DICE has established a glowing reputation mostly due to the Battlefield series. Since Battlefield 1942 the games have featured exciting multiplayer combat, it infantry or vehicle-based and spawned a lot of imitators and sequels. Soon to be released are Battlefield 1943, Battlefield: Bad Company 2 and now we have Battlefield Heroes.

What distinguishes this game from the rest is not only the new artistic direction (hello Team Fortress 2), but also the fact that it is free to play. Beta keys are everywhere and players are stepping into the boots of Royal Army or National Army soldiers.

Although launched close to Quake Live, Battlefield Heroes couldn’t be more different from id Software’s work. This is an extremely easy game to pick up and play, and that is obvious by the tutorial alone. Short, sweet and straight to the point, it teaches us all we should know in less than 10 minutes. No fussing around here, battles are waiting! A levelling system makes sure you’re matched with players about the same experience.

You start by creating a hero, carefully choosing his class and appearance. Then it’s off to the fight, using all means available to kill the enemy and capture the neutral and rival flags. Each team starts with a given amount of points and when it depletes, said team loses the match. You can do this by conquering flags and killing enemy players

 

It’s pretty much straightforward, frantic and fun. Players can drive jeeps (and give a ride to a couple of fellow soldiers), tanks and even planes, although initially you’ll crash more than you’ll fly. Special tactics like invisibility are extremely useful and you gain experience points just by hitting an opponent, even if you don’t kill him.

The Battlefunds you earn are used to buy extra gear and skills, and being free to play, Battlefield Heroes had to feature a store. You can also purchase content using real money to improve your look, get some cool emotes to celebrate a victory or make fun of your enemies, and leveling up faster. I’m all fine with the aesthetic things, but using money to buy experience and get an unfair edge on the battlefield just seems wrong. Those who try to enjoy the game and play fair and square can’t feel but a little cheated, being killed by that super-but-fake soldier.

The cartoony look of Battlefield Heroes is a triumph, although not a completely original one. Colors are vibrant and maps are nice to look at, but we wish there were more things to blow up besides players and vehicles. The whistling music is also catchy and fun, same as the sound effects.

Battlefield Heroes is bound to be successful. It may not please players who want a more involving experience, but for those looking for an immediate game, fast and fun, this is a good choice. Let’s just hope EA keeps adding content, maybe some new game modes and vehicles, just to keep things exciting.

The Good: Frantic and fun, Easy to play, Cartoon look

The Bad: Needs more game modes, Slow leveling