Battlefield Bad Company 2 PC Beta Live

[CappinCanuck]

Hello folks,


The beta has gone live. DICE confirmed that they're working on a 4-pack deal as well.

Info and download links:
http://www.battlefieldbadcompany2.com/beta

Key Giveaways:
Planet Bad Company (http://planetbattlefield.gamespy.com/fullstory.php?id=161540) - Reply to post to get beta key
Fileplanet - Subscribers only (http://www.fileplanet.com/promotions/battlefield-bad-company-2/pc-beta/).

[hunterx280]

Such a wealth of games right now! I can't freaking afford all of this. I'm really tempted to try this beta but I really should be working on my TF2 unlocks.

[kyrieee]

They have a checkbox for the newsletter, but if you don't check it you get this

"You need to sign-up for the Battlefield Newsletter to submit your entry"

So fuck you, I'm not using my real email for this

edit:

"Registration failed. Please try again later"

Double fuck you. I hope I don't need an EA account for the real game. Shit like this puts me off

Yes I know I'm a whiner

[Wilkz07]

pre-ordered on steam, installing the beta now.

is there an overall BC2 thread to post up soldier names so we can get into some battles?

[CappinCanuck]

pre-ordered on steam, installing the beta now.

is there an overall BC2 thread to post up soldier names so we can get into some battles?

You're in it, I think. I haven't seen any other PC beta threads. I wish i could bring myself to buying it off Steam, I'm such a cheapass for holding out for $15 heh.

[crazyD]

Ugh. When I can get in without jumping through hoops, I'll be interested.

[H.Bogard]

Ugh. When I can get in without jumping through hoops, I'll be interested.


You could, unfortunately I am not allowed to talk about that, though. :)

[Slack3r78]

Downloading now. Way excited. Fuck you, 3Mbs DSL.

[Wilkz07]

Downloading now. Way excited. Fuck you, 3Mbs DSL.

don't get too excited. i can't get in 'connection to game server lost, check your network connections and try again'. ... my network is fine, i was just playing mw2.

fuck you ea and your ticker marquee saying you are aware of crashes and other bs. as if you didn't learn your lesson from BF1943 on xbla. you should have anticipated a high amount of beta users and got your shitty servers working before today.

bc:bad company 2 beta = broken.

[CappinCanuck]

don't get too excited. i can't get in 'connection to game server lost, check your network connections and try again'. ... my network is fine, i was just playing mw2.

fuck you ea and your ticker marquee saying you are aware of crashes and other bs. as if you didn't learn your lesson from BF1943 on xbla. you should have anticipated a high amount of beta users and got your shitty servers working before today.

bc:bad company 2 beta = broken.


Well it's a multiplayer beta, not a demo... the purpose of testing here is to stress the network and servers and such. You can expect this kind of stuff for a while until they optimize their servers. You're nothing but another connecting user and, eventually, a filled slot on a server :). If they were interested in a beta to test the gameplay, they would've had it months ago.

[Slack3r78]

Well it's a multiplayer beta, not a demo... the purpose of testing here is to stress the network and servers and such. You can expect this kind of stuff for a while until they optimize their servers. You're nothing but another connecting user and, eventually, a filled slot on a server :). If they were interested in a beta to test the gameplay, they would've had it months ago.

Yeah, this.

[Wilkz07]

Well it's a multiplayer beta, not a demo... the purpose of testing here is to stress the network and servers and such. You can expect this kind of stuff for a while until they optimize their servers. You're nothing but another connecting user and, eventually, a filled slot on a server :). If they were interested in a beta to test the gameplay, they would've had it months ago.

true. today's the first day of the beta i'm sure they'll fix it soon. i had my hopes up to play tonight.

[axion]

Any impressions from anyone?

[Ravenlock]

Lag is making it unplayable for me at the moment - I can get into the game, but it's just a jumpy mess. I'm on as Ravenlock, though, so if anybody wants to send me a friend invite, hopefully we can play once they get things going correctly. :)

[H.Bogard]

I just got in. I believe they've fixed the lag issues and server browser now. And here's my impression:


HOLY FUCKING SHIT!!!

As for the lag (after the fix) I am surprised. I'm playing on UK servers from Southeast Asia and there was no noticeable lag at all. This is some solid netcode we're looking at here, better than TF2, even! Atleast, when it is working that is.

Gameplay: NDA, sorry guys.

Graphics: I suppose this wouldn't break many rules: Max settings, 1440x900, 8x AA, 2xAF, 50 Frames per second on an HD4890.

[Ravenlock]

I wouldn't take their NDA too seriously, as the XBox 360 demo is out now for anyone who wants it and is exactly the same multiplayer map. ;)

[H.Bogard]

I wouldn't take their NDA too seriously, as the XBox 360 demo is out now for anyone who wants it and is exactly the same multiplayer map. ;)

Lets just say that I'm testing on behalf of some people EA commissioned and they're a bit stricter than usual.

[J Arcane]

I need to get my key for this. I want to try it on my PC.

Does Amazon have any keys for this? I know my Gamestop claimed they didn't.

[axion]

I think GameStop does but only for online purchases.

