KiLL3r
4th September 2006, 12:39 PM
Standing in front of the Sofitel San Francisco Bay hotel in beautiful Redwood City, California, EA Community Day had begun. For those that don’t know, EA Community Day is an event that EA throws every year for the modders and community members alike that have been active in the Battlefield community. The day began with everyone meeting up in the lobby at 10 am. There we were picked up by Brent Dady, Assistant Product Manager at EA, and we were all introduced to one another. After taking a group photo outside the hotel, we made our way to EA’s offices. Just a short way down the road, this is where all the fun would happen.
When reaching EA, our first stop was the EA store. There you could find all sorts of swag, from shirts to games. After checking out the store, I chatted a bit with Blitz from the First Strike mod, then got my picture snapped. After that we traveled to the room they had set up for us to all play in. This is the room where all the action would go down, for the next hour or so anyway. Now to the part you all want to hear about: How was Battlefield 2142 you ask?
------------Good part starts here----------
After picking our seats (I was on the end of one side next to fellow community member Stadler), we were told to start playing. To my surprise, they had Conquest mode set up for us all to try out. This was a big plus to me due to the fact the only mode any of us had tested out so far was Titan. Like many of the guys I had talked to at the event, we agreed that Conquest mode brings back the Battlefield feeling. Before giving you all a rundown on the new maps that we tested out, let me just say that the game played beautifully. Not only were the systems we played on (high-end AMD and Nvidia systems) very impressive, the game itself took a giant leap forward as far as performance and game play. So for those, including myself, having troubles and doubts about the latest beta released, fear not as it will get better. Now to the maps!
Tunis Harbor:
The first map that was set up and ready for us to play when we got there was Tunis Harbor. This map is featured in the African Theater and is a Conquest only map. The main thing that immediately draws your attention is the desert setting. Going from playing only Verdun to this new map was a drastic, yet good change. At least from my point of view, the best way you can describe this map is a mix between a Strike at Karkand and Sharqi Peninsula type of feel: Strike at Karkand because of the close quarters, urban style of combat, and Sharqi Peninsula because of the openness on all height levels of the map. To start out the map, each team has one uncappable base and there are three flags to be taken. The map included only basic vehicles such as the FAVs (Bandit and Ocelot) and one walker per team (Riesig and Bogatyr), which helped in keeping it a near infantry only map. As I stated about the openness of the map, you’re able to attack on all levels in this one. You have access to many raised catwalks that span the map and the ability to climb on top of many roofs to get a good vantage point…which makes this map both good for those that like to get right into the battle, and the snipers that like to stay back. The capture points are fairly close together so it’s not too much of a pain to walk from one to the other if you’re without a vehicle. As always, squad work plays great in this map with the tight urban combat. I can definitely see this as being a favorite when the game ships.
Suez Canal:
Next up in the rotation was Suez Canal, another desert map featured in the African Theater. In this map, the EU forces start out with five capable bases while the PAC starts with one uncappable. This map is hard to relate to a BF2 map, but it features most all the vehicles in the game and is mostly wide open…so if I had to relate it to a BF2 map, it’s like Karkand with vehicles. Much like in Karkand, one side (EU in this instance) can sit at the closest base to the PAC uncap and wait for them to come, but you have to be careful. Also much like in Karkand, if you let the PAC capture the far/main base of the EU, they are able to fight from both sides of the map and you’re stuck in the middle. This tactic is especially easy in Suez Canal because of air transport. If you notice over the canal is a massive bridge. This bridge became the central point of a lot of the battles I was thrown into. Grabbing a tank from the farthest left base, I had a couple of tank wars back and forth the bridge…as well as some crazy drivers in the FAVs that sometimes made for an easy target…but they mostly bailed out before I could fire. So the bridge makes for some great battles for both infantry and vehicles, but the way I see it, it’s geared more towards vehicle fighting. While this might not be everyone’s type of map, those that love the vehicle aspect of the Battlefield series will soon find a quick home in Suez Canal.
Those were the two maps we played for a bit before heading off to lunch in EA’s cafeteria. There, Brent gave us his card and we all had lunch on him (thanks man!). They had anything you could possible want there, from fish n chips to hamburgers to pizza. After picking up my cheeseburger, I was fortunate enough to eat lunch with Blitz from the First Strike mod and StrangerthanFiction from the Forgotten Hope mod. We chatted about what we thought of the version of 2142 they had us playing and a little bit about their mods and how they are progressing. Be sure to keep an eye out for these two mods, as they both have some great stuff coming. After lunch, and Brent telling us the reason why there is a bright yellow Lamborghini sitting in their cafeteria, and another group photo taken by a bouncy cage, that someone deemed the Battlefield 2142 pod testing area, it was back to gaming. When we came back a new map was set up to try out.
