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Battlefield 2142 Interview
by Jonathan Trevisani, Computer Games Online

Jonathan Trevisani: What made you decide to start working on Battlefield 2142 when the previous games are still in their prime? Are you concerned that you will be taking players away from previous Battlefield games?" title="Battlefield 2142 Interview"> Jonathan Trevisani presents an interview with Marcus Nilsson, Sr. Producer for Battlefield 2142 at DICE. The game is set in the future with a wide assortment of new game play options implemented to take advantage of the series.
Jonathan Trevisani: What made you decide to start working on Battlefield 2142 when the previous games are still in their prime? Are you concerned that you will be taking players away from previous Battlefield games?

Marcus Nilsson: BF2 is a great game. The 700, 000 people playing last month, after only fourteen months since launch, is an awesome testimonial. With that said, it's not our mission to take away the user-base from BF2 rather, for us to provide a heavily altered game play in a unique environment. The new Titan mode is an example of the brand new experience that I'm sure will attract many of the avid BF2 gamers.

Jonathan Trevisani: What have you learned from the previous games and how have you improved upon them? What improvements have you implemented from the previous games?

Marcus Nilsson: We learn all the time. In development as well after our games are released, we learn ways to make the game elements better, and of course, how to address the problems that need our attention. As an example, the fighter planes in BF2 were a terrific addition, but Pilots became so savvy, it created an imbalance on the battlefield. 2142 needed an airborne solution that pilots wound enjoy, but at the same time, maintain the balance we looking for. Something else we learned from BF2 was in regard to the persistence, and how the players would stay engaged in the game seeking that next reward. Persistence is a key function that was always a high priority in each step of the development process. In 2142, you'll have 40 unlocks to include in your arsenal, as well as a massive selection of medals, badges, ribbons, and pins. There is always something just beyond reach. Another example is in regard to the server browser in BF2. It was clear that we needed a solution that was not only more accessible in 2142, but a great deal faster. The list of things we've learned, and how these get interpreted in 2142 is astounding. BF 2142 is a brand new installment in the franchise and everything we've learned from our previous titles has gone into making this a world class experience.

Jonathan Trevisani: What changes have been made to the server browsing interface? Will players be able to keep track of friends in the multiplayer browser?

Marcus Nilsson: Yes, I'm pleased to say that we now have a buddy system to track your friends, and your favorite servers, with just a click.

Jonathan Trevisani: Compared to Battlefield 2, how long will the loading time be for Battlefield 2142?

Marcus Nilsson: After the initial set up of the video card, loading a level will take about 20-30 seconds depending on your configuration.

Jonathan Trevisani: What is the general storyline for the game? How did you come up with the European Union and the Pan Asian Coalition?

Marcus Nilsson: Basically the background story is that the world is experiencing another ice age. Countries fight and unite. The conflict we are portraying is between PAC, a fictitious Russian speaking army, and the EU coalition. The coalitions fight for the last remaining land available for their survival and to protect their own post ice age future.

Jonathan Trevisani: How will some of the new player abilities such as cloaking and sentry guns change game play? What other futuristic toys will soldiers have at their disposal?

Marcus Nilsson: The toys in 2142 will do nothing but enhance the experience gamers have gotten used to in the BF series. The unlock system is an expansion of the rock/paper/scissors methodology which makes things more interesting as it's a completely strategic decision regarding how you equip your soldier, and your squad. A quick tip: The sentry gun is a "must have" for any squad defending their Titan. Just remember it can be disabled by an EMP grenade.

Jonathan Trevisani: How are the massive Battle Walkers in 2142 balanced with infantry in the game? What is active defense and are there special abilities planned for the other vehicles in 2142?

Marcus Nilsson: The battle walkers have weak spots, I am not revealing where but they can be taken down easier with more experience. An EMP grenade followed by some RDX explosives will do the job as well. Active defense is a counter measurement to any projectile directed at the Battlewalker. This ability is actually given to all vehicles but the FAV's. The FAV does, however, have a turbo boost making it fast enough to get away given they have a good driver behind the wheel. The APC's have pod launchers. Mode "One" is the escape pod and will shoot you a fairly short distance but long enough to avoid getting killed. Once within range of the Titan it will switch to "assault mode" and will direct the player on a trajectory towards the nearest Titan.

Jonathan Trevisani: What are some of the details of the new customizable player abilities? What unlocks can players look forward to?

Marcus Nilsson: The players have almost an unlimited number of combinations to look forward to when customizing their soldier. You must, however, unlock them in sequence in order to get to the 40 unlocks, and that is going to take some time. We also introduced an "away bonus" system which grants more points for a limited time for people who can't play every day. This will make unlocks more accessible for some people. Since we have 40 unlocks I can't go though them all but some of the more interesting examples are active camo (rendering you invisible) and the gun drone that which covers your back. Also the "networked battlefield" is an often used unlock in office play tests because of the intel it distributes when playing in a squad. Basically, the "networked battlefield" gives the members of the squad the ability to see what the others in the squad see. So with the right unlocks you can see what is behind the corner and also if the enemy is a soldier or a Battle Walker. It's critical information when you are in the heat of the action and in the center of a chaotic battle.

Jonathan Trevisani: Have any changes been made to the squad system? Can players still spawn on their leader or do they spawn at a beacon?

Marcus Nilsson: We have made a huge commitment in regard to making the squad play more interesting in 2142. The previously mentioned Networked battlefield only works if you are in a squad. As a squad member you can either spawn on your squad leader or on his or your members beacon (hopefully it's well placed). A squad will also collectively acquire points toward "field upgrades" which can be used as a demonstration of the next level of possible unlocks. It will give the players the chance to identify which one they will select the next time they rank up, as well the obvious advantage is using it in the current session.

Jonathan Trevisani: What changes have been made to the commander system? What are some of the options available to the commander?

Marcus Nilsson: The commander controls the Titan, and gives the orders to move around and therefore makes the choice whether to use it offensively or stay back to be better equipped to repel an enemy assault. He also has an orbital strike, which has a very strong-hitting EMP effect that can stall a pinpointed vehicle on the map. He may also use the orbital bombardment, the UAV, drop supplies, and scan the area for enemies.

Jonathan Trevisani: The new Titan Mode adds more strategy-based combat to a tactical game, what are some details of the new mode? Are any other modes going to be added to 2142 aside from Conquest and Titan?

Marcus Nilsson: Titan mode is the first new game mode from DICE in a long time. The reason is simple; we have not found a solution that plays as good as Conquest. Now, we are confident we have. Basically, Titan mode is about taking out the enemy Titan. A Titan is a large "mother" ship hovering above the battlefield. It is a game in 2 phases. It's a ground battle for missile silo control followed by either defending or attacking the Titans. The fight on the Titans is truly spectacular and equally rewarding whether you defend or attack.

Jonathan Trevisani: What new feature in the game are you most proud of? What is your favorite aspect of Battlefield 2142?

Marcus Nilsson: For me, it's a tie between Titan game mode and the persistence. Titan mode because we have proven we can make an interesting and intense game mode that that can rival Conquest. The persistence, as it changes the way a BF player thinks about his soldier, and the customizations always around the corner. You'll find that the progression through the 40 ranks is carefully balanced. For the record, I am also proud of the intimidating look and feel of the Battle Walker. It's scary when you meet one but at the same time, it fits perfectly into the Battlefield balance as it has it's weak spots just as any other element.

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source :: computing news press service