[Acidpoptart]

I think I read somewhere that 'word on the street' is that a 4-pack promotion for this game is in the works and may be available soon... Let me see if I can find a link...

Link: http://twitter.com/L_Twin/status/8111111274
and
http://www.cinemablend.com/games/Battlefield-Bad-Company-2-Four-Pack-Possible-22434.html

Ok so maybe not 'in the works' for sure, but it sounds like we might have that option eventually. I am going to hold out on purchasing until I find out for sure.

[Slack3r78]

This is the best multiplayer FPS since BF2. In fact, it's better in a lot of ways. The squad system is brilliant. I ended up blasting away with an impromptu squad of random people and kicking serious ass working together. You can Rambo, but the game is built to make buddying up just as easy.

I'm totally in love at this point.

[OrangePulp]

I'm enjoying the game, but the first map is shitty. I'd like a map that's much more open like classic BF, but that's probably too much to ask for from a console-based shooter. Still, I think this map kinda sucks, and hope for some better ones down the road.

Also, would be nice to see my latency, so I could judge how the game actually performs; is it really that hard to kill people, or am I just missing a lot because of lag? That sort of thing.

Still, seems like a game I can have a lot of fun with.

[Inspector Fowler]

If it follows the example of BC1, the maps won't be super open. I too remember going on LRRP with my buddy and screwing around behind enemy lines, placing C4 on planes, sniping their pilots (when they weren't busy TKing each other for planes), blowing up their arty, etc.

Bad Company, in general, creates something of a funnel to "force" engagement. You can sneak around behind enemy lines a bit, find creative paths, etc, but it's not totally open.

[H.Bogard]

Lets get some friends list names going

Do you add by soldier names? If so... mine's CTHbogard.

[CappinCanuck]

My soldier name is CappinCanuck.

I'm enjoying the shit out of it :). Much prettier than the PS3 version. Use FRAPS if you want to see your frames/sec. If you're having framerate problems, there's a few things to do. Go to Documents>BFBC2>settings.ini; turn HSAO off, sound quality to low, Directx=9 instead of auto. Shouldn't affect the quality much, it just seems like some options require a lot more juice than the effects warrant -- bad optimization for something?

[Ravenlock]

Thanks for the tips, Cappin, I'll try those. Some of my issues definitely might have been graphical stutters rather than lag.

[axion]

Gonna have to pre-order and download this morning when I get home from the sounds of it.

[Ravenlock]

Got a round in this morning before leaving the house, and while Cappin's tips definitely helped, it was still unplayable. I know that some of it was lag, because people were just hopping around the screen - in one spot for a few seconds, then 30 feet away with no motion in between - and I almost never saw an attacker when looking in the direction I was being hit from. At least twice I shot guys (hitting them, seeing blood spray, etc) only to have them teleport away because they weren't really there to begin with.

Some part of it is probably also my machine, though, which makes me sad. I'm not running anything ancient (Core Duo 2.66Ghz, 4GB RAM, Vista, 8800GTS 512MB) and it handles stuff like Crysis Warhead perfectly smooth, but I guess the Frostbite engine might be doing stuff it just can't keep up with. That'd be a shame, because an upgrade is not in my immediate future and I know I wouldn't enjoy this at all on the 360.

[CappinCanuck]

This map is def'tly a lot less open than the map that was on the PS3 beta. Doesn't seem like it'll be representative of all the maps; so, I'm not too worried about. Vids of another map also made it look much more open than Valdez.



Some part of it is probably also my machine, though, which makes me sad. I'm not running anything ancient (Core Duo 2.66Ghz, 4GB RAM, Vista, 8800GTS 512MB) and it handles stuff like Crysis Warhead perfectly smooth, but I guess the Frostbite engine might be doing stuff it just can't keep up with. That'd be a shame, because an upgrade is not in my immediate future and I know I wouldn't enjoy this at all on the 360.

Hey Raven,

Doesn't sound normal to me. A friend on a similar rig is getting decent fps. If you're up for it. Grab FRAPS, and post what your FPS is and also your settings.ini. There's definitely something not optimized in the settings judging for the varied reports on the ea forums. Btw, I tried disabling and enabling VSYNC, enabled I get 15-30fps, disabled I get 50-60 constant :confused:. I always thought VSYNC was just to cap the fps at 60.

Or send me a msg on the Steam. I'm sure we can get you getting some decent FPS with your setup.

[H.Bogard]

Yeah, now that I've played more... it seems like they haven't done much optimizations yet. But still, more than a month to go before gold. They can fix this up as the beta progresses.

[axion]

Downloading now... 1.2MB/s.

[Ravenlock]

Hey Raven,

Doesn't sound normal to me. A friend on a similar rig is getting decent fps. If you're up for it. Grab FRAPS, and post what your FPS is and also your settings.ini. There's definitely something not optimized in the settings judging for the varied reports on the ea forums. Btw, I tried disabling and enabling VSYNC, enabled I get 15-30fps, disabled I get 50-60 constant :confused:. I always thought VSYNC was just to cap the fps at 60.

Or send me a msg on the Steam. I'm sure we can get you getting some decent FPS with your setup.

