[tab:The News]

The above is a gameplay trailer of the demo for the upcoming title Battlefield: Bad Company 2 (the upload I did onto the site’s Channel has been blocked, so here’s the official upload). The map is called “Port Valdez” and takes place in a rather snowy area, a stark contrast from the exclusive beta a lot of us got to participate in (which also helped their publicity, showing people how awesome the game is). This trailer shows a few newer gameplay elements, including parachute drops and helicopter warfare.

To say this game is action packed is an understatement. I think I spent more time on this demo and enjoyed it more than I have with a beta since my time with the original Killzone back in the old PS2 days. I think you’ll agree if you’ve seen this, and others, trailer as well (or even participated in the beta).

Unfortunately, there is some waiting involved. First off, the XBox Live Marketplace already has the demo available. The European PlayStation Store will be getting the demo next Thursday and North America will follow on February 11th. Seems like a limited exclusivity contract with Microsoft on that one!

Also available for those who preorder for PC at participating retails in most regions, you’ll gain access to a public beta, which also will be taking place in Port Valdez (so, essentially, it’s not really a beta). Here’s the reasoning behind the decision:

After the success of the PS3 beta, we’re excited to provide gamers — especially our long-supporting, rabidly passionate PC fans — with another opportunity to get into the game before release,” says Patrick Bach, Senior Producer on Battlefield: Bad Company 2. “Our fans have been a huge part of the franchise’s success and we can’t wait for everyone to experience the amazing gameplay and unforgettable Battlefield moments in Battlefield: Bad Company 2.

Can’t wait for this one either! Too bad the demo will end on February 25th, though. The game will be released March 2nd in North America and March 4th in Europe.
[tab:The Press Release]
Stockholm, Sweden – January 28, 2010 – DICE, an Electronic Arts Inc. studio (NASDAQ: ERTS), today announced that first-person shooter fans will get early access to the best-in-class online war experience in Battlefield: Bad CompanyTM 2. Players can now download a free* console demo worldwide on Xbox LIVETM Marketplace. A PC beta would also be available to players that pre-order** the game at participating retailers in North America, Europe and Asia, and through select community channels at 6pm CET today. On February 4th, the demo will be accessible on the PlayStation®Network in Europe and on February 11th in North America. Defined by its increasingly intense vehicular warfare, destruction, variety of weapons and huge sandbox environments, Battlefield Bad Company 2 promises to be one of the finest online FPS games of 2010.

“After the success of the PS3 beta, we’re excited to provide gamers — especially our long-supporting, rabidly passionate PC fans — with another opportunity to get into the game before release,” says Patrick Bach, Senior Producer on Battlefield: Bad Company 2. “Our fans have been a huge part of the franchise’s success and we can’t wait for everyone to experience the amazing gameplay and unforgettable Battlefield moments in Battlefield: Bad Company 2.”

The Battlefield: Bad Company 2 console demo and PC beta will feature Port Valdez, a new vehicle focused map where up to 24 players (32 on PC) will compete against each other as either the US or Russian armies in the game’s Rush multiplayer mode. Players will have access to five land and three air vehicles where the Russian side can use everything in their arsenal including Main Battle Tanks as well as the fast-moving Quad Bikes and Mobile Armored AA. The fight will also be packed with plenty of infantry combat fought alongside the waterline towards a great oil industrial landscape in the Alaskan mountains.

Battlefield: Bad Company 2 will be in stores on March 2, 2010 in North America and March 4, 2010 in Europe for the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the PC. The Limited Edition can be pre-ordered now on all platforms at no extra cost, with participating retailers worldwide (while supplies last).

* Internet connection and Xbox LIVE Gold membership required. Demo will end on February 25, 2010.
** Available at participating retailers in North America, Europe and Asia. Offer and codes expires February 25, 2010.[tab:END]