Battlefield: Heroes

Believe It Or not, this cartoony third-person shooter is from the same developers as the gritty Battlefield FPS series. And it's going to be free to play. Battlefield Heroes is an attempt to make an accessible and fun (casual) multiplayer blaster with revenue generated from banner advertising on the game's website and loading screen, as well as 'micro-transactions' - although whether this means players will be able to buy extra weapons or just bright pink sombreros for their characters is yet to be revealed. What we do know is that this is a serious proposition: two factions, three character classes, special abilities such as being able to see enemies through walls, multiple vehicles and a battle mode that mashes capture the flag and team deathmatch into a colourful explosion. But we'll reserve judgement on whether it deserves the Battlefield name until we get our hands on it...

Class Act

Battlefield Heroes has three classes: a Soldier, a speedy Commando, and the heavy weapons guy - the Gunner. Each class also gets sticky bombs for killing tanks.

Mass Appeal

The UI lias icons for health, weapons, team 'tickets' and experience. There's no mini-map, as DICE felt an overall view wasn't needed in game where you decrease your rivals' spawn times through both kills and flag capture.

Axis And Allies

When you register you have to swear allegiance to the Royal Army (good guys) or the National Army (Nazis without swastikas). Victory is gained by winning territory, but the exact mechanics of this are yet to be seen.

Battlefield Lite?

Gameplay changes include no friendly fire, no knife kills or one-shot-kill sniper hits, and a third-person view (because first-person views confuse noobs, and stop you seeing customisations you make to your cliaracter).

Tanks A Lot

Vehicles are included, but they're easier to control. Tanks are faster, and planes are more agile, and soldiers can sit on the wings for extra firepower.

Special Powers

Abilities - like a health boost for nearby team-mates, and X-ray vision to see foes through walls - are available to players before they jump into the game. There's also an emote system with nine animations.

Cartoon Capers

DICE have said tlwy want to return to the silly feel of Battlefield 1942, delivering a game that anyone can join in and play. Hemes will also have a matchmaking service, auto-patching and liardware specs that include as many potential gamers as possible.