Thanks for the offer - I'll take you up on it this weekend. :)

[Slack3r78]

Some part of it is probably also my machine, though, which makes me sad. I'm not running anything ancient (Core Duo 2.66Ghz, 4GB RAM, Vista, 8800GTS 512MB) and it handles stuff like Crysis Warhead perfectly smooth, but I guess the Frostbite engine might be doing stuff it just can't keep up with. That'd be a shame, because an upgrade is not in my immediate future and I know I wouldn't enjoy this at all on the 360.

I don't think it's your system. I'm running an Athlon X2 2.8GHz, 4GB, 8800GT, W7 and I'm not really having any performance issues to speak of. Running at 1680x1050 at whatever the default quality is -- medium, I think. Looks better than it would on the Xbox anyhow.

I have had lag issues here and there. It dropped me onto a UK server last night and the lag was just comically bad and I had to drop after a couple of minutes. But when I've gotten decent servers, the game runs absolutely flawlessly for me.

[Slack3r78]

If it follows the example of BC1, the maps won't be super open. I too remember going on LRRP with my buddy and screwing around behind enemy lines, placing C4 on planes, sniping their pilots (when they weren't busy TKing each other for planes), blowing up their arty, etc.

Bad Company, in general, creates something of a funnel to "force" engagement. You can sneak around behind enemy lines a bit, find creative paths, etc, but it's not totally open.

I was actually pretty impressed with the beta map in that it felt like a decent compromise. Part of the problem with BF2 and the huge maps is that sometimes you'd just end up in a totally barren place where you'd have to spend several minutes traveling to get to the fight just to get killed. The roving engagements in BC2 give you enough room to breath so it doesn't feel like deathmatch, but still keeps you in the thick of the action.

I also absolutely love the revamped squad spawning system. I've seen much more impromptu teamwork already in the beta than you generally did in BF2. Allowing you to spawn on any squadmate lets the squad keep advancing without forcing the squad leader to hide back some place which is boring. Great changes.

[iHap]

Game name: dontstandinfire

Been playing this game a whole lot. I am almost rank 5 and am enjoying the F2000 as assault, it has horrible accuracy but great for close combat.

[kyrieee]

Meh I thought I had gotten a key but turns out I was wrong

Don't feel like pre-ordering just to get one I don't know if I like it yet =/

[Slack3r78]

Game name: dontstandinfire

Been playing this game a whole lot. I am almost rank 5 and am enjoying the F2000 as assault, it has horrible accuracy but great for close combat.

I can't decide if I like the XM8 or the F2000 more. The precision of the XM8 is nice, but the ROF on the F2000 is addictive. The F2000 almost makes up for its inaccuracy in sheer volume of fire. I definitely enjoy the fact that regardless of weapon you're best served by short bursts rather than emptying the magazine.

Oh yeah, forgot to mention, I'm commandar in game. My headset's busted so no voice chat til I get around to buying another one, but I'd enjoy getting some games in with everybody.

EDIT:

I just remembered accidentally inviting you to a Steam voice chat last night haha. I don't know if it's everybody, but Steam Overlay doesn't work right with BC2 for me. Shift-Tab grabs the controls, but never brings up the overlay. I'd accidentally pulled up the overlay trying to check the scoreboard while running, and couldn't figure out why the game had stopped responding to my input. In mashing keys, I apparently managed to create a voice chat and invite multiple people to it. :)

[H.Bogard]

People sure love playing as snipers. This'll get old soon.

[Slack3r78]

People sure love playing as snipers. This'll get old soon.

Always happens with BF when it first comes out. If you see a team just absolutely getting rolled on, half the time they have a disproportionate number of snipers.

[CappinCanuck]

People sure love playing as snipers. This'll get old soon.

Always happens with BF when it first comes out. If you see a team just absolutely getting rolled on, half the time they have a disproportionate number of snipers.


Yeah, no doubt! They don't care about goals and objectives yet, so sitting in the out of zone area taking sniper shots seems cool. That'll change :)

PSA: Unbind the joystick keys to fix the sticky movement keys. Works like a charm. You might notice this when pushing two directional keys and switching to another one or two quickly. It gets stuck, this is from the joystick keys.

PSA #2: Friends list is on and off, they're playing with it.

PSA #3: Patch is out :) Use the updater.

[H.Bogard]

Annnd my first laggy matches right after installing the patch. Coincidence?

I'm at level 3 now. Tired of this map already.

[axion]

I'm experiencing similar performance issues to Ravenlock. Running at 1440x900 at Medium, I can't break 30 during gameplay on an e8400, 8800GT, 4 GB RAM. I'll try those ini tweaks but I turned that stuff off in game and it didn't do much.

[Slack3r78]

I'm experiencing similar performance issues to Ravenlock. Running at 1440x900 at Medium, I can't break 30 during gameplay on an e8400, 8800GT, 4 GB RAM. I'll try those ini tweaks but I turned that stuff off in game and it didn't do much.

That's so weird. The only big difference between your systems and mine is that I'm running an AMD processor; I wouldn't think that should really matter all that much.

[digitalErich]

Downloading now...can't wait.

