On launch day access to BC2 servers will be limited:

* On launch day, the game and the servers will not be the absolutely latest. We are still trying to work out how to handle server administration etc.

* Once the "day1 patch" goes out, they will have full access to the server administration interface.

* DICE is not committing to a release date for the "day1 patch". However we aim to release it during Mar 5th-7th (GMT).


This means limited or no RCON or administration until the patch is released.

Source: FPSAdmin

As if it's any surprise, the initial reviews for Battlefield: Bad Company 2 have been quite positive thus far. Game Informer weighs in at a hefty 95% for the title, while IGN had a slightly less exhillerating experience at an 8.9 out of 10. IGN cites a lack of an "epic" feel and "short" single player campaign as being its two major downfalls.

Bad Company 2 is just a few days away from being officially released in North America. Expect tons of additional reviews to start pouring in!

Source: TotalBF

Via the official Bad Company 2 blog

As Battlefield Bad Company 2 comes out next week, I'll tell you about the Day 1 map pack that is available to all players who purchase the game and apply their VIP code which comes with the game at no extra charge. The map pack contains two new maps which are the Rush map, Nelson Bay and the Conquest map, Laguna Alta which you can check out in the video now. The maps will be available from March 2nd which will allow the lucky North America players to get access and practice while us Europeans wait a few days more.

Source: FPSAdmin

MrChris_CJ posted up informaton from badcompanytwo.com about a weapons damage increase:

DICE Developer @Demize99 stated on twitter that they are currently testing a new multiplayer damage model that would increase damage by 25% on all weapons except the sniper rifles and vehicle splash damage. He also stated that the test was going well and that it should be approved for a retail patch very soon. Below are the official tweets of @Demize99

Tue-23 Feb 03:35:

@Demize99: Tested a slightly higher damage model in an internal MP test yesterday. Worked out nicely A couple more tests and it will go live for retail

Tue- Feb 23 07:04:

@Demize99: So the test was to increase AR SMG LMG Pistol and SemiAuto rifles/slugs by 25% vs the torso. Splash vehicles and snipe dmg stay the same.

UPDATE:

Tue- Feb 23 10:50:

@Demize99: For the record 25% is 1 bullet for most guns, depending on the rof. Slow firing guns get less benefit, just due to the maths.

So what are your thoughts on this change of events? Sounds like a good change? Does it matter? Is the game already getting watered down before release?

Original Source

Found at TotalBF

Maps

Bad Company 2 will feature plenty of maps right out of the box.  8 Rush maps have been confirmed by DICE Lead Exec. David Goldfarb.   So far, we know about 10 maps in total.  2 of these maps could be conquest only maps, while the other 8 are full fledged rush maps.  In Bad Company 1, we saw existing Rush maps converted into “Conquest” maps and available later on via DLC.  This time around, “Conquest” will be available right out of the box, as well as competitive game-mode,  “Squad Deathmatch.”  Below are all of the confirmed maps we have until Launch Day.

Panama Canal

Description: Units in contact are being rotated out as a result of combat fatigue. Weeks of fighting have left the harbor in ruins and the surrounding area littered with destroyed equipment. Armored movement is hampered and deadly kill zones mare the ground. U.S Forces are staging an assault of the industrial port with the objective to seize, retain and exploit the area. Control of the canal will allow larger-scale Strategic Operations along the South West Pacific coast.

Info: Confirmed as a Rush and Squad Deathmatch Map. Conquest: Unknown

Port Valdez

Description: Russian Forces are posed to attack the harbor in an attempt to seize the Trans Alaskan Pipeline. Without regard to arctic conditions, the area has been probed by Russian Pathfinders indicating an airborne assault is planned. U.S interrogation of captured Russian paras revealed that MBTs will be, or have been, airlifted into the area. All armor assets and attack helicopters are being diverted to the sector. No fallback exists for either side. This engagement will decide the outcome of the war.

Info: Confirmed as Rush and Squad Deathmatch. PC Beta Map, Xbox and PS3 Demo Map

Valparaiso Village

Description: The American capture of Valparaiso is the next phase in their strategic plan to repel Russian Forces from Chile. Any U.S. invasion will inevitably consist of a land assault through the outlying jungle areas and an amphibious landing of infantry and armored forces along the coast. The U.S objective is the Power Station on the outskirts of the city. If the installation can be captured and services cut off, the liberation of the city will inevitably follow suit.

Info: Confirmed as Rush, Squad Deathmatch. Conquest: Unknown

Laguna Alta

Description: Several days ago a large Russian counter attack overran U.S. Camp “Christopher” and destroyed a supply train carrying vital equipment. U.S Forces are mustering to recapture the area. They are trying to establish a buffer zone near the woodlands so their Battle Group can move unimpeded across the bridge connecting the opposing high ground. Intelligence reports and Recon patrols have exposed a large number of Russian troops and IFVs that have reinforced the camp since the attack occurred.

Info: Confirmed as Rush,. Squad Deathmatch Game Modes. Conquest Unknown

Isla Inocentes

Description: U.S. Forces are desperate to open a supply route for an Armored Battle Group engaged in fighting further inland. A Russian Artillery base controls the area and counters any breakout actions launched. The base is well defended and has been successful in repelling previous attacks. Destruction of the base and control of the woodlands will allow U.S Amphibious Forces to land and open a second front, which is critical in their plan to liberate South America.

Info: Confirmed as Rush Game-Mode

Atacama Desert

Description: A Russian Naval Group is preparing a massive amphibious assault. Defending the shore are 3 U.S fortifications and a string of artillery defenses. Should the Russians establish a beachhead and overrun U.S. positions, they will be free to advance further inland. With weather deteriorating and sandstorms approaching, U.S. Command has consolidated all available forces to meet the Russian threat. As a result of the open ground, a large-scale armor battle supported by attack helicopters seems likely.

Info: Confirmed Rush Map, Confirmed Conquest Map, Confirmed Squad Deathmatch

Arica Harbor

Description: Following the results of the armor assault at Atacama, U.S Command insists on a similar action to capture the port of Arica. The assault group will launch a “break through” action directly at the Russian base. If the fight dictates, the Battle Group will cut directly through the town located on the axis of advance. Collateral damage is of no consequence. The Russian base must be destroyed in order to cross the desert and reach the port. Heavy casualties are expected on both sides.

Info: Confirmed Rush Map, Confirmed Conquest Map, Squad Rush Unknown (PS3 Beta Map)

White Pass

Description: As the weather has cleared and snowfall relented, Russian Forces are massing for an assault on White Pass and the satellite relay station located there. The local town has not been attacked, but Russian units have probed defenses in the surrounding woods. The sector has strategic value to U.S Forces as it allows control of inland routes. Should the area fall into Russian hands, a line of advance will present itself directly to Nelson Bay.

Info: Confirmed Rush Map, Confirmed Conquest

Nelson Bay

Description: Winter has hit hard. The river has frozen allowing heavy equipment and personnel to operate throughout the sector. However, the extreme weather and surrounding woods make it unlikely that any assault will consist of heavy armor. Satellite reconnaissance indicates Russian Special Forces and airborne units have been pulled away from South America and are gathering on mass. A nighttime assault is eminent. Nelson Bay harbors an underground U.S submarine base that will be defended at all cost.

Info: Unknown, Rush Possible Map

Laguna Presa

Description: The valley and surrounding mountains possess a strategic value in the battle for South America. Construction of the nearby Dam was halted when hostilities broke out, but its presence is still a significant factor. Airborne operations are limited but infantry assault supported by light armor vehicles is likely by both armies. U.S Forces are massing all available units to stage a defense and have wired the dam to prevent it from falling into Russian hands.

Info: Confirmed Squad Rush Map, Smaller Map for Competitive play