplayer in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Bad Company 2 will have some persistence online, with certain weapons and perks being awarded based your performance in the game."

Isn't it more accurate to say that COD4 took a cue from Battlefield 2? That game had persistent weapon unlocks nearly four years ago. In any case, the original Bad Company had this as well.

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Gizmo

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Edited By Gizmo

Bad Company was a great game, but unfortunately suffered from some pretty major graphical problems. Massive screen-tear, over-use of grain effects to name but two.

Hopefully, Dice have left their lesson from the first.

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killawogg

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Edited By killawogg

one thing that i liked about the first game was the humor, so we'll see how this one come out for me

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nick69

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Edited By nick69

I still love and play bc, it looks like their fixing all the key problems in the first one, finally.

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Edited By RHCPfan24
Gizmo said:
Bad Company was a great game, but unfortunately suffered from some pretty major graphical problems. Massive screen-tear, over-use of grain ... [more]
I agree with the screen tear. That was pretty severe actually. And it was the first game I played on my new HDTV so I thought it was broken, lol.

Still, BC was pretty great overall, and the multiplayer was one of the best parts. Let's also hope the single player is well made.
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Gizmo

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Edited By Gizmo
RHCPfan24 said:
Gizmo said: Bad Company was a great game, but unfortunately suffered from some pretty major graphical problems. Massive screen-tear, over-use ... [more]
Exactly the same here, the game looks like arse on a HD-TV, but quite nice on a SD-TV. Still this is 2009, ya'll.

Killzone 2 happened.
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RHCPfan24

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Edited By RHCPfan24
Gizmo said:
RHCPfan24 said: Gizmo said: Bad Company was a great game, but unfortunately suffered from some pretty major graphical problems. Massive ... [more]
Like Killzone 2......don't love it. The single player is fine but nothing spectacular and the mulitplayer is very well done but I am not a big MP guy. Maybe it is not my game then, hmm?
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Gizmo

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Edited By Gizmo
RHCPfan24 said:
Gizmo said: RHCPfan24 said: Gizmo said: Bad Company was a great game, but unfortunately suffered from some pretty major graphical ... [more]
I'm talking graphically, that game nails gritty first person combat. Bad Company was just a grainy, teary mess.
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RHCPfan24

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Edited By RHCPfan24
Gizmo said:
RHCPfan24 said: Gizmo said: RHCPfan24 said: Gizmo said: Bad Company was a great game, but unfortunately suffered from some pretty ... [more]
Oh, ok. Then most certainly :D
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lacke

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Edited By lacke

Nah, the multiplayer was still the best part about BC imo. I still play it today. Don't get me wrong, the campaign was fun and better than most shooters but come on, it's a BF game!! :)

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chronicsmoke

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Edited By chronicsmoke

I thought the first one was pretty damn fun,BC2 looks like itll be a step up in all areas of the game

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Kohe321

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Edited By Kohe321

Can't wait!

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natetodamax

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Edited By natetodamax

Oooh, was that gameplay footage reflecting off of the fish tank?

Anyway, nice interview Ryan. I can't wait for this game

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Edited By MrKlorox

I definitely hope there is a multiplayer beta signup. Not sure if I'm getting it for PC or 360... depends on what friends get or if PC has extras.


Ryan said:

Taking a cue from the wildly popular multiplayer in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Bad Company 2 will have some persistence online, with certain weapons and perks being awarded based your performance in the game.
Battlefield did this long before Call of Duty ever did. My how people are so quick to forget.


Gizmo said:
Bad Company was a great game, but unfortunately suffered from some pretty major graphical problems. Massive screen-tear, over-use of grain effects to name but two.
Is v-sync that much of an issue? I didn't notice it much at all. And grain noise effect was no worse than the one used on the video in this article. Not nearly as bad as the L4D default. Though I do think that all games that use a grain filter should have an adjustment bar in the options.
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Seppli

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Edited By Seppli

Singleplayer VS Multiplayer aka 10 hours VS 350 hours



Why so deadset of 'Bad Company' beeing a single player experience first and foremost - guys?


I play BF:BC regulary. Am loving it to this day. Especially love the introduction of the 'Gold Rush' aka 'Rush' mode. Since the 'Desert Combat' mod for 'BF 1942', which had 'Push Maps', that are very similar to the 'Rush' concept, I hoped for something like that to come out of DiCE. 'Rush' ups the friction between opposing forces tenfold. More friction means more fighting. More fighting means faster pacing. Faster pacing means more action. More action means more excitement. More excitement means MOAR FUN. As a long time Battlefield fan, having played most of the franchises iterations, I love 'BF:BC' the most, because 'Gold Rush' offers the most fun multiplayer gameplay to me.

To make things perfectly clear. I played the singleplayer portion of 'BF:BC'. It took me something around 10h. It was okay. I like the characters. I enjoyed the destruction. But like all singleplayer games, it ended. That's when I startet to play its multiplayer. Now I play 'BF:BC' for nearly an entire year. I made over 20k kills and clock in at a playtime of roughly 14 days. So I played singleplayer for about 10 hours and multiplayer for about 350 hours. No disrespect, but not one review of 'BF:BC' did it justice. Not one review did point out the awesomesauce of it's multiplayer componet, which is, in my humble opinion, one of the best online multiplayer games to date. To me, it's flat out the best yet.