[CappinCanuck]

I'm experiencing similar performance issues to Ravenlock. Running at 1440x900 at Medium, I can't break 30 during gameplay on an e8400, 8800GT, 4 GB RAM. I'll try those ini tweaks but I turned that stuff off in game and it didn't do much.

The Dxversion one might help quite a bit. A lot of people reported x2 increase. That said, 30 might be it on a 8800GT. Can't be sure so early.

[JayK47]

Will a PC demo come out before release? I want to make sure it works on my rig before pre-ordering it.

[Wackman3000]

Is the friends list working for you guys? I get people on the list, but it never says they are in a game, even when they let me know they are.

[axion]

My friend was able to join my game earlier despite it showing me as offline. We were chatting in vent for communication which helps. I told him when I was in a game, and even though it said I was offline he clicked the far right arrow and it worked.

[digitalErich]

This game is pretty fun, not regretting my Steam pre-order in the least. I skipped BC1 so I'm still not used not having prone, but this game of whittling away the defense's cover is fun stuff.

[axion]

Yeah I'm thoroughly enjoying the game for sure, can't wait to have more maps and ones that aren't all white.

[Nura]

Map isn't all that fun imo, but i'm having a blast running around as a medic!

[digitalErich]

One thing I can't figure out (due to poor audio feedback) is whether the ammo and med packs work like they do in 2142 or BF2, in that they heal more if you are holding them next to a teammate vs deploying them on the ground...anyone know?

[Loki]

One thing I can't figure out (due to poor audio feedback) is whether the ammo and med packs work like they do in 2142 or BF2, in that they heal more if you are holding them next to a teammate vs deploying them on the ground...anyone know?

Edit: I'm an idiot.

[H.Bogard]

Yeah, no doubt! They don't care about goals and objectives yet, so sitting in the out of zone area taking sniper shots seems cool. That'll change :)

PSA: Unbind the joystick keys to fix the sticky movement keys. Works like a charm. You might notice this when pushing two directional keys and switching to another one or two quickly. It gets stuck, this is from the joystick keys.
.


How do I unbind? I went to the options menu and selecting the joystick keys only lets me edit them, rather than unbind.

Here's a tip: Add +fullproc to the shortcut target. The game apparently doesn't utilize multiple cores. Upto 10% performance increase, but still not flawless.

[digitalErich]

I had this issue in BF2 but I can't remember how I fixed it...when I bind mousewheel to wep changing, it always binds in the opposite direction I want.

[OrangePulp]

As many complaints as I have about this game (and I have a whole laundry list of them), it can still be a lot of fun. My newest is one I've had since BF2; apparently they feel it just wouldn't be a battlefield game if you don't get baseraped by air. And it doesn't look like the engineer gets a stinger missle unlock or anything, so classic BF problems.

[axion]

I don't find the air attacks too bad as long as your team knows how to deal with a helicopter. Managed to get a game with hap, Wack, and my other friend going, with Vent for communication. It was a pain to all get in the server though since no friends in-game.

[CappinCanuck]

How do I unbind? I went to the options menu and selecting the joystick keys only lets me edit them, rather than unbind.

Here's a tip: Add +fullproc to the shortcut target. The game apparently doesn't utilize multiple cores. Upto 10% performance increase, but still not flawless.

Heh yeah, something's tricky about it. I don't remember exactly the procedure but I know I had to push DEL over it. Either you select the key, when it waits for you to input the new key, and then push DEL. That might have been it.

Ps. Sorry if my writing is disjointed, I'm sick and I feel light headed.

Edit: K, went into the game to check. You left click the box, then hit DEL. It should wipe it.

[CappinCanuck]

Here's a tip: Add +fullproc to the shortcut target. The game apparently doesn't utilize multiple cores. Upto 10% performance increase, but still not flawless.

yeah, I hope they fix this. I only have a dual core, but even that apparently suffers a lot along with the quad cores according to the EA Forums.

[bryan]

I just got in. I believe they've fixed the lag issues and server browser now. And here's my impression:


HOLY FUCKING SHIT!!!

As for the lag (after the fix) I am surprised. I'm playing on UK servers from Southeast Asia and there was no noticeable lag at all. This is some solid netcode we're looking at here, better than TF2, even! Atleast, when it is working that is.

Gameplay: NDA, sorry guys.

Graphics: I suppose this wouldn't break many rules: Max settings, 1440x900, 8x AA, 2xAF, 50 Frames per second on an HD4890.

Hey Bogard, where in SEA are you? I'm in Malaysia.

[Deadend]

I am anger about it. I got a CD Key from Fileplay.net and apparently it's already in use. They won't help me, so now I don't get to play due to general incompetence. The client also takes way too long to load up considering it's just a login screen.

[CappinCanuck]

I am anger about it. I got a CD Key from Fileplay.net and apparently it's already in use. They won't help me, so now I don't get to play due to general incompetence. The client also takes way too long to load up considering it's just a login screen.

Well, judging by how fast the game join takes, they might be preloading something? I dunno though, my client goes through the start up fairly quickly?

[Wackman3000]

Anyone want to play today? We've been organizing ourselves though vent/skype/steam chat and then refreshing the server browser at the same time to find a server without TOO much confusion.

Just hit me up on steam if you want to play.

