23.7.2005

Battleground Europe is quite possibly the BEST PVP MMORPG you will ever play. That is a rather bold statement to make but I will try to elaborate.The game is set during the start of WWII, the map itself covers western Europe and is on a MASSIVE scale. IT is many many time bigger that Star Wars galaxies map and it is continuous, IE there is no "LOADING" or "DELAYS" when you enter an area. The map just rolls and rolls and rolls for miles, over flat terrains, valleys, cliffs and hill tops.When you start the game you select a side to play for, either Allied (British and French) or Axis (Germany) with other countries like USA,Italy etc to be developed for the game soon.The map will start out with a rough 50/50 east west split with allied to the west and Axis to the east. Each side will use all the equipment available to them to attack and defend their way across the map, pushing the opposing side off the map.You have various infantry, tanks, anti tank guns, anti air guns, Scout cars, trucks, ships, fighters, bombers to battle with. As the war develops your side can develop newer and faster equipment. This is all player controlled, Nothing in the game in scripted, everything is controlled by the player base.There is just the 1 single server and everyone plays in it, it can hold thousands of players at the same time and each map (how long it take for one side to push back the other) can take many weeks or even months to complete. It's like a real life battle.Each vehicle is historically modelled, and is controlled by a complex physics engine to give each unit its unique and historical performance. Also each vehicle is controlled by a complex damage model. Where most games have a hit point system (where each time you hit an object a set amount of points is taken away until the vehicle explodes) BGE uses a damage model that works like this.Your fire a shell, it hits a tank and a calculation takes place based on the shell type, size, thickness of armour on the tank at the point it hit, speed of shell and angle of impact. If this is enough to punch though it will, it will then bounce about inside the tank performing this calculation each time it hits something. Inside the tank are various components like Fuel, Ammo, Crew, Engine, Gear Box and if these are hit with enough power, they can break giving expected results. This works for everything form a rifle bullet, aircraft cannons and Tank Rounds.The result is the most realistic and in depth WWII battle game you will play.You can crew vehicles with multi positions with your friends, ride a truck driven by other players to battle, get your Anti Tank gun towed on the back of a truck to battle by other players.This game has some immense fighting and Battles of Biblical proportions, but having said that it's not a spawn in frag fest. It's for the player who wishes to be part of a world in which they can team up and execute battle plans. There is nothing better than grouping up with your fellow players and being part of a 25 tank armour column or a squadron of fighters on the way to give air support for an ongoing ground attack or a Bomber formation flying to take down the enemy's factories so it slows down their research of new equipment.The game has a STEAP learning curve, you will need to bring a little patents with you as there is so much to the game to learn. Also for the new player death is a common foe, it will take time to become situational aware and learn to use cover and tactics.It has one of the best player bases I have ever seen in an online gaming community and the developers keep the player base up to date with weekly reports.Also the game has a content patch roughly every 6-8 weeks (sometimes a little longer) in which even more vehicles, effects and content are delivered.Obviously this game isn't for everybody. If all you want to do is spawn in and frag 30 players in your first 10 seconds of play, this game may not be for you. But if you want the only true WWII experience with thousands of other players in a live single server with a world so vast it would take days to walk your character across, then this game is for you.Check out the website at [...]

29.7.2005

The infantry thing is very realistic... this is the first WWII Online game that has real ballistics... this means that the bullets didn't go straight, the rifles, MGs, or AT rifles, etc... shoot in an arc. This parabolic trayectory makes very important to adjust your iron sights to the correct range (for long range shots). Is more easy than it sounds, but makes firefights the most realistic of any WWII Online game.If the infantry is good... you must get the best book about WWII tanks and read the info... that's just what you will experience in the game. Same gun optics, with the exact historic reticle and functionality, same motor power in each gear, etc.You need to gear up and gear down your tank like in a simulation racing game. Armor plates, and the different penetration with each angle, range, kind of ammo (AP, HE, HEAT), and caliber, are full calculated with every shot.Tanks of other games are like crap compared with the ones of this game... you can experience how to calculate the range to the enemy tank, and open fire some times at ranges of more than 1Km. Ballistics shines due to his realism.One thing that you must know is that the tanks haven't unrealistic "life-points" like in many other games... you can shoot 10 proyectiles to an enemy tank from a low caliber gun, at too far range, with inadequate angle... and you will never penetrate or kill the tank. You need the correct range, angle and caliber to be able to penetrate the armor thickness and kill an enemy tank. The amount of proyectiles don't count, they ricochet without noticeable cumulative damage (like in real life ballistics)... the range and angle are the main things, together with your calibre and the armor thickness that you want to penetrate (and kill the crew).The damage model is great... you can destroy the enemy track, disable his main gun, kill only one or maybe several of the crew members in a tank. If you hit the ammo store the enemy tank can blow up with an internal explosion. If you hit de fuel tank you can see how it burns. You can even hit the coolant or radiator grid and this makes the engine to damage by overheat. Some tanks can decrease severely is turret rotation speed when you kill the engine of the tank.The controls are easy to learn, and fully configurable. In this box release you can drive your tank with the Keyboard or Joystick. But Joystick isn't needed for ground vehicles, although is a good thing to have one, because you only can fly planes with joystick.This is a full simulator, but don't be afraid of the word "simulator", because you can get a easy style of gameplay and even lots of fast action like in any other online game if you wish. The only diference is that you have more realism here and is more close to the World War II battles than any other video game based in the 1939-1945 era.What makes this game special is the community of players behind it... the most interested in a realistic WWII simulation, but keeping the fun factor up!. Every player that plays this game for several months can be considered as an expecialist on the World War II matter.There are still lots of things coming to improve even more this game, if you get a subscription you get all the game updates for free, and the game gets a lot of content with frequent patchs.