Sidi Power Plant:
Yet another map featured in the African Theater, Sidi Power Plant reminded me somewhat of Daqing Oilfields or Zatar Wetlands from BF2. Each team has their main, uncappable base located on the north and south sides of the map, then there are five capable bases featured throughout the map. I say it reminded me of Daqing or Zatar because a lot of the fighting takes place around a central point, in this case, the reactor core. This map is also great for those that love the vehicle play because like Suez Canal, this map features most all vehicles. To start out this map, the squad I was in all hopped in an air transport and headed out. Tim ([MyIS]Crrrazzzy) was in the cockpit flying us all so you know we needed to be a little careful :P. Using the tactic of flying from base to base, bailing out, capping the point, then hopping back in, we were able to control a lot of the map (I think that tactic will be used on a lot of the maps). Overall, if you like vehicle conquest maps, then this is another one you’d most likely enjoy playing.
Shuhia Taiba:
The final African Theater map that I got the chance to test, Shuhia Taiba is another vehicle oriented map. Like Sidi Power Plant, the battle usually is focused around the center flag located next to a giant circular building, or the two surrounding bases. Blitz and I grabbed a tank and went cruising around for a bit capping bases, and took advantage of another tank when they happened to fall into a ditch. Unfortunately, this is one of those maps where if you don’t have a vehicle, it is really a pain to get from place to place. Overall though, it’s another solid map that adds variety to the map selections.
So after playing conquest some more on those maps, we were led over to another room for a Q&A session with Kristoffer Bergqvist from DICE. All questions were open about Battlefield 2142 and some on Battlefield 2, but no Bad Company. This was a great time for the modders to ask about mod tools, the BF editor, and other such issues that would affect their mods. We also learned a variety of new things including BF2142 will not feature any widescreen support, the BF recorder will have the same functionality in BF2142 as it did in BF2, and much more.
When we were done with the questioning, we headed back to the game room where they had set the computers up for some titan mode action. But before that came the very exciting new look at Battlefield: Bad Company. As we are not allowed to say anything (and weren’t allowed to take pictures for obvious reasons) on what we saw, I’ll leave it at you guys will be blown away when you see more on this upcoming title. After the trailer for Bad Company, Kristoffer went through a PowerPoint presentation on how to “properly” play in titan mode. After that it was back to the game where they had Verdun set up to play, a familiar map for everyone to jump into. Unfortunately, myself and a few others didn’t get to hop into titan mode as we had to leave to catch our flights back home. So after grabbing some goodies from EA and saying goodbye to the guys, Brent walked those that had to leave back to the hotel.
This was my first time going to an event like this and I had an amazing time. It’s great to meet all the community members and modders face to face and talk with them in person. While we may be each other’s competition online, we are all in it for the same thing, the love of the game. On behalf of Tim and me, we would like to give a big thanks to the guys at EA, especially Brent, for helping organize this community day and having it turn out to be a great experience. As I said before, don’t be too let down if you are having issues with the beta. The version we played really was a solid build and makes Battlefield 2142 a very promising game. As its set for right now, you can expect to see BF2142 in stores by October. Until then, stay tuned for more news!
TotalBF2142.com
By Brandon E.; AKA Spawndemon
sounds great
When reaching EA, our first stop was the EA store. There you could find all sorts of swag, from shirts to games. After checking out the store, I chatted a bit with Blitz from the First Strike mod, then got my picture snapped. After that we traveled to the room they had set up for us to all play in. This is the room where all the action would go down, for the next hour or so anyway. Now to the part you all want to hear about: How was Battlefield 2142 you ask?
------------Good part starts here----------
After picking our seats (I was on the end of one side next to fellow community member Stadler), we were told to start playing. To my surprise, they had Conquest mode set up for us all to try out. This was a big plus to me due to the fact the only mode any of us had tested out so far was Titan. Like many of the guys I had talked to at the event, we agreed that Conquest mode brings back the Battlefield feeling. Before giving you all a rundown on the new maps that we tested out, let me just say that the game played beautifully. Not only were the systems we played on (high-end AMD and Nvidia systems) very impressive, the game itself took a giant leap forward as far as performance and game play. So for those, including myself, having troubles and doubts about the latest beta released, fear not as it will get better. Now to the maps!
Tunis Harbor:
The first map that was set up and ready for us to play when we got there was Tunis Harbor. This map is featured in the African Theater and is a Conquest only map. The main thing that immediately draws your attention is the desert setting. Going from playing only Verdun to this new map was a drastic, yet good change. At least from my point of view, the best way you can describe this map is a mix between a Strike at Karkand and Sharqi Peninsula type of feel: Strike at Karkand because of the close quarters, urban style of combat, and Sharqi Peninsula because of the openness on all height levels of the map. To start out the map, each team has one uncappable base and there are three flags to be taken. The map included only basic vehicles such as the FAVs (Bandit and Ocelot) and one walker per team (Riesig and Bogatyr), which helped in keeping it a near infantry only map. As I stated about the openness of the map, you’re able to attack on all levels in this one. You have access to many raised catwalks that span the map and the ability to climb on top of many roofs to get a good vantage point…which makes this map both good for those that like to get right into the battle, and the snipers that like to stay back. The capture points are fairly close together so it’s not too much of a pain to walk from one to the other if you’re without a vehicle. As always, squad work plays great in this map with the tight urban combat. I can definitely see this as being a favorite when the game ships.
