With Battlefield: Bad Company proving that it's possible to make radical new changes to an existing franchise and make it work, it shouldn't be all that surprising to find EA DICE's next project on the same path to success. Much like the recently released console gem, Battlefield Heroes embarks on a dramatically different direction for the series—amazingly enough, it still holds onto the core mechanics of the franchise and blends it with a new visual style and more accessible gameplay.

Oh yeah, did we mention it's free?

The game reinterprets the well-established Battlefield multiplayer formula in the guise of colorful third-person action. The new visual style for the series is the most apparent change, taking on a vibrant cel-shaded look. In many ways, it's similar to the style employed in Valve's Team Fortress 2. Don't let the adorable new graphics fool you into thinking that the game departs fully from the multiplayer action that has made the franchise great; on the contrary, we were more satisfied in fifteen minutes playing Battlefield Heroes than we have been previewing other shooters in the last couple months.

Part of what makes the game so entertaining is its simple setup. Two factions: the National Army and the Royal Army square off on two maps for possession of control points. Each time begins a match with 50 points; through the course of the game, points are subtracted for losing possession of a node and team kills. The first team to reach zero loses. Naturally, the object is to coordinate an offensive with your fellow players to capture and hold control points to ensure you don't lose points. Matches last anywhere from 10-20 minutes.

Successful teamwork involves utilizing each of the three character classes: soldier, gunner, and commando. Soldiers act as the all-around class, although they do specialize in healing and defensive abilities. Gunners, on the other hand, are the tank class. Capable of equipping heavy weapons, these suckers can mow down opponents with ease. Lastly, the commando offers a stealthier approach with the ability to cloak and wield long range weapons. Each class naturally lends to different tactics on the battlefield. For instance, a commando might cloak himself and sneak up to a control point to capture it without alerting nearby opponents. A gunner would simply blast his way to a control point, perhaps supported by a soldier who heals him as he launches an assault.