For Battlefield: Bad Company 2 we wanted to take Battlefield’s traditionally deep vehicle experience and bring it to a whole new level. In order to do this we analyzed every aspect of our vehicle warfare. We pushed the pedal down on Jeeps, increasing their top speed, and making them livelier. We crafted a new control system for Helicopters so more players soar over the Battlefield. We tuned the Tanks, giving them more torque for climbing and smashing through light obstacles. Every single aspect of Bad Company’s original vehicles were tweaked, tuned, and rebalanced. But simply improving our already impressive stable of vehicles was not enough. We wanted to give new tactics and strategy to players via all new rides.
In Bad Company 2 a whole 4 man squad, plus a pilot, can take to the sky via the new UH-60 transport helicopter. This 5 seat vehicle can suppress any hot LZ with dual miniguns, each controlled by a gunner on either side of the helicopter. The additional 2 passengers can contribute their own kit’s fire power through the chopper’s open doors. Of course the UH-60 will have to watch out for the new BMD-AA Mobile Anti-Aircraft vehicle.
The BMD-AA is a Light Tank absolutely blistering with weaponry. The turret mounted dual 23mm AA cannons tears helicopters to pieces with rapid fire bursts. However the AA gunner must sit exposed to enemy fire in order to operate the weapon. The driver packs the explosive power of a 30mm Grenade Machinegun, and two additional passengers are each fully protected inside, with rapid fire machine guns to suppress nearby infantry.
Also making its debut on the Battlefield are smaller, faster vehicles. The Quad Bike carries 2 teammates with quickness and agility across the battlefield in record time. Its small size allows it to slip through gaps and between trees in the forest to escape pursuers or reach that next objective. On the sea, a 2 man Personal Water Craft gives a quicker, stealthier option for crossing open water. While neither vehicle sports arms of their own, the passenger has full access to all of his kit weapons. The high speed of the Quad Bike and PWC give players a new tactical choice on the battlefield.
Of course new and improved vehicles aren’t the only things we’re adding to the Ultimate Vehicle Warfare. Keep watching the Battlefield Blog for more details on the vehicles in Battlefield: Bad Company 2.
Alan ‘Demize99’ Kertz
Gameplay Designer, Battlefield: Bad Company 2