25.9.2006

When I first played this game I tried to play it like the normal shoot 'em up games. Oh how wrong my approach was!! This is an unbelievably hard but addictive game, no longer can you just run around killing everything, you now have to be sneaky, and actually think about your position, you start to wonder if you really should shoot at that bloke 300m away as if I miss how many of his friends are going to get a fix on my position and obliterate me. This game is also the most realisatic game I have ever played, no more health packs etc, infact you will quite often be killed by a single shot from someone who was hiding in a bush and if you can live to the end of the mission and get maybe 3 kills you will feel like a god.Another massive part of this game is teamwork,in the time I have been playing I have only ever heard nasty abuse on the chat lines by 2 people, every other person has been more than helpfull and friendly, the reason being everyone knows how hard it is to start, however the empthasis will be on you to start asking questions and if you join a squad you will make some very good gaming friends.The devlopers have managed to create a very inclusive feel to the game, they are always releasing new updates to improve the game and release a bi-weekly newsletter which you are actively encouraged to writer into to suggest new ideas for the game, it is a fantastic game community.On the game side of things the sound is brilliant as you get more experienced you will be able to differentiate between the engines sounds of the vehicles, the type of gun shooting at you, the sound really is excellent. I use a 5.1 surround sound and can tell where people are relative to me and how far away they are.The graphics have just had a major overhaul, the game now has random weather, many different types of tree and 3D bush to hide in, the actuall weapons tanks, planes and soldiers are very well animated, however the devlopers are still intending to improve it.The game world is huge you can literally drive, walk, sail or fly for hundreds of miles if you wanted to. The buildings are reasonably destructable and you really get the feel of what it was like to be in europe in a shelled out town.I realise this is a long review and I havent really touched the surface of how good this game is. There are negatives such as the frustration level of being constantly killed (although this stops when you stop treating the game like other shoot 'em ups and hide or become tactical about what your doing instead), however the positives of this game are measured in the hundreds. The sheer size, amount of different weapons available, the random nature of the game i.e. your playing against other people who all have different ideas and tactics, the comaradery between players all add up to make a game that if you give it a go long enough to learn how to play it, will become the only game you play.Have a look at [...] to view the actual game website or try [...] which is a web site set up by a few guys from the squad I'm in.P.S. dont buy this game if your under 10yrs old as I dont think you will have the patience to play it, DO buy this game if you want a challenge where you have use your brain.

15.6.2006

I first started playing this game 2 years ago and have barely touched anything else since then. Sure I've dabbled with Battlefield 2, Half-Life 2 etc but this is the one game I come back to time and time again.Whether you want to play as infantry, drive a tank, fly a plane, man an anti-aircraft gun, an anti-tank gun, sail a boat, it's all here and it's all marvellous.The teamwork in this game is second to none, sure you may do alright on your own but get with a squad and the game takes on a whole new level as you all work toward an objective. The depth of the game is incredible, there's nothing quite like being surrounded in a town, running low on equipment, as enemy tanks close in,

17.2.2006

First off, this isnt a mod for battlefield2, battlefield2 is a sorry attempt to cash in on WWIIONLINE. Now known as Battleground Europe.You can not just pop in and start ganking away. You can get to a battle quick enough once you learn how it works, BUT, You actually have to take your time and learn how everything works first. Then use something we like to call your head, For if you do not, no worries we shall remove it for you and promptly replace it with a shiny new one.If you have patience, tatical ability and willingness to set to ambush the enemy "and i do mean you actually have to set and wait a while at times to help your side to win" then this game will be for you.However if you cry about a 1k map being way to big and therefore think it should be shrunk to a 5 meter radius?

