NEW BF announced - Battlefield Heroes

Our first look at Battlefield Heroes
(click to enlarge)Today, Electronic Arts have unveiled the latest title in one of their bestselling franchises. Battlefield Heroes brings a totally new look and new ****of play to the warzone, complete with an all new price - it's free.

Currently in development by Battlefield veterans, DICE, word on the street is that this cartoon ****shooter will bring the battlefield to a brand new audience. It is the first game to use EA's new web-focused business model, with free-to-download, free-to-play games, which generate revenue through (you guessed it) ads and micro-transactions.

Gerhard Florin, EVP Publishing Americas-Europe at EA, explains:

''Online gaming garners a massive audience,'' said ''People want to play games in new ways, with easier access that is quick to the fun. With Battlefield Heroes, EA brings its first major franchise to North America and Europe with a new distribution model and pricing structure adapted to the evolving way that people play.''

The fun, cartoon-****graphics and new gameplay mean the game can be played by all skill levels - and the built-in matchmaker, ensures players are matched with people of equal ability, resulting in fair play. While it's simple to pick up, there are robust customisation aspects, and a complex online meta-game, meaning gamers will spend hours building their characters and conquering the world.

Ben Cousins (no, not that one), Senior Producer at EA DICE, continues:

''We put a different twist on this Battlefield game going with the cartoon-****graphics and gameplay. There's something here for all types of players -- be it our core Battlefield fans or casual gamers. With the new online model, we will continually add new content to keep the game fresh and keep players engaged, while integrating player feedback in real time. As a game developer, it is such a cool new way to make games.''

The game looks set for launch in the middle of this year, around the US summer, and it will be released as a free download, of course. While the actual game won't set you back any cash, if you want a new outfit, some new gear or an improved weapon, you can shell out real human money. It's the type of idea that's been very popular in MMORPGs, but it's rarely seen in FPS.

The payment plan isn't the only thing that's changed about the game, as Gerard Florin explains:

''The existing Battlefield games are fairly deep; you have to be pretty good or you'll die pretty quick. Now we've toned down the difficulty, shortened each game session to 10 or 15 minutes and made the visual ****more cartoony.''

We'll keep you posted as we receive more information about Battlefield Heroes, but given that the only 'screenshot' is the cover of Games for Windows magazine, who have exclusive details, I imagine we'll be waiting a bit yet.

Meanwhile, is it just me, or does that soldier look like he belongs in another game? Some sort of Team, maybe? Hiding in a Fortress? Hmm... looks like EA might believe that if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!http://games.internode.on.net/content.php?mode=news%26id=2505I think this will be another spinoff BF2, while Dice also proceeds on a true BF sequal.
Looks good though NEW BF announced - Battlefield Heroes
Caught me by suprise, the idea sounds great though, I'm insterested in seeing how this new payment method works out. I just hope that while yes the game is free, that you get a decent amount of stuff in it as well, not just a crappy stripped game and you have no way of upgrading besides buying that stuff, and I hope they incorparate that you have to have a certain amount of skill points to buy stronger things even if you have the money to prevent noobs having the best of things just cause they can afford it.NEW BF announced - Battlefield Heroes
[QUOTE=''Mapleleafs4life'']Caught me by suprise, the idea sounds great though, I'm insterested in seeing how this new payment method works out. I just hope that while yes the game is free, that you get a decent amount of stuff in it as well, not just a crappy stripped game and you have no way of upgrading besides buying that stuff, and I hope they incorparate that you have to have a certain amount of skill points to buy stronger things even if you have the money to prevent noobs having the best of things just cause they can afford it.[/QUOTE]Indeed it will be dissapointing if players can 'buy' there way to the top, rather than through skill. Great concept though.Still there is always Battlefield 3 incomming anyhoo ;)
the picture looks ALOT like TF2....hmmm
I know people are gonna cry foul on the whole obvious taking tf2 style, but I think its a good thing, tf 2 was revoultinary in terms of its style and graphic design and it'd be a shame to see it only used once, I'd rather this style become a fad than the whole ut3 engine, which looked good at first but is now a bland and boring engine. Besides, battlefield with tf2 style art? Sounds pretty amazing to me.I kind of wish they were just realeasing this as a whole complete retail game, I'd buy it in a heartbeat, and I hope this who price concept isn't something there trying out for bf3..
I know people are gonna cry foul on the whole obvious taking tf2 style, but I think its a good thing, tf 2 was revoultinary in terms of its style and graphic design and it'd be a shame to see it only used once, I'd rather this style become a fad than the whole ut3 engine, which looked good at first but is now a bland and boring engine. Besides, battlefield with tf2 style art? Sounds pretty amazing to me.I kind of wish they were just realeasing this as a whole complete retail game, I'd buy it in a heartbeat, and I hope this who price concept isn't something there trying out for bf3..
It's free, good.
BF is the new Madden, let the milking begin!
Well it is free so I don't have to worry about wasting my money if the game sucks. That makes me happy.
interesting ideaif it turns out well expect to see more games like this (besides from the crappy-low-production-value-asian games...)
What MS is making a pc game magazine???? Now that a surprise.ho and free tf2 game with vehicule, now that sound great :D
Please let this ''free'' game run on my laptop.