Infantry, tanks, jeeps, planes, and even ships fought online for virtual supremacy in a world where heavy weapons were used and discarded like facial tissues and parachutes could be opened and closed multiple times on the way down. I once heard a game developer refer to Battlefield 1942 as "lightning in a bottle." Released at a time when first-person shooters were all either over-the-top science fiction or ultra-realistic weapon simulations, the original Battlefield struck a balance between realism and fun that's been virtually unmatched. The game's engine is designed to automatically scale the size of the maps to the number of players in the session. As characters gain experience in online battle, they increase in rank, are awarded medals, and gain access to additional high-end equipment. Gamers can also choose to take the role of a strategic commander, directing units across the battlefields from an overseer's position, but not taking part directly in the action. A variety of soldier types are available for play, including assault infantry, snipers, engineers, medics, spec ops agents, and others. The selection of over 30 usable land, sea, and airborne vehicles includes helicopters, hovercraft, jeeps, and jets. Players fight for the United States, China, or the Middle East coalition, using technologically advanced weapons, equipment, and vehicles. Unlike earlier versions, however, Battlefield 2 is set in the near future instead of a glorified past.
As in the developer's original Battlefield 1942 (as well as its various add-ons and Vietnam-themed update), the focus of Battlefield 2 is on fast-paced, vehicle-enabled, online combat for a large group of players - the sequel supports as many as 64 on a single map. Modern multiplayer warfare flares in Digital Illusion's Battlefield 2.