In addition to the single-player mode, new maps and additional features will be added to the game during the extended development period. The decision to add the single-player mode was made in response to consumer feedback.
"Adding more time to the development cycle of the game will result in a more expansive feature set and a more compelling product," said Greg Richardson, General Manager, EA Partners. "We are confident that this decision will result in a stronger title and continue the advancement of the Battlefield brand."
Featuring both single-player and multi-player modes mean that Battlefield: Modern Combat can be enjoyed by solo players or within an online multiplayer environment that supports up to 24 players. To play online, PlayStation 2 console owners will require a broadband connection, memory card and network adaptor for the PlayStation 2, while Xbox owners will require a subscription to Xbox Live.
The first-ever Battlefield console installment will drop players into the heat of battle on the high tech frontlines, entering a new modern era of combat with more firepower and new expansive environments. Armed with the latest modern weaponry, players can choose from more than 30 vehicles and 70 weapons, and communicate with one another in real time via USB headset. Players will choose to fight for one of three military superpowers: the United States, the Chinese, or the newly formed Middle East Coalition.
Battlefield: Modern Combat will ship in fall 2005 and will be published and distributed by EA under the EA GAMES brand. The game is not yet rated by the ESRB.