Quite a lot of opinions coming back on the Beta.

Since BASHandSlash.com started out as a CoD site, there are a lot of readers coming straight from that scene into Battlefield and trying out BFBC2 for the first time (like me). From these gamers I hear some positives, but just as many are telling me the game makes them scratch their heads and wonder what the fuss is about.

Well, I for one see a lot of positives in the game and am willing to use the Beta to learn all about the BF experience. There's a lot to learn.

For the CoD guys, it's important to remember that, as like its ancestor Quake, CoD is a game of instant-action, set in a very small arena. Like I've said before, CoD gaming is like having a knife fight in a closet, while BF is played on a much grander scale. The BFBC2 Port Valdez map, for instance, is massive. You need vehicles to get yourself from one end to the other in a reasonable time. That's just how big it is. For that reason alone, the two games will play differently and undoubtedly they will skew to different demographics.

I think that BFBC2 will come into its own when clans/teams can actually organize themselves into servers of their choosing. Right now, the Beta teams are made up by a bunch of randoms (many of them with low skill players like me).

From what I can see, to truly enjoy yourself in BFBC2 you need to have an organized team...no organization...no team. No team? No fun. Simple as that.

In CoD, the action is right there in your face and you can go it alone and still have fun. BFBC2 requires thought and orchestration, so bear that in mind.

As I intimated in my first-impression of the game a few days ago, I wasn't bowled over like I was the first time I entered a CoD map...but I can see elements in BFBC2 that should keep me playing for months to come because I think it is nuanced. CoD might appeal to your gut, but your brain will have a field-day with Battlefield.

I've been seeking expert opinions to give you on the Beta since it came out. Today i have TheCompanyhub.com's Buster's review. Buster and his friend Jag Five-O, who appears on BASH from time to time, are old BF server admins.

Here is Buster's take on the Beta:

Gamer Tag: Bust3r
Clan Tag: =TC=
Community: www.thecompanyhub.com

I played my first two complete rounds in BFBC2.

Menu
Very easy to understand and to manipulate.

Server Browser
Seems good probably will be optimized before Demo and Final Release.

Map

Not my favorite. It's a bit of a white-out but it is winter.

I played around with the contrast and brightness in the options and that seemed to help. The lighting on this map is terrible. The sky could be darkened maybe. Add more flakes. It is a Beta after all.

 

The map is huge and will be good for the sniper and or recon classes.

Graphics

I ran at medium. 1440x900.

The "High" graphic option was a touch choppy. I would say graphics are on an equal par with CoD4, WaW, 2142 (better than) and MW2.

 

As a footnote there is so much action taking place on a map its hard to even notice the fine details but they are there.

Player Models
Move very well. Coming from CoD they are a touch sluggish but on track with past BF games. There physics seemed realistic nothing arcade like. No 48 inch verticals with 60 pounds of equipment. Uniform skins look great. As I mentioned the walking and run speed could be tweaked up a smidgen for the good of gaming.

Weapons
They seem to have a bit lighter feel then CoD. Typical BF. They do look nice. You are in a jam at the start because you have the weak stuff. Ranking up quick is a must. Get those unlocks. First level of the noob tube is way under powered but the kick is very realistic.

Ranks and Awards
The rank levels seem to be spread nice. I do not know if the spread increases as you get higher. This would be a plus. Awards...got a few for what and how I have no idea. Still a newbie.

Teamwork
It is an absolute must for the win.

Vehicles

Incredible...

Destruction 2.0
Really hard to get use to but stellar. One minute you are behind cover the next your standing in the open butt naked. Ahhhhh then dead.

Death
Good. Screen dims and fades very nice. The gore effects? No MW2-slushy, but realistic blood.

Sound
Second to none. Seriously! The sound is incredible, realistic and just flat out perfect.

Field of View
They need to expand this to 80. Give you an option in the video settings. Its a must have.

Kill Cam
Has to go... Who really cares. I just want back in the fight. Hope this is a server controlled option.

Buster's rig:

Windows 7

Intel Dual Core 2.2

260 GTX 

4GB Ram

X-Fi Fatal1ty 64mb xram

Fatal1ty Headset (stereo jacks)

ISP: Fast very fast...