HoOdeh's Column: BFBC2 needs your love

Pantheon's very own Jacques "HoOdeh" Naude is back with his second column, this time revolving around the beta version of Battlefield Bad Company 2 which was just released several weeks ago. Check inside to see his thoughts on what could be 2010's big online title.

HoOdeh's Column: BFBC2 needs your love

So, Battlefield Bad Company 2 Beta testing has now been going strong for a few weeks, and I must say, I’m impressed.

I have always enjoyed the Battlefield franchise from 1942, to Vietnam, to Battlefield 2. I think the main reason for this is the players. At rAge 2009, roskii and I sat in the press area next to the Battlefield 2 tournament, and it was amazing. Gamers who applaud when the other team wins a round, shaking hands, not yelling and swearing. It was incredible.

BC2's menu is friendly to use

So anyway, it was great to log onto the server, and see all the usual suspects there, BFB, BFC, vVv, sG, VVB and a bunch of new ones. This made it feel like a giant LAN with mates.

I think the main reason the franchise is so popular is that appeals to a certain kind of gamer. I can’t see die hard COD4 and CSS players enjoying this title that much. The use of vehicles and overall gameplay as a squad and then as a team add a dimension of gameplay that does not leave room for giant ego’s and the 1man team mentality. Of course you still get the random that discovered he can camp in a tank (he has a AWP on Dashur behind the crates usually), but this is the great thing about BFBC2, once this happens, you see a whole squad deploy with C4 and mines sneak up and take him out. Its great!

Ok so anyways, this is a BETA with 1 map (so does HoN thanks Shase), but it’s addictive as hell. There are a few glitches and the hit registry is still a bit off, but once in, you struggle to get out. I must say I think that this title picks up right off where BF2 left of and where the mod Project Reality tried to keep going.

Dealing with tanks is an everyday job

Once the game is released and we have a decent map pack, some good map rotation, all the vehicles and unlocks, and the mods break out, there is a going to be an outbreak of new Battlefield Junkies ready to take on the challenge. In true Battlefield style, to unlock all the weapons you are going to need more points than the Bulls score in an entire decade of rugby, and then “ooh I have a new shotgun!”, but for some odd reason this works. It what I call the “commit”, like trying to reach a 1800 psr on HoN, but it’s what keeps bringing you back for more….(that and trying to get HumbleZA after he knives you.)

Overall I think this title has the staying power of BF2, but I have known to be wrong on occasion (flaming sambuca on your nipples for example), but alas only time will tell. My best advice, get a beta key, log on, and ramp a quad bike into a Black Hawk, it’s good for your soul.

P.S. Big shout out to Suumpmolk as the most "insane chopper pilot evar" (Ads cost $5 payable to roskii)

P|HoOdeh a true sniper at heart...Shotguns for the soul.