This is the first section of the first part of my Basic Training Series. I've been working on it on and off over the past couple of days and while it's not finished yet, I am looking for feedback on what I've got so far.
This part is about SQUADS and it is mostly just the "quick start" section which covers the "How To" stuff. I'll be adding an Advanced Topics section which will cover the subjects of finding a good squad/SL, identifying "themed" squads, how to be a good squaddie, etc..
So let me know what you think. If you think I'm missing anything for this section then let me know or if the info isn't accurate please point it out. I couldn't test some of the UI specifics cuz I'm writing it off the top of my head, from memory, at the office. TIA!
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Battlefield 2 Basic Training Series
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Revision: 06.24.05a
By: |
TG|Rizzo
tg_rizzo@tacticalgamer.com
tacticalgamer.com
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Part One: SQUADS
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Battlefield 2 sports a well-designed squad system that should have all the forlorn team players up and moonwalking in celebration! Okay, maybe not moonwalking but surely a quick jig isn't out of the question. Finally we team players have a system that provides us with the necessary tools and functionality to operate more efficiently as a single, cohesive unit.
BF2's squads offer team players the ability to communicate and coordinate not only within the squad, but also with the Commanding Officer. The only thing missing is inter-squad communication but this can still be accomplished, albeit clumsily, through the CO.
Make no mistake about it, squads in
BF2 are the backbone of the Team and are absolutely essential for efficient communication, coordination, and teamwork. In most cases, a Team that utilizes the squad system to its fullest potential will have little trouble dominating Teams that do not.
Here's a list of some the key benefits of being in a squad:
* Squads can receive orders and intel directly from the Commanding Officer.