[CappinCanuck]

Anyone want to play today? We've been organizing ourselves though vent/skype/steam chat and then refreshing the server browser at the same time to find a server without TOO much confusion.

Just hit me up on steam if you want to play.

Hey Wack, I'll add you to my Steam list. I'll be playing tonight. It'd be nice to get 4 guys together for a squad.

Edit: Invited, will catch you later for some battlefielding.

[H.Bogard]

Hey Bogard, where in SEA are you? I'm in Malaysia.

I was out of my mind and drunk at the time. I meant South Asia. :o

I'm playing on Multiplay.co.uk, anyone wanna get a squad group going?

[CappinCanuck]

We had a lot of fun last night playing as a group. Well, at least for the first 20 minutes until Vent crapped out :D.

[Jackel]

I get really bad network lag on all servers, even ones that are supposed to be near me. I have yet to find a single playable game.

[digitalErich]

We had a lot of fun last night playing as a group. Well, at least for the first 20 minutes until Vent crapped out :D.

Does the in-game voice not work for you guys or is vent just more convenient? Shoot me a message on Steam if you guys get together this week, I'm having a ton of fun with the game so far.

[iHap]

I get really bad network lag on all servers, even ones that are supposed to be near me. I have yet to find a single playable game.

Alaska internet follows you.

[Jackel]

Alaska internet follows you.

It's a curse!

[Wackman3000]

Does the in-game voice not work for you guys or is vent just more convenient? Shoot me a message on Steam if you guys get together this week, I'm having a ton of fun with the game so far.

I noticed voice working for one game after our vent server went down, and then 10 minutes later it stopped working. That same bug was in the BF1943 game as well.

I say we try to get a squad or 2 playing again tonight, I've been having a blast playing with the cog crew.

[digitalErich]

Vent would probably be the way to go anyway, as the VC is limited to squads like it was in BF2.

I'm getting pretty good with the UAV and I'd love to actually try to coordinate directly with ppl on the ground. I just wish the UAV was better at target socialization. If any unit in the game should have a longer distance for this, it should be the UAV. Alas, snipers are still king here and wouldn't you know that most snipers are not team players.

[AliasRomanian]

Man I wish I could be playing this but I'm so busy with the move and unpacking. I'll try to get a game in later on tonight :).

[digitalErich]

Has anyone figure out how to reverse the direction of the mouse wheel for switching items? No matter how and bind/rebind it I can't get mwheeldown to scroll up the weapon numbers.

I recall either BF2 or 2142 having the same issue...do you have to tweak a config file perhaps?

[CappinCanuck]

Has anyone figure out how to reverse the direction of the mouse wheel for switching items? No matter how and bind/rebind it I can't get mwheeldown to scroll up the weapon numbers.

I recall either BF2 or 2142 having the same issue...do you have to tweak a config file perhaps?

Hmm I want an answer to this too. I find myself always getting lost in the mouse wheel weapon switching because of the reversed controls.

[Slack3r78]

Hmm I want an answer to this too. I find myself always getting lost in the mouse wheel weapon switching because of the reversed controls.

Joystick controls are busted too. Yaw is reversed and throttle axis doesn't work.

[CappinCanuck]

Joystick controls are busted too. Yaw is reversed and throttle axis doesn't work.

Well, the entire menu is pretty rudimentary. Feels clumsy, slow and bloated. I was told by someone, can't remember who, that the men would be getting some changes for release. Let's hope they were accurate.

I should really use the gamepad on my Merc Stealth anyway. The number keys are right above the arrow keys on it so it should make weapon switching very easy -- if i were to actually use it.

[axion]

Yeah it's sort of strange how the Americans and Russians look identical. When you're too close to someone to see their thing above their head you sometimes can't tell if he's friendly or not. Managed to not immediately crash the heli yesterday. I flew for about 15 seconds or so before crashing :p.

[Wackman3000]

Just hit the level cap tonight while playing with Orangepulp, Ghostbear and Hap. We had some great rounds, always at the top and always the leading squad. Pretty sure we all ended the last round with about 10,000 pts in both combat and awards.

I hope they mention that 4 pack soon, because this game is definitely on my must buy list now. It's not the Battlefield game I want, but it still has that vibe.

[Goronmon]

I was thinking about picking this game, but I've been having a lot of fun with MAG so far, and I'm spoiled by the size of the battles in that game now. Maybe I'll wait and see how the reviews far after release.

[Slack3r78]

Yeah it's sort of strange how the Americans and Russians look identical. When you're too close to someone to see their thing above their head you sometimes can't tell if he's friendly or not.

Huh? I've actually been pretty pleased with how distinct the models are. US models are bright white; the russians tend to be a bit more brownish.

[OrangePulp]

Huh? I've actually been pretty pleased with how distinct the models are. US models are bright white; the russians tend to be a bit more brownish.

I haven't noticed a difference, other than the fact that the classes themselves have a distinct look.

[CappinCanuck]

Huh? I've actually been pretty pleased with how distinct the models are. US models are bright white; the russians tend to be a bit more brownish.

I haven't noticed a difference, other than the fact that the classes themselves have a distinct look.

