Battlefield 2 rolls its original ticket-based battle system into the modern-era with the elements that popularized the original game and with the addition of a new game engine and commander mode, makes enough changes to make this sequel much more than a professionally done mod of the original.

The biggest change to the game is easily the addition of a commander mode, which allows one player from each team to direct squads, fire artillery, and scan the map for enemy locations. This element effectively integrates a RTS element with the massive FPS combat that drives the game. The development of squads makes teamwork a more integral part of game play. On-screen cues display players' orders and provide a strong strategic element to this shooter.

Significant changes have been made to the original kits that each player chooses each time they spawn. Each kit now has distinct abilities that even affect them in vehicles. Players can compete as Special Forces, sniper, assault, support, engineer, medic or anti-tank...

Battlefield 2 rolls its original ticket-based battle system into the modern-era with the elements that popularized the original game and with the addition of a new game engine and commander mode, makes enough changes to make this sequel much more than a professionally done mod of the original.

The biggest change to the game is easily the addition of a commander mode, which allows one player from each team to direct squads, fire artillery, and scan the map for enemy locations. This element effectively integrates a RTS element with the massive FPS combat that drives the game. The development of squads makes teamwork a more integral part of game play. On-screen cues display players' orders and provide a strong strategic element to this shooter.

Significant changes have been made to the original kits that each player chooses each time they spawn. Each kit now has distinct abilities that even affect them in vehicles. Players can compete as Special Forces, sniper, assault, support, engineer, medic or anti-tank. Special forces have been given C4 this time around, which provides for some explosive close-quarters combat and the ability to destroy a nearby tank if you're quick enough to get in and out without being shot. Snipers, outfitted with their usual ghillie suits, can use claymores to surprise anyone who gets too close while raining down hot lead from a distance. The assault class is a no frills soldier armed with a M16 and the ability to fire grenades as well.

Support troops, armed with heavy machine guns, have the ability to distribute ammo to surrounding teammates. Inside a vehicle they become mobile support with the ability to resupply troops and vehicles around them. Engineers' mines can make assaulting a base a harrowing experience. The guys with the wrenches can also prove very useful by repairing bridges, vehicles, or artillery.

The medic class provides a unique experience by allowing you to play as a true combat medic. Medics, equipped with shock paddles, can resurrect a fallen soldier or serve as a mobile ambulance. These medics aren't bound by the Hippocratic Oath though. Those same shock paddles can be used to show an enemy soldier how it feels to have 12 volts of electricity coursing through his body. No FPS would be complete without the ability to fire an RPG, and the anti-tank class allows for just that. You're going to need it with over 30 playable vehicles in the land, sea and air.

Visually, the game is on par with any of the leading shooters. The dynamic lighting and realistic physics provide for an engaging environment. Who doesn't enjoy watching their friend get launched 30 feet into the air by a tank or artillery shell?The environments are somewhat destructible. Gun emplacements, artillery, and UAV trailers can be destroyed if you apply the proper firepower. Don't expect Source engine interactivity though. Propane tanks don't explode and buildings suffer no visual damage from barrages of artillery fire.

Battlefield 1942 was primarily an online multiplayer game and Battlefield 2 is no exception. The meager singleplayer mode consists solely of 16 player multiplayer maps with bots and no real storyline. Multiplayer maps, however, now change size and layout depending on the number of players allotted for the server. This feature makes the 12 locations into about 4 times as many layouts and eliminates the possibility of a map being too large or too small for the number of people on the server. A major addition to the game is the online stat system that records your Battlefield prowess on ranked servers. Players can receive awards and move up the ranks, unlocking new weapons along the way. This feature adds considerable replayablilty as players spend countless hours working for bragging rights and the next rank.

Unfortunately, the release version of the game has considerable bugs. For instance, sometimes a player on your team can appear red (indicating an enemy) and lead to an unintentional team kill. The game is a serious resource hog as well. It is definitely recommended that you upgrade your PC to take full advantage of the game and be able to run it smoothly.

The server browser has numerous problems and is the cause of much frustration for players just trying to join a game. Stats are only recorded on ranked servers and consequently it can be difficult to find an open ranked server at times. EA is always working on patches for the game though and should have these problems fixed in no time.

Battlefield 2 allows varied styles of play and should appeal to a diverse crowd of online gamers. Whether you enjoy flying helicopters, rolling over people in a tank or sniping someone from a rooftop there is something for you in this game. This game gives Battlefield 1942 fans everything they expected and more. It's definitely worth picking up because it's likely to be the number one online shooter for quite some time.