One of the Best Games of the Year
As primarily a console gamer, Battlefield: Bad Company represents everything I wish the Battlefield series could've been. Almost everything good (except maybe the ability to go prone) is carried over from Battlefield 2, and everything new works incredibly well. The controls may seem strange at first, but once you get used to them, it's not hard to see them becoming the new standard for console shooter. The graphics are top-notch, in my opinion some of the best the 360 has to offer. The new Gold Rush game mode is one of the best multiplayer experiences I've ever had. The map destruction and well thought-out classes balance almost perfectly to make an enjoyable experience for the attackers and defenders alike.
I haven't even touched upon the campaign mode yet. A first for the Battlefield series (unless you count the flimsy campaign in Battlefield 2: Modern Combat), the single player experience gives me great hope for DICE's next story-based outing, Mirror's Edge. The characters are humorous and endearing every step of the way, marking perhaps the first time a war game could also be considered a successful comedy. Enemy A.I. is nothing fancy for this generation, but it holds up, and difficulty levels are well-balanced, save for a few frustrating areas. There's no real penalty for dying, which walks the line between helpful and patronizing. The game's "main villain" seems almost taped on, and there's no real emotional connection to the "climactic" final battle. Luckily, he doesn't show up until about halfway through the game, and makes few appearances even after that. Other minor characters, however, are very entertaining and well-developed, from the eccentric president of what I will call "Fictionalistan" to the sarcastic military dispatch woman. The music plays a more primary role than in most Battlefield titles, with the epic theme still intact and the reimagining of Battlefield: Vietnam's radio system, now featuring licensed (yet generic) surf rock, bluegrass, and even some jazz. Overall, the campaign mode offers laughs, explosions, and a well-spent 5-6 hours.
I can almost guaruntee that console shooter fans will find something to like here. Honestly, I think it's a better game than Call of Duty 4. See you on the Battlefield!