Especially 'Rush' is designed in a way, to provide a fun experience, even in the worst case scenario of playing with a bunch of apeshit fools, who don't know their own dicks from bananas. Every map is a 'multistage' map. Once the attackers win the first stage, they push forward, opening a the next stage of the map. Every step provides an epic setpiece to battle over. A map may start with a wide open stage, designed for vehicular warfare, just to climax in an infantry only, urban environment. The setpieces funnel us players to an endless stream of awesomesauce. At its best, it tastes like a bucket of spicy, vietnamese-style, napalm-fried chicken. An extremly intense and fun wargame. All the awesome of blowing shit the fuck up, without all the suffering pain, death and loss of the real thing.

Multiplayer is like an never-emptying bucket of superspicy chicken. Singleplayer was just an okay starter dish. Nothing to write home about. But the chicken here, in where-ever-the-fuck bad company has me fighting over gold crates, tastes addictively like victory!
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stephengotlost

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Edited By stephengotlost

Battlefield 2 had persistent statistics and unlockables. If anything, Call of Duty 4's persistence online took cues from Battlefield 2.

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FrankCanada97

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Edited By FrankCanada97
stephengotlost said:
Battlefield 2 had persistent statistics and unlockables. If anything, Call of Duty 4's persistence online took cues from Battlefield 2. [more]
So true
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Edited By MrKlorox

350 hours is insane dedication. I only got around 100 hours and haven't played all year. Focused on support for a long time, then messed with the recon with the infantry scanner + knife combo. People hate a knife rapist, that's for sure.

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Edited By Seppli

At the moment, I love playing the offensive sniper. Move quickly from cover to cover. Playing a favorable angle. Carefully approaching the crates. Hopefully having some useful squadmates using me as a spawnpoint. In throwing range of the crates, uncovering all enemy activity and going for it. Then a swift retreat to a tactically superior spot (it's all about angles you know) to snipe people trying to disarm the explosives. It's even better, if some squadmate goes in for the arming of the crate. Good soldiers always play an angle. Favorably with sight on the crates. For the frakkin' win!

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Mathematics

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Edited By Mathematics

Please DICE, don't change the game too much, because as it stands, BC1 ispretty much perfect. I just finished a 6 hour marathon of Gold Rush before I saw this story. Every time you play you experience something awesome and new. 8500+ kills and still loving it.

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deactivated-5f9398c1300c7

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Make the feeling of the guns more flexible and less chuggy.

Make the guns smaller looking. They take up the whole fucking screen.

Team killing is constant in BF: BC's multiplayer, especially in close range combat.

More concentration on accuracy and less on spray'n pray.

Keep the humor.

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Edited By Death_Unicorn

How about being able to completely annihilate a building, instead of just getting it down to their foundations?

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Edited By Rudigher

It sounds silly, but one thing I loved about the original is the sound effects. The sounds of the weapons were the best I've heard in any game.

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Edited By Xakura
@HassaniSabbah:
Exactly what I wanted to say after reading the article, battlefield has had unlockable weapons for a long time, the original bf:bad company also had it.
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Edited By CptChiken

he didnt ask how clean it smelled :(

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Edited By pause422

Could not care one bit about BC2.

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Edited By pweidman

If they really improve everything in mp and sp(I know, they won't)the game will be a dominator.  My one fear is that they will take some resources away from the sp, and try to emphasize the mp too much.  I just really enjoyed the sp in BBC...it was such a light year improvement from the older BF games.  Also, if they do not improve the ability to squad up with friends and STAY together, my fun w/the mp will be short lived just like it was w/BBC.

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imayellowfellow

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Edited By imayellowfellow

bad feeling about bad company 2 from this interview honestly

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MichaelBach

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Edited By MichaelBach

Great!! Looking forward to see more at E3

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TheWorstPlayerEver

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I think I might rebuy the first after reading and watching videos about this game

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Edited By IncredibleBulk92

BC had awesome multiplayer.  At one point it was actually in danger of stopping me playing Call of Duty 4 but let's face it only MW2 is going to be able to do that.


I liked the interview btw, I also watched the Gamespot interview and it kinda made me sad how awkward it was.
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Number1

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Edited By Number1
pause422 said:
Could not care one bit about BC2.
Yet you clicked on this news story. Fucking moron.
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CrazedJoker

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Edited By CrazedJoker

Correction: That is not a tank... It is a APC (Armored Personel Carrier)/ Armored Car

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TOYBOXX

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Edited By TOYBOXX

The destructibility of BF: Bad Company felt satisfying and yet it was lacking in other areas of the game. Map and game type variety was my biggest complaint of the first game which kept me away for a long while and instead played COD4 most of the time. I'm glad they addressed that and will spice things up, so to speak, for BC2. As for quad vehicles, it'll be interesting, as a sniper, to get to a decent position quicker, or to perform a quick plant. It'll certainly force people to hustle a little more from time to time.

I'll definitely keep an eye on BC2 for sure. This video perked my interest a little more.