It's been exactly one week since the release of the Battlefield: Bad Company 2 demo on Xbox Live. Since then it has shot up to number 3 on the Live most played titles list. That's right, only Modern Warfare 2 and Halo 3 have more unique players playing than this demo. After spending a week playing it is easy to see why. Before we delve into the details let's take a look at what the demo provides, which isn't all that much.
The demo is a multiplayer demo only. You only have the option of playing one mode on one map. That mode is called "Rush" and you play it on the Harbor map. It's a snow covered level taking place in...yep a Harbor. You do have the option of choosing one of the 4 classes, but those have been restricted quite heavily as well. You start with one weapon, and have the ability to unlock one more for each class. None of the three "perks" are available for the demo so there aren't many options as far as customization goes. The weapon restrictions do not bother me, but I wish they would've let us take a look at some of the perks. I have a feeling that they will greatly alter the way the game is played, and it would have been nice to know what, if any, difference they would make. The Harbor map in itself is quite big and offers opportunities for all types of combat. The game mode locks parts of the map until the Attacking team is able to destroy two objectives. Then a new section will be unlocked and the fighting will move there. This is quite a clever concept and keeps the action from spreading out too far, which would become a problem with maps of this size.
As I alluded to earlier there are two teams in the Rush game mode. One team is tasked with destroying objectives while the other team tries to defend them. The attacking team usually gets a slight advantage as far as vehicles are concerned. If used correctly vehicles have the ability to inflict an incredible amount of damage on the targets and the personel defending it. It's very rare that a lone attacker can infiltrate the base and blow up an objective all by himself. Which leads me into another great addition to the game and that is the Squad option. Right off the bat you're given the choice to join a squad. You also have the option to assemble your own squad pre-game and then look for games from the lobby. Being in a squad is where you truly feel like you can change the outcome of the battle. This is mainly due to the fact that you are able to spawn on your squad mates location once you have died and sat out for 10 seconds. Without a squad buddy you will be forced to enter the game at one of the edges of the combat zone, and your combat effectivness takes a hit as it will usually take you a little bit of time before you can reach the action. The matches are 12 v 12 but being part of a squad makes it seem much more intimate. In all the time I've spend playing I've never seen more than 4 or 5 people roll-up together. It's extremely well done, and makes it feel like you're being part of a much larger battle while still keeping you focused on one area or one objective on the map.
The game itself is gorgeous. The detail in the environments, the character models, the vehicles and far spanning vistas are impressive. In the horizon you will see boat docks, a city, and vast mountain ranges. All of it is quite spectacular. Of course the original Bad Company was known for its destructibility. The sequel definitly improves upon that aspect of the game and it is still a major strategical component.
The sound effects are incredible. There's a noticeable difference between firing a weapon outside as opposed to inside of a building. Tank shells will explode almost constantly and remind you that heavy artilery deaths are around every corner.
The demo is very limited, but it's done a great job serving as an appetizer of what will probably be one of the very best shooters of this year.
Keep an eye out for our full review shortly after the game hits retail on March 2nd.