Suez Canal:
Next up in the rotation was Suez Canal, another desert map featured in the African Theater. In this map, the EU forces start out with five capable bases while the PAC starts with one uncappable. This map is hard to relate to a BF2 map, but it features most all the vehicles in the game and is mostly wide open…so if I had to relate it to a BF2 map, it’s like Karkand with vehicles. Much like in Karkand, one side (EU in this instance) can sit at the closest base to the PAC uncap and wait for them to come, but you have to be careful. Also much like in Karkand, if you let the PAC capture the far/main base of the EU, they are able to fight from both sides of the map and you’re stuck in the middle. This tactic is especially easy in Suez Canal because of air transport. If you notice over the canal is a massive bridge. This bridge became the central point of a lot of the battles I was thrown into. Grabbing a tank from the farthest left base, I had a couple of tank wars back and forth the bridge…as well as some crazy drivers in the FAVs that sometimes made for an easy target…but they mostly bailed out before I could fire. So the bridge makes for some great battles for both infantry and vehicles, but the way I see it, it’s geared more towards vehicle fighting. While this might not be everyone’s type of map, those that love the vehicle aspect of the Battlefield series will soon find a quick home in Suez Canal.
Those were the two maps we played for a bit before heading off to lunch in EA’s cafeteria. There, Brent gave us his card and we all had lunch on him (thanks man!). They had anything you could possible want there, from fish n chips to hamburgers to pizza. After picking up my cheeseburger, I was fortunate enough to eat lunch with Blitz from the First Strike mod and StrangerthanFiction from the Forgotten Hope mod. We chatted about what we thought of the version of 2142 they had us playing and a little bit about their mods and how they are progressing. Be sure to keep an eye out for these two mods, as they both have some great stuff coming. After lunch, and Brent telling us the reason why there is a bright yellow Lamborghini sitting in their cafeteria, and another group photo taken by a bouncy cage, that someone deemed the Battlefield 2142 pod testing area, it was back to gaming. When we came back a new map was set up to try out.
Sidi Power Plant:
Yet another map featured in the African Theater, Sidi Power Plant reminded me somewhat of Daqing Oilfields or Zatar Wetlands from BF2. Each team has their main, uncappable base located on the north and south sides of the map, then there are five capable bases featured throughout the map. I say it reminded me of Daqing or Zatar because a lot of the fighting takes place around a central point, in this case, the reactor core. This map is also great for those that love the vehicle play because like Suez Canal, this map features most all vehicles. To start out this map, the squad I was in all hopped in an air transport and headed out. Tim ([MyIS]Crrrazzzy) was in the cockpit flying us all so you know we needed to be a little careful :P. Using the tactic of flying from base to base, bailing out, capping the point, then hopping back in, we were able to control a lot of the map (I think that tactic will be used on a lot of the maps). Overall, if you like vehicle conquest maps, then this is another one you’d most likely enjoy playing.
Shuhia Taiba:
The final African Theater map that I got the chance to test, Shuhia Taiba is another vehicle oriented map. Like Sidi Power Plant, the battle usually is focused around the center flag located next to a giant circular building, or the two surrounding bases. Blitz and I grabbed a tank and went cruising around for a bit capping bases, and took advantage of another tank when they happened to fall into a ditch. Unfortunately, this is one of those maps where if you don’t have a vehicle, it is really a pain to get from place to place. Overall though, it’s another solid map that adds variety to the map selections.
So after playing conquest some more on those maps, we were led over to another room for a Q&A session with Kristoffer Bergqvist from DICE. All questions were open about Battlefield 2142 and some on Battlefield 2, but no Bad Company. This was a great time for the modders to ask about mod tools, the BF editor, and other such issues that would affect their mods. We also learned a variety of new things including BF2142 will not feature any widescreen support, the BF recorder will have the same functionality in BF2142 as it did in BF2, and much more.
When we were done with the questioning, we headed back to the game room where they had set the computers up for some titan mode action. But before that came the very exciting new look at Battlefield: Bad Company. As we are not allowed to say anything (and weren’t allowed to take pictures for obvious reasons) on what we saw, I’ll leave it at you guys will be blown away when you see more on this upcoming title. After the trailer for Bad Company, Kristoffer went through a PowerPoint presentation on how to “properly” play in titan mode. After that it was back to the game where they had Verdun set up to play, a familiar map for everyone to jump into. Unfortunately, myself and a few others didn’t get to hop into titan mode as we had to leave to catch our flights back home. So after grabbing some goodies from EA and saying goodbye to the guys, Brent walked those that had to leave back to the hotel.
This was my first time going to an event like this and I had an amazing time. It’s great to meet all the community members and modders face to face and talk with them in person. While we may be each other’s competition online, we are all in it for the same thing, the love of the game. On behalf of Tim and me, we would like to give a big thanks to the guys at EA, especially Brent, for helping organize this community day and having it turn out to be a great experience. As I said before, don’t be too let down if you are having issues with the beta. The version we played really was a solid build and makes Battlefield 2142 a very promising game. As its set for right now, you can expect to see BF2142 in stores by October. Until then, stay tuned for more news!
TotalBF2142.com
By Brandon E.; AKA Spawndemon
sounds great