Battlefield Heroes – PC – Preview 2

From DICE, the developers of the
acclaimed Battlefield franchise, Battlefield Heroes is the latest title in the
developer’s long-running franchise. Opting for a cartoony look as well as easy
to grasp, casual online shooter gameplay, Battlefield Heroes is certainly a
different looking and different playing entry to the series. Additionally, the
game will differ from its predecessors by being the first title in the series to
be completely free to play.

After opening a public beta last
fall, the game closed down as more features were implemented over winter. Now,
EA and DICE have reopened the game’s beta, albeit in closed form, and GameZone
was given some more hands-on time with the upcoming free shooter. The results
are a lot of what we found in earlier preview form, like easy to play combat
coupled with simple controls and fun and accessible gameplay.

In order to begin your gameplay
experience, Battlefield Heroes requires you to create a new account and a
character with which to play in the game. After signing up, you’ll create your
own character using a few customization options and then you’ll be able to jump
into the fray.

Gameplaywise, the game capitalizes
on the classic features of the Battlefield series. The gameplay is the same
variety of spawnpoint capturing that the series has made its own, and performing
well will net you specific rewards. You’ll have access to a variety of different
weapons and vehicles, on the ground and in the air. There is a mission system
that also gives players rewards for completing certain goals, which will also
earn them some in-game cash that can be spent on weapons and other items. The
action unfolds from a third-person perspective as opposed to a first-person view
as in other Battlefield titles, giving you a view of your character at all
times.

Battlefield Heroes uses
“Battlebucks” as currency for its microtransaction model, which are purchased
using real currency from a credit card or a PayPal account. Using Battlebucks,
players can purchase items that alter your character’s appearance, as well as
widgets, emotes, and various other little items.

Graphically, the cartoony look won’t
be everyone’s cup of tea, but looks pretty good for the game’s casual and
lighthearted atmosphere. The characters look good and sport quite a bit of
personality, while the bright and colorful environments are solidly done; not
too shabby for a free game.

All in all, Battlefield Heroes is
shaping up quite nicely, and should be worth the investment of time for many
online shooter fans, if not a great entry point for those looking to take their
first steps into the genre.