Battlefield: 2142: Stomp Your Enemies... Literally! Company: EA Games Alas, all too soon the sweet, sweet, glorious, flaming, mechanized death has come to an end. That's right, the closed beta for Battlefield 2142 has been shut down. But cheer up; soon the full-fledged goodness of sweet, sweet, glorious, flaming, mechanized death will be out for the whole world to love. This game has a lot in common with its current brethren, Battlefield 2. But for every similarity, there is a beautiful difference. Let's look at the premise, new vehicles and finally, new weapons kits. I think I have been in shock the past week over the close of the beta. It has taken me some time to get over. I really liked this game, and I am truly drooling for its release. So enough about my loss, let's talk about the gains. First and foremost, let's quickly mention the premise. Battlefield 2142 takes place in the future (duh!) during a near apocalyptic new ice age. Countries fight over the remaining parcels of land to scratch out their existence. Of course, battle ensues. When it comes to the discussion of new vehicles and toys in the game, sit back and grab a Coke and some popcorn, because we are gonna be here a while. I love my tanks and this 2142 has thrown in an interesting vehicle, the hover tank, which is exactly what it sounds like. You hover over the rough terrain for a nice, smooth ride. Instead of turning your turret, you actually turn your tank into position to fire. The trade off for an inability to turn your turret is the ability to strafe. Someone firing a rocket at you may watch disappointed as you sidestep the projectile and then introduce them to the business end of a tank barrel. There are, of course, the common treaded variety of tanks for you to enjoy as well. You can now zoom down the barrel, creating a more "ranged combat" use to the tanks. Aircraft are quick and versatile VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) vehicles and are the same flight mechanics as you are accustomed to from the helicopters and F-35 jets in Battlefield 2. The gunners positions inside the aircraft are operated from terminals inside instead of hanging out in the open. One of the great, great parts of the new vehicles is their launch pod escape systems. Basically you are ejected in pods that travel great distances and are great tools for getting in close to the enemy. Now, the thing on everyone's lips is the "Battle-walkers." These giant, vertical tanks put you head and shoulders above your enemy. Capable of dealing with ground and armor units alike, these walkers are not to be taken lightly. It's one thing just to be shot by one, another to be found underfoot of one on a rampage. EMP technologies help even the odds between vehicles and man. One burst renders vehicles inoperable and makes them vulnerable. Battlefield 2142 has some new weaponry for the "kits" or gear and weapons each unit type can use. In the past, you were pretty much stuck with whatever your kit was designed for. Now you have the ability to pick and choose your load outs to suit your particular objective for each map type. You still have your standard roles to play such as assault or heavy weapons, but you have more choices to make on how you want to go about your target. Unlockables such as sentry guns, cloaking devices, and mobile spawn points create unique gameplay and change the way battle is waged. "Once more into the breech, dear friends." Battlefield 2142 has gone gold and is well on its way to our eager hands. Stay tuned to EA news as we get closer to launch. Right now on EA's web site they are offering for people to pre-order the game and be allowed to play the official demo before anyone else. I will see you there. -WUMPUSJAGGER, GameVortex Communications AKA Bryon Lloyd Related Links: Battlefield 2142 -- Official Site EA Games