Battlefield 2 Special Forces takes the intensity and quality of Battlefield in showcasing the most elite and deadly forces in the modern military world. Using accurate Special Forces weapons, gadgets, and vehicles, these covert armies battle to control key military and strategic locations.

In Battlefield 2 Special Forces, players will choose to fight as one of six different Special Forces soldiers – Navy SEALs, British SAS, Russian Spetznas, MEC Special Forces, Rebel groups and insurgents. You can take control of 10 new vehicles including the Desert Raider, Combat ATV, a Russian BMP3 Armored Personnel Carrier, and an Apache Longbow Assault Helicopter. Some new Special Forces gadgets and weapons include a zip line, grappling hook, tear gas, gas mask, night-vision goggles, and flash-bang grenades. If that’s not enough there are also eight new maps for single and multiplayer use.

Sound and sight were right in line with the Battlefield 2. We would not expect less, but if you were looking for more, it’s the same. Which is just fine with me because I believe both elements were fantastic. Visually the game is stunning and still has pretty good framerates to boot. The sound effects were superb and the new gadgets found in the game sound great as well.

The new vehicles were a nice touch, but my favorite part of the expansion has got to be the new gadgets. I love how tear gas can really screw up your vision giving you blurry tripped out look of the combat zone. I also like that you can counter this with a gas mask. While experiencing the ill effects of the tear gas your player even goes into a coughing fit which makes hearing your teammates difficult, as does an assault from your enemy. The new zip line is a blessing to you snipers out there. No longer are you hung out to dry if you are stuck on a rooftop as a tank is rolling in on your position. Now you can zip down quickly and avoid a tank shell. I used to love getting dropped off on a rooftop from a chopper in online play and hold back the enemy for a short time until they honed in on my death from above. Now I at least have a fighting chance to get the hell out of there once my location is compromised.

The new maps are nothing real new, but they are different. Considering there are a few night missions, it makes good use of the night-vision goggles. They only run for a short period before they have to be recharged so don’t think you are going to sit in a dark corner pick off guys all night. Flash bangs really have a bad effect on you when wearing the night goggles. Blinding is a great word for it. Flash bangs are great for tossing one into a room loaded with bad guys. When it goes off it causes a disorientating blast that causes their ears to ring and temporarily blind them. Giving you a couple of seconds to go in and sweep the room before they can even get a shot off.

Online play is now even more addicting as you have a whole new arsenal at your disposal. Games are still fast and furious and are truly where this title shines.

If you liked BF2, you are sure to be pleased with the expansion. This is certainly worth having if you enjoy the game. Because most of the elements have not changed from the original, you may see some similarities in the remarks below

Gameplay: 9.0
There are a ton of keys to memorize but once you get the basics down pat, it’s a blast to play. Though single-player games are a good way to familiarize your self with the game, Online is where this title truly shines. You now the option of using voice over IP if you have a microphone to aid in coordinating battles! With in-game success, players increase their rank from recruit all the way to General and unlock new weapons, medals, and more. The game play is fluid and basically trouble free from my experience.

Graphics: 9.0
Visually the game is absolutely stunning. The realism and depth that this game brought to my desktop blew me away. Sure some may argue that some instances the graphics could have been a bit better but for as fluid as the game played and great framerates, I was pleasantly surprised.

Sound: 9.0
The sound effects were great. Gunfire, tanks, jets, rockets, mortars raining down from the sky, etc. all sounded great. The distinct sound every weapon makes adds to the realism of the game. Nicely done.

Difficulty: Medium
The game can be tough even on the easiest setting. Aircraft are quite challenging to fly but most vehicles are a snap. Lots of time spent will have most gamers honing their skills to so well in the online arena.

Concept: 8.0
If BF2 was not enough for you, the new things found in this expansion should have your hearts filled with joy. There is plenty here to warrant spending your hard-earned cash if you love this game.

Multiplayer: 9.5
WOW! The MP games are fast, furious, and loads of fun to play. You can actually progress through the ranks and earn awards through a stat tracking system that also allows you to unlock special features and weapons as you climb your way through the ranks. Maps are scaled to the amount of players and can grow in size up to 64 players.

Overall: 9.0
BF2 is one of the best FPS modern day war games to date, in my opinion. This expansion just adds to the realism allowing a more rounded arsenal and the use of some new tactics. If you love the original, you gotta add on BF2 Special Forces.