As sales pick up after the launch last week, I can see Battlefield 2 competing with Counterstrike: Source (the other CSS) in the online popularity stakes. But, regardless of what the numbers say (‘There are three kinds of lies: Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics’- Benjamin Disraeli), CSS has one problem that it can never overcome: respawning (or the lack thereof).
Let’s picture the situation: in Battlefield 2/Enemy Territory/Onslaught in UT2004/[insert teamgame of your choice], you feel no problem with taking on risky tasks for your team (e.g. going ‘behind the lines’ in BF2 to destroy artillery guns) because, if you die, you will respawn a few seconds later. Whereas in CSS, one lucky pistol shot and you have to wait 4 minutes+ before you can play again. I don’t know about you folks, but if I want to watch pretend violence then I’ll dig out an action movie DVD.
As for the argument that ‘permanent’ (ie until the end of the round) deaths are necessary to add tension to the game, and make you feel attached to your in-game avatar, nonsense! Ever tried taking on a BF2 tank with a silenced pistol, hoping that the gunner will get into the exposed secondary turret? Didn’t think so, because your CSS-sense tells you that this sort of action will get you a time-out. Bad player, trying to enjoy yourself!