They don't look too different. Overall they do, by the colouring of their uniforms, but certainly not by the faces or designs of their uniforms. I have found it fairly easy to tell them apart which is all I ask for. So, I guess I'm happy with them :).

[Wackman3000]

I think they need more distinction personally. Especially if the rounds are going by fast, since I can tend to forget what team I am supposed to be killing.

Thank god for no friendly fire, although there are times when I do miss it.

[axion]

I think they need more distinction personally. Especially if the rounds are going by fast, since I can tend to forget what team I am supposed to be killing.

Thank god for no friendly fire, although there are times when I do miss it.

Lol, there is FF in the hardcore servers, along with no spotting and no radar.

[digitalErich]

Shooter wise, I don't know if there's anything more satisfying right now than getting a good squad together in this game. I just wish squads could have five...four seems a little too small, at least in the larger games.

[CappinCanuck]

Shooter wise, I don't know if there's anything more satisfying right now than getting a good squad together in this game. I just wish squads could have five...four seems a little too small, at least in the larger games.

No way man. Sometimes, taking four guys out can be a pain heh. With the respawns and a medic running around... good squads can be more persistent than a bunch of fucking cockroaches. It's going to be a bit of a pain now that you can't really solo that well. You'll get ganked by a few guys every time from different angles. I'm so good and sneaky on my own... well, still can be sometimes, but much more rarely than on previous BF titles.

[kyrieee]

Finally got a beta key for this and tried it for short while

It's pretty fun and looks alright, but the low FoV and the black outline on the screen really bug me. Dying to people you didn't see bugs me too ^_^ but it's still fun

[CappinCanuck]

What the what?!

Pick the PC version up for $20 at Barnes & Noble, $3 shipping.

http://videogames.barnesandnoble.com/Video-game/Battlefield-Bad-Company-2/e/2000003703258/?itm=1&USRI=battlefield+2+bad+company

Cancellation risk is high because, I am guessing, that this is a major price error. If they honour it though, you get the title at 20 :D.

I went in for one. Even if there is a 4-pack, this will be considerably cheaper heh.

[kyrieee]

Has anyone else run into stuttering / freezes? It seems to happen to me irrespective of graphics settings and it's usually right when someone comes around a corner. Quite annoying

[axion]

Performance is shitty all around on my comp.

[digitalErich]

A nice little tweak for server filtering...
http://www.fitterblog.com/content/battlefield-bad-company-2-easy-server-filter

[kyrieee]

I've played a lot more now. It's still a lot of fun but

1. The server browser is _terrible_, and why can't you do anything while it's refreshing? What if I want to go straight to 'history'?

2. The hit registration is almost as bad as the server browser. Sniper shots at static people at medium range miss half the time for no reason at all. Close range combat is even worse (not all the time but often enough to get frustrated by it).

32 players isn't that much, CS has that much ffs. It's inexcusable

3. People using UAVs / C4 to blow up the M-COM stations is really annoying.

4. Framerate sometimes goes into the single digits, especially in the last B objective room

If they put up a 4 pack on Steam I'll probably buy it though. It's really fun except for the technical issues. I like how the last two objectives are really hard to take, even a bad team can sometimes defend them

[CappinCanuck]

I've played a lot more now. It's still a lot of fun but

1. The server browser is _terrible_, and why can't you do anything while it's refreshing? What if I want to go straight to 'history'?

2. The hit registration is almost as bad as the server browser. Sniper shots at static people at medium range miss half the time for no reason at all. Close range combat is even worse (not all the time but often enough to get frustrated by it).

32 players isn't that much, CS has that much ffs. It's inexcusable

3. People using UAVs / C4 to blow up the M-COM stations is really annoying.

4. Framerate sometimes goes into the single digits, especially in the last B objective room

If they put up a 4 pack on Steam I'll probably buy it though. It's really fun except for the technical issues. I like how the last two objectives are really hard to take, even a bad team can sometimes defend them


The C4, UAV thing has been at least doubled for release. Can't imagine that the overall menu hasn't been either. You also can get straight to history btw, just hit servers on the bottom right from the main menu. I haven't been having problems with hit registration so I can't comment on what you're experiencing.

[digitalErich]

IMO it needs to be tripled...as easy as it is to C4 points now, it won't be much harder even when they double the amount needed, especially if you unlock the extra explosives perk.

I want to play conquest, not kick the can with guns.

[kyrieee]

Ah thanks for the server browser tip

As for the C4 I wouldn't mind if they just removed the ability to damage the MCOMs altogether, but a dev on the forums said it will require more than 15 C4s. We'll see if it's enough because I think it's a problem that will only get worse as more people become aware of it

[digitalErich]

15, really? I guess that's fair then. If I remember correctly, I think that would take more than two Recon's, both with the extra explosives perk (6 or 7 each with that, I think) so that's actually not bad at all.

[kyrieee]

The dev said more than 15, but didn't specify (someone asked if it were more than 15 and he said yes)

[CappinCanuck]

15, really? I guess that's fair then. If I remember correctly, I think that would take more than two Recon's, both with the extra explosives perk (6 or 7 each with that, I think) so that's actually not bad at all.

