Summary
- Release Year: 2005
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Digital Illusions CE, Digital Illusions CE: Canada
- Publishers: Electronic Arts
Battlefield 2: Special Forces: A Deeper Dive into the Elite Battlefield Experience
Introduction
Battlefield 2: Special Forces, released in 2005, is a standalone expansion pack for the critically acclaimed first-person shooter Battlefield 2. Developed by DICE and published by Electronic Arts, Special Forces takes the intensity and quality of Battlefield 2 to a whole new level, focusing on the elite and deadly forces operating behind the scenes of the modern military world.
Gameplay
Special Forces introduces several new features and improvements to the Battlefield 2 gameplay formula. Players can now choose to play as either elite soldiers or insurgents, each with their own unique weapons, gadgets, and vehicles. The game also features four new maps, each designed to showcase the unique abilities of the special forces units.
One of the most significant additions in Special Forces is the inclusion of new weapons and gadgets. Elite soldiers have access to a variety of high-tech weaponry, including assault rifles, sniper rifles, and rocket launchers. Insurgents, on the other hand, rely on more improvised weapons, such as AK-47s, RPGs, and IEDs.
In addition to the new weapons and gadgets, Special Forces also introduces several new vehicles. These include the LAV-25, a light armored vehicle; the MH-6 Little Bird, a scout helicopter; and the F-35B Lightning II, a stealth fighter jet.
Maps
Special Forces features four new maps, each designed to showcase the unique abilities of the special forces units. The maps are:
- Operation Aurora: A large, open map set in the mountains of Afghanistan. The map features a variety of terrain, including forests, mountains, and valleys.
- Operation Highway Tampa: A smaller, more urban map set in the streets of Tampa, Florida. The map features close-quarters combat and a variety of buildings and vehicles to use for cover.
- Operation Strike at Karkand: A remake of the classic Battlefield 2 map Karkand. The map features a mix of urban and rural terrain, with a focus on infantry combat.
- Operation Sharqi Peninsula: A large, desert map set in the Middle East. The map features a variety of terrain, including sand dunes, rocky outcrops, and palm trees.
Reception
Battlefield 2: Special Forces was met with critical acclaim upon release. IGN praised the game’s “excellent” gameplay, “stunning” graphics, and “huge” maps. GameSpot called the game “a must-play for fans of the series and FPS enthusiasts alike.”
The game was also a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.
Legacy
Battlefield 2: Special Forces is considered to be one of the best expansions ever released for a first-person shooter. The game’s focus on elite soldiers and covert operations brought a unique and thrilling experience to the battlefield.
Special Forces also introduced several new features and improvements to the Battlefield 2 gameplay formula, many of which became staples of the series in later installments. The game’s emphasis on teamwork and objective-based gameplay also helped to pave the way for the success of future Battlefield titles.
Conclusion
Battlefield 2: Special Forces is a classic first-person shooter that offers a unique and thrilling experience. The game’s focus on elite soldiers and covert operations, combined with its excellent gameplay, stunning graphics, and huge maps, make it a must-play for fans of the series and FPS enthusiasts alike.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
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