5.8.2012

Edit: 08/05/2013Still going and still has me addicted - good game.--------I picked this game up a while back and it is still going strong! It provides players with access to many different weapon systems, in the and and on the ground from the war period 1939-1943. Included are such iconic tanks such as the Matidla, PzIVG, Stug and Sherman. Also there is lesser know equipment types, such as the Mk VI Tankette, the French Somua and other types. Facingthese tanks are Anti-Tank guns such as the 2pdr, Pak 36 and 88mm Anti-Tank Gun. Infantry weapons include the MAS Rifle, SMG, the Enfield, Bren and MP40.The Air game also consists of plenty of types, from the Staple of the 109,

6.9.2005

I cannot praise this game highly enough. I have been playing since December 23 2003 and it is the definitive Tactical and Strategic Warfare simulation.Imagine this: rolling across the French countryside in a tank? No problem. Quite fun, but somehow lacking. Now add 30+ other tanks, infantry support, bombers and fighter cover. All talking (VIA Teamspeak) to each other. Even having Navy support (if your on a river or attacking a coastal town that is). All working together. This game is far more than a game - it is a way of life. I've taken days off my work to play this (it runs 24/7, and there's always someone online). It is that addictive. No two battles are ever the same. No computer driven foe's here!

18.10.2009

Don't be put off by the dated reviews to this game, there are regular updates to keep this game steadily improving with a major graphics update due shortly. It is by far the most absorbing game that I have ever played. There is a steep learning curve, I was killed a number of times before I saw the enemy. Now the map system is improved to help you find the action but you still need to rely far more on your brains than quick reflexes to stay alive. There is a huge range of weapons, vehicles, planes and even ships to choose from to fight with, and a map of the whole of western europe to fight over.

27.7.2005

No, this game is not perfect, but I know of no other game that has kept as many loyal players for years - not months, years.The scope of the game is much of NW Europe, from Belgium to England, Dusseldorf to Calais. As a player, you are an infantryman, a tanker, an artilleryman, a fighter pilot, a bomber pilot or crewman, or a destroyer captain or crewman; and you can be something different each mission if you want.The graphics, animation, and sound effects are good enough, but they won't blow you away if all you're interested in is special effects. But if what you want is intense and challenging game play, this is the one for you. You are just one player on the German, British,

16.2.2006

This game is really one of the best ww2 sim/mmofps, it has a realistic damage modell, combinded air-ground-sea forces.choose over 80 units and enter the battlegrounds.It has an existing frontline, you can capture towns, bunkers, airfields and much more. Imagine that 109´s & spits flying over your head, tanks apporaching to your side and infantry is attacking ahead.the graphics are a bit outdated, but imagine that this game renders up to 6000-8000 meter. If you are into realistic gameplay with much more tactical depth, this game is for you.Tanks are tanks in this game and not papertanks like in bf2, you cant compare this game to the battlefield series with mini maps.This game has one map but its 1:2 of europe,

17.2.2006

Being a COD player I found this game very difficult at first. I normally run around like a headless chicken blasting away. This game is different - normally you get hit once a die! The first thing you will notice are the graphics - not brilliant but this is because of the size of the battle arena and the number of people playing.You will need to learn some discipline and learn how to fight using your buddies around you for help and support. The more you play the more you get used to it. Other players on line are helpful and there are some huge battles to take part in. As you get better, you gain rank which means you get access to different weapons, vehicles, aircraft and ships.

29.7.2005

This is the most expansive and detailed WWII simulation on the market today. It's also the ONLY massive multi-player first person WWII simulation in existence.As was stated before, this is a SIMULATION based as much as possible on historical accuracy of equipment - including armor values, round penetration, engine damage, equipment speeds, etc..It is not a frag fest like BF2 or Medal of Honor. If you're looking for instant gratification this probably isn't your game.All equipment is first person view - and the list of equipment is massive. Everything from Ju52's to Crusader tanks to motor patrol boats. Paratroops, trucks, ATGs,

16.9.2005

Battleground Europe™- The Virtual Battlefield Series™ -Report for duty to this first-person, online action game where players choose to fight alongside and against thousands of other players on the battlefields of western europe. Grab a rifle and experience heart-stopping infantry action or choose to advance your skills in one of dozens of accurately modeled combat vehicles, naval vessels or aircraft. Succeed and help the cause of the Allied or Axis forces. Fail and watch your side get pushed back and struggle for a foothold.Volume one in The Virtual Battlefield Series, Battleground Europe features the armies, vehicles,

13.8.2005

this game started out in late 2000 and when it came out it really stunk and got bad reputation in the game industry,but in the last 5 years they have made the game so much fun to play and using Teamspeak the squads on each side can talk to each other while playing the game adding an even more fun and enjoyable experience.this game is so worth paying $15.00 a month for and i have bee playing on the axis side since last december,this is the most awesome and fun MMOFPS u will ever play.if you get the game look for my tag in game.its bigpimpn and i am in the german airforce.REMEMBER:you need a joystick to drive veichles and fly planes so make sure you have one.if you want to find out more about

28.9.2005

Welcome to your new home from home, This game just keeps getting better as it goes along, some games fade overtime but our community gets stronger.You can play alone, in a squad, fly, drive do whatever you want to do.No matter what time of day you play in whatever timezone the battles rage on.Dont forget the map we play on is half the scale of europe... say no more join us and enjoy.

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