About Battlefield 1943

Battlefield 1943 returns the franchise to the World War II theatre, this time focussing solely on the Pacific front. The game puts the US Marine Corp up against the Japanese Imperial Army, competing on three primary maps. Unlike its predessor Battlefield 1942, Battlefield 1943 will take place completely online. Battlefield 1943 will be available on Xbox LIVE Arcade, PlayStation  Network for download this summer and on PC later this fall for $14.99 or 1200 MS points.

The Game
Powered by Dice's innovative FrostBite game engine, Battlefield 1943 promises to be far more than a simple first person shooter. On top of standard infantry gune battles, players will also be able to use an array of vehicles, including fighter planes. Plus, destructable environments will give the game an unparralelled sense of realism, where tanks can roll through bunkers, and planes can dive bomb enemy strongholds. From jeeps to aircraft carriers, the means of attack are seemingly endless.

There will also be a squad feature incoroporated into the game to make coordinating attacks easier than ever. You can teamup with up to four other players to plan enemy base takeovers, share tank controls, and much more. With the game focussing solely on its online multiplayer capabilities, squad play will be a key for a team's success.

The Maps
Battlefield 1943 will feature three maps to compete on, Wake Island, Iwo Jima, and Gudalcanal. Each will support up to 24 online players and is based on actual historical events.

Wake Island
Here, the coral atoll of Wake Island was conquered by the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1941, and remained in Japanese control until the end of the war in 1945. Strap up solider, the beautiful blue skies, clear waters, and green island are yours for the taking! This horseshoe shaped location offers fierce, open-air fighting for the bold yet offer plenty of concealed locations for the crafty sniper. Rush the shores in your landing craft early to get a foothold on the nearest outposts or board a fighter plane and provide aerial support for your advancing squad. The key to Wake Island’s dominance lies in the airfield where you will have access to another fighter plane, a tank, and the powerful air raid. Make sure to keep your eyes and ears alert – planes are often divebombing the narrow roadways so jump into one of the many 40mm AA guns and clear out any winged pests. Also, don’t forget the importance of sticking with your squad here; a fully loaded squad moving together is a powerful force especially if there is a tank or jeep in the mix.

Iwo Jima
This island off the coast of Japan saw some of the fiercest fighting in the war. The US Marine Corp won a decisive victory in February of 1945, and the photograph of five marines raising the American flag on top of Mount Suribachi has become a classic image. The key to successfully navigating Iwo Jima is in the dirt; keep your head down and your melee weapon up as you move through the trenches. The hilly terrain creates bottlenecks for attacking waves and gives the holder of the high ground a solid tactical advantage, so make sure to coordinate your attack when charging the mountain. In these tight fighting grounds, it’s often smart to keep a squad together around a tank with an infantry man handy to repair the metal fortress should the enemy get a rocket to the breach.

Guadalcanal
This hilly island Northeast of Australia saw heavy fighting between August of 1942 and February, 1943. In a combined land, sea, and air operation, the Allies managed to capture it from the Japanese in a campaign that is considered to be a turning point in the war. This diverse and mountainous island is ripe for snipers perched atop the highest points where they can thin the enemy forces from afar. Vehicles commanders be aware, there are many steep hills that will leave you a vulnerable target for grenades, expacks, and rocket fire. A sneaky squad can use the less traveled paths to quickly make their way to vantage points and take an outpost with a quick side attack.

Player Classes
Battlefield 1943 is divided into two competing armies: the US Marine Corps and the Japanese Imeperial Army. Each army features three player classes: the infantry man, the rifelman, and the scout; and each has a specific skill set that is vital to the overall team's efforts.

The Infantry man
The infantry man is responsible for a variety of tasks on the battlefield. Armed with a sub-machine gun, hand grenades, an anti-tank weapon, and a wrench - the infantry man is well equipped to handle anything that comes his way on the battlefield.

The Rifleman
The rifelman is built for ground combat against enemy troops, and is key for defensive tactics and holding down important areas. Armed with a semi-automatic rife, rifle grenades, bayonet, and hand grenades, the rifleman is the ultimate defense mechanism.

The Scout
The scout's primary function is long range warfare. With his sniper rifle, the scout can easily pick-off unsuspecting enemies from clear accross the map. He also comes with a pistol, bayonett, and explosives - making him the an undetectable nightmare for the enemy.

More Information
For more informatoin on Battlefield 1943, continue to check back here for the latest game details, news, screenshots, previews, and reviews. You can also vist the Official Battlefield 1943 Website.