Battlefield Heroes is currently under development by EA and DICE and is scheduled for release in the Summer of 2008. The title takes the Battlefield series in a new direction, both in that it will be distributed to players free of charge and in the cartoon-like graphics that it will boast. The game will remain based on World War II, however the atmosphere and game play will be far different than its predecessor Battlefield 1942.
Battlefield Heroes will also boast both third person and first-person in-game cameras. The camera angle will change depending on the game-play situation. Rumors have suggested that first-person game play was not going to be included, however several EA developers have said that it will be featured. More information about the camera views is expected in the next several weeks.
A new point system is also planned for Battlefield Heroes, something that has not been seen in previous Battlefield titles. As you progress as a soldier, you will accumulate points which you can then use for upgrades and for purchasing new gear, such as helmets and goggles, for your character. Skills and abilities will play a much larger role in accumulating points as the game will emphasize on larger and more class oriented battles. Once you create a player for the first time, you stick with him, moving him up through the ranks and gaining points.
Three player classes have been revealed so far: the soldier, the commando, and the gunner. Each class has its own specific benefits and cons, such as the commando’s fast speed but relatively low ammo and the gunner's heavy armor yet slow movement capabilities. The player's looks will all be customizable as well, allowing you to change everything from facial features to buying your player badges and hats. Also, each player class will feature class specific weapons. For instance the soldier will have incendiary grenades while the commando will have the ability to cloak and hide from enemies. The game could have as many as 15 classes at launch, and up to 50 within the first year of release.
Battlefield Heroes will play more like Team Fortress 2 than previous Battlefield titles, focusing more on the extravagance of massive battle than on realism and authenticity. However, the game will function much simpler than Team Fortress. Features like added accuracy for crouching and realistic weapons have all been removed, leaving you with battle - pure and simple. There will be new features, such as the ability to jeer and taunt enemies as well as simpler to use vehicles, which will be available the minute you respawn (no more waiting).
The game will be offered under the "Play 4 Free" model, a new strategy by EA where the title will be released for free and revenue will be made through advertisements. Although advertisements will be displayed on the website and on the menu pages of the game, no advertisements will be displayed in game.
Battlefield heroes will be released only for PC and has not been rated by PEGI or ESRB. For more information on this title and its developers, you can visit the EA or DICE Website, or check out Battlefield Hereos' Official Site.
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