new battlefied and it might be free...sorta :)

[xGoblin013x]

I'm sure peopel will make servers where the pay for weapon isnt allowed...
Unless we have to pay to enter a server

[TheSilentAssassin]

boring...

+1

EA needs to get its act together...

[CarbonFire]

I'm sure peopel will make servers where the pay for weapon isnt allowed...
Unless we have to pay to enter a server

That's the thing. If EA's previous server efforts are representative at all, you WON'T be able to do that. They tend to keep a rather tight reign on the options that server owners can tweak. I can easily imagine a scenario wherein they protect the potential profitability of their "free" game by making sure every incarnation of its server supports the upgrade for pay profit model.

It's only free on the surface. This is just the next step in trying to reap continual profit from a single FPS title, in the same way MMOs bilk customers out of their $15 every month. There is no charity here....please move along :P

[CarbonFire]

Some new info emerges:

http://planetbattlefield.gamespy.com....php?id=147747

Sounds like they are taking the cartoony theme to the extreme on this one, even beyond what TF2 did.

General Information:
# Community management team a lot larger than any other Battlefield game
# Game has "telemetry technology" that gives feedback on items people buy and how characters are setup
# Entire game is 3rd person so you can see the customizations your player has. Also allows you to see your player blown into the air. If 1st person is really wanted it can be changed over time.
# Assorted taunts and emotes
# Any abilities you have show at the bottom of the HUD
# No command rose like BF2
# Holding Q opens 6 panels each allows you to select a jeer, wisecrack, or suggestive body language. These can be bought with points just like abilities
# Players have a lot more health
# Weapons less lethal
# Spawn time shorter (5 seconds)
# Firefights last longer giving time to use unlockable abilities
# Vehicles spawn when you arrive at the point (no waiting)
# "Intelligent Spawn System" spawns players close to the action
# Both lone wolf and competitive clan play encouraged
# Cannot switch kits mid match
# Choose abilities before you start a game
# Idea to do a cartoon Battlefield dates back to Battlefield 1942, Lars Gustavsson envisioned something like BFH

Point System:
# Called "metagame" Just a temporary name not official
# You character picks what faction to play for and you fight for territorial position, all your points you gain go into your faction / army's pool. At the end of the week amount of area conquered by each faction is added up and each is awarded "money" depending on the percentage of conquered land.

Customizable Features: (in-game money will get you this)
# Heads, faces, necks, chests, hands, waists, legs, feet

Items:
# Eye patches, badges, hats, boots, helmets, goggles, belts, gloves

Classes:
Solider
# Best at determining an enemy's location
# Has a See-the-Enemy power - outlines nearby opponents even through walls. Lasts 10 seconds, 30 seconds to recharge

Solider Abilities
# Incendiary rounds
# Health boost - Heals all allies around you
# Recharge over time


Commando
# Specializes in stealth, stab kills, sniping
# Few hit points
# Fast moving
# Slips in and out of cover
# Partial cloak
# Weapons do high damage, but not a lot of ammo


Gunner
# Well armed and armored
# Slow moving
# Uses rapid-fire machine guns, rocket launchers, possibly flamethrowers in the future
# Can throw grenades back

General Abilities Information
# Other abilities can combat each other
# Bomb Bouquet (non official name) - throw 15 grenades at a time, basically handheld artillery strike
# Possibility of 15 abilities at launch and 50 in the first year

[FieryDragon]

This sounds awesome. Carbon...You and me will have alot of fun customizing our dude to best fit our rushing capabilities. Looking forward to this one for alot of fun.

[CarbonFire]

This sounds awesome. Carbon...You and me will have alot of fun customizing our dude to best fit our rushing capabilities. Looking forward to this one for alot of fun.

Personally, I'm real hesitant on this particular title. I know there is the seed for awesomeness there, but I'm very much against LEASING my games rather than purchasing. They've been moving this way for years, this latest incarnation is just the logical next step in reaping continual revenue from essentially patch-sized content updates. I'm just trying to keep everyone abreast on the development of this game, if for no other reason than to try and convince myself that there is some good in this game

I'm just always wary when someone is willing to give something away for free.....especially when that someone is EA

[CarbonFire]

New trailer up with gameplay:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=KYQP-uBijWg

Looks.....interesting. Not passing judgment till I see more (not particularly fond of the 3rd person view so far though).

[The_Needle]

While I don't care for the third person perspective the strafing run on the troops caught my attention. Now THAT looks like fun....

[CarbonFire]

A few more details (gleaned from Shacknews):

• Battlefield Heroes will sport three character classes: the standard Soldier, the fast-moving Commando, and the heavily-armed Gunner. Instead of picking their faction at the beginning of each round, players will be forced to swear their allegiance to the National Army--a politically correct Axis team--or the Royal Army when registering their account. The conflict between the two has something to do with a dispute over the Olympics. Yes, really.
  
• The mini-map....has been entirely removed.
  
  Defending the controversial choice, Cousins argued that the team had created a multiplayer mode that did not require an overall view of the battlefield. A mixture of Capture the Flag and Team Deathmatch, players will be hunting each other down while attempting to capture the flags scattered about the map. While the flags aren't needed for victory over the other team, each capture speeds up that team's respawn time.
  
• Other casual-friendly modifications include the absence of friendly fire and the removal of one-hit sniper and knife kills, which are said to make the game less frustrating and more entertaining. Matchmaking will be handled based on a player's skill level in an attempt to keep the frustration level low.

Seems like they are going Casual-friendly to the EXTREEEEEEEEME

[Rovey Wade]

Point System:
# Called "metagame" Just a temporary name not official
# You character picks what faction to play for and you fight for territorial position, all your points you gain go into your faction / army's pool. At the end of the week amount of area conquered by each faction is added up and each is awarded "money" depending on the percentage of conquered land.

I've always envisioned something like this. Except in my mind, it is way more in-depth and in a more serious title.