The dev said more than 15, but didn't specify (someone asked if it were more than 15 and he said yes)

That's definitely enough in my opinion. Don't forget that eventually people will start defending objectives too. They're still too busy sniping to notice :cool:. I wish the alarm would set off when the obj. is hit with c4.

Btw, for anyone that saw my post about preordering the game for $20. I just got my confirmation email :D. It might actually happen heh.

[crazyD]

Damn, my Barnes and Noble preorder was canceled. Guess they figured it wasn't supposed to be $20.

[CappinCanuck]

Damn, my Barnes and Noble preorder was canceled. Guess they figured it wasn't supposed to be $20.

Haha, been waiting for the hammer to drop. No email yet, but I'm sure it's coming. I was kinda hoping it would go through considering it was being purchased through B&N, who would honour such things. But it was being fulfilled by Gamestop, who I would guess, made a big stink about it when they received, likely, thousands and thousands of orders.

[Jackel]

I got my cancellation e-mail today as well. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to pay a regular price. Sadly they won't see any of my money.

[CappinCanuck]

I got mine. I could make a total stink over it though because of the reason stated.

Your order contained a title(s) that is no longer scheduled for release. This may be because the item was discontinued or replaced by a newer version.

The product we ordered has the same ship date, product name and, most importantly, UPC. If someone was inclined, they could simply email back calling them on their BS excuse.

[crazyD]

I got mine. I could make a total stink over it though because of the reason stated.



The product we ordered has the same ship date, product name and, most importantly, UPC. If someone was inclined, they could simply email back calling them on their BS excuse.

Well, the only version they are now selling on their website is called the Limited Edition, and it has a different UPC.

[CappinCanuck]

Anyone else getting nervous for the 4-pack?

[Acidpoptart]

Anyone else getting nervous for the 4-pack?

I am hoping it finally comes... In the mean time, I went ahead and just pre-ordered from Amazing... Most people really seem to be enjoying the beta, so I think I will jump in on the fun at long last.

[bryan]

Has there been an EA game with a 4 pack?

[CappinCanuck]

Has there been an EA game with a 4 pack?

Not yet, but DICE said it was planned. It's kind of coming down to the wire compared to the previous time lines for 4-packs.

[crazyD]

Has there been an EA game with a 4 pack?

Does Left 4 Dead 2 count?

[Dukefrukem]

I am hoping it finally comes... In the mean time, I went ahead and just pre-ordered from Amazing... Most people really seem to be enjoying the beta, so I think I will jump in on the fun at long last.

I'm also hoping it comes. I'd totally buy this for $34. I'll put up the money again for all four, as I did with L4D2 and Bioshock 2.

[bryan]

Does Left 4 Dead 2 count?

Well I wouldn't count it since it's a Valve game. I associate games with their developers, not the publishers. Tho if the publisher owns the dev, I don't make any such distinction.

[CappinCanuck]

Well I wouldn't count it since it's a Valve game. I associate games with their developers, not the publishers. Tho if the publisher owns the dev, I don't make any such distinction.

It`ll come :) They wouldn`t have touted it as much as they did if it wasn`t on the agenda.

[Goronmon]

If this comes in on a 4-pack I am definitely down.

[CappinCanuck]

If this comes in on a 4-pack I am definitely down.

It must. If they weren't doing anything, they would have done the standard 10% off preorder dealie they've been doing for all their big titles.

[CappinCanuck]

Heh, funny article up on VE3D (http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/news/53419/Battlefield-Bad-Company-2-Review-Video-Review-Trailer) about IGN's review:

Battlefield: Bad Company 2. You've played it right? Some of the best audio you've ever heard, great graphics (even on consoles), and majestic multiplayer. Wrong! If you listen to IGN that is, who have posted the first online review of DICE's latest magnum opus.

Let's do a comparison of their ratings for Modern Warfare 2 and Bad Company 2:

Battlefield: Bad Company 2

Presentation: 8.0

The team at DICE went for a more cinematic and epic feel with Bad Company 2 and almost nailed it.

Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Presentation: 8.5

The graphical presentation is great, but campaign’s storytelling needs work. Single player is short, and doesn’t entirely live up to the Call of Duty standard.

Battlefield: Bad Company 2

Graphics: 9.0

Those backdrops sure are gorgeous. The destructible environments add to the chaos quite nicely.

Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Graphics: 10

What was already an impressive graphical engine has only improved over the last two years. More effects, grander environments, and a truly spectacular overall visual offering.

Battlefield: Bad Company 2

Sound: 9.0

Some fantastic audio samples and above average voice acting.

Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Sound: 10

Along with graphical design, Modern Warfare 2’s audio is upped substantially. Authentic weapon sounds and more in-game chatter mix with a beautiful adaptive score by Hans Zimmer.

Battlefield: Bad Company 2

Gameplay: 9.0

Solid shooting mechanics and an excellent approach to multiplayer combat.

Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Gameplay: 9.0

There’s no single AC-130 “wow” moment in single player, but it’s fun throughout. Special Ops mode and multiplayer are must-play, and completely make the package.

Battlefield: Bad Company 2

Lasting Appeal: 9.0

This is the kind of multiplayer game you can go back to for months and months without getting bored.

Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Lasting Appeal: 10

While campaign is short, Spec Ops mode is an awesome addition to the package. Multiplayer is stronger than ever, and truly limitless in replay value.

Battlefield: Bad Company 2

Overall: A 'Great' 8.9/10

Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Overall: An 'Incredible' 9.5/10

Ridiculous. What's more, if you watch the video review, Erik starts off by stating that he didn't like the original Bad Company - why then are you reviewing a 'bigger, better, more badass' sequel? He also makes uninformed comments about Bad Company 2 copying Call Of Duty-style perks, complains about constant action, which is apparently fine in Modern Warfare 2, and then moans that multiplayer matches "end abruptly." Well Erik, that's because you ran out of tickets.

I don't know what to make of Erik's coverage. Did he bother to play multiplayer for more than a few minutes? Is he half-blind and deaf? I can't wait to read the inevitably terrible PC review re-edit...

[Telefrog]

It's obvious that MW2 is the "big dog" between the two. It got to market first, so obviously BC2 will be compared to it. I don't think it's unnatural for people to compare them with MW2 having a high position from the get go. DICE/EA has been pretty open about taking on MW2, so it's not like they aren't inviting the contest.

As for the score, I don't think an 8.9 is bad. It's not like the score IGN gave it was going to keep people away from this game.

[Shadowstorm]

If this comes in on a 4-pack I am definitely down.

Is there any news on this at all? There's only two days left until release and the store page for BC2 still does not have a four pack listed as one of the purchase options.

I just can't be spending $50-$60 for games...

[bryan]

Is there any news on this at all? There's only two days left until release and the store page for BC2 still does not have a four pack listed as one of the purchase options.

I just can't be spending $50-$60 for games...

Maybe they decided not to do it since reportedly the pre-orders have already been very strong? Still hope they do it, I'm sure it'll help make the decision for quite a few people.

[CappinCanuck]

False alarm!

[Dukefrukem]

Can we change this to the BC2 PC thread? (drop the beta?).

Just picked this up last night and installed it with it being on steam for $33.

I'd like some CoGers to show me around. Whos playin the PC version still?

[Ravenlock]

I have a copy, Duke - haven't booted it up in a few weeks, but definitely enjoyed the time I spent with it and could be coaxed to go back in, especially when / if they get the co-op DLC working for the PC version and we can get our hands on that.

[Dukefrukem]

Bout time you showed up for some co-op ;)

I'm happy I was able to grab this game for cheap, and at the same time getting into the Medal of Honor Beta.

[Ravenlock]

Buying it now comes with MoH beta access? Nice! Allow me to wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who hasn't done that yet, then.

[Lance Uppercut]

Buying it now comes with MoH beta access? Nice! Allow me to wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who hasn't done that yet, then.

You have to buy BC2 AND preorder MoH. At $60, I think I'll just wait and see.

Anyway, if this sale causes a surge in CoG players playing again, I'll certainly get back in it.

[Dukefrukem]

Should I play the single player first to get a handle for the controls?

[Ravenlock]

The single-player campaign is quite good, so I certainly don't see any reason not to. That said, you won't get a whole lot of information about the different classes or how best to play them from the single player mode. The multi does a good job of walking you through that stuff contextually, though.

[crazyD]

I disagree, and found the single player to be boring and generic. Did not hold my interest at all. Granted, I didn't play more than a couple of hours, so maybe it gets better?

[Dukefrukem]

Do you play with the same guys from the first BC game?

[c0m3d14n]

i played the singleplayer for 30 minutes and then exclusively multiplayer ^^ i was however mostly interested in the multiplayer.

how is it with preordering moh, du you get charged as soon as you use the beta key? or can you still cancel?

[Dukefrukem]

I haven't pre-ordered it yet and won't now because I was just informed it's a $60 game... which I don't do. I was planning on pre-ordering this weekend when I get some time.

[CptTripps]

SP campaign was pretty good I thought. As stated, it may help with controls and some weapons but will do little for MP in regards to classes and learning the maps (most important thing imo).

I have been all jacked up on M&B:Warband and Metro 2033 but I will jump into some BC2 no problemo as I love that game. I have not touched MW2 since the BC2 beta came out, imo it's that good.

I have Xfire and Vent for whichever chat is preffered.

[c0m3d14n]

I haven't pre-ordered it yet and won't now because I was just informed it's a $60 game... which I don't do. I was planning on pre-ordering this weekend when I get some time.

me neither ^^ its 24 pounds which is approx. 30€/37$ on amazon.co.uk but they start the beta only 4th of july
most other retailers including the ea store and steam have it for 50€/60$... thats too expensive in my opinion.
so my play was to order at the ea store, for example, for the beta and then cancel and buy on amazon.co.uk if i like the game

[CappinCanuck]

me neither ^^ its 24 pounds which is approx. 30€/37$ on amazon.co.uk but they start the beta only 4th of july
most other retailers including the ea store and steam have it for 50€/60$... thats too expensive in my opinion.
so my play was to order at the ea store, for example, for the beta and then cancel and buy on amazon.co.uk if i like the game

Read the policies very well first. In the last 6 months, or so, retailers have started denying returns for preorders with betas. Not everyone though, just order from the right retailers.