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Battlefield 2 patched to v1.3

Latest fix-it/add-on for Digital Illusions' modern combat game out now; vehicle airdrops, co-op mode in--"squad hopping" out.

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Real-life battlefields may see countless changes over the course of its lifetime, but similar alterations for Electronic Arts' PC Battlefield 2 can easily be counted. The eighth patch for the shooter, which bumps the game up to version 1.3, was released today and is now ready for download from GameSpot (available in incremental or full versions).

The patch also adds game features, settings, and a brand-new mode to the modern combat ruckus. Soldiers out in the hairy parts of the map can now call for vehicular airdrops, allowing them to hop into a ride dropped to their location. The single-player levels can now be played in a cooperative mode with both human and computer-controlled players. Speaking of bots, their frequency and difficulty level can now be set before matches.

The v1.3 patch also has its share of tweaks and fixes. In addition to improved server performances and measures to prevent game crashes, the criteria to obtain certain awards have been changed. Locking weapons will now no longer seek out friendly targets, and abandoned helicopters will no longer continue to fly.

Bad news for "squad hoppers." As the patch's notes put it, "If the player joins a squad while dead, the player will not be able to use the squad leader as a spawn point until they have respawned once." The issue has raised some debate among BF2 players, as several have grown accustomed to using squad hopping to get back into the action or launching quick attacks. Others simply claim it's cheating. EA says their decision to nix the exploit is based on a decision to "refocus game play on team work."

For a full list of additions and changes, check out the patch notes. Battlefield 2 was released in June of last year, is rated T for Teen, and retails for $49.99. For more information on the game, read GameSpot's review.

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