Battlefield Play4Free hits open beta

The Battlefield Play4Free army's enlistment standards have just dropped precipitously. Electronic Arts' free-to-play, microtransaction-driven shooter today entered its open beta phase, allowing PC gamers around the world to jump into the fray.

Battlefield Play4Free is the publisher's second free Battlefield-themed shooter, following the stylized Battlefield Heroes. However, the two games are distinct, particularly in Play4Free's focus on realistic characters, weapons, maps, and environments. Gamers can also purchase Battlefunds--the same virtual currency accepted in Battlefield Heroes--in order to upgrade their characters and equipment.

Battlefield Play4Free features 32-player multiplayer support and maps from Battlefield 2, as well as weapons and classes from Battlefield: Bad Company 2. Players also have access to 16 vehicles in Play4Free, including the Mil Mi-28 attack helicopter, the F35 VTOL jet fighter, the Russian T-90 main battle tank, and the light strike vehicle.

For more on Battlefield Play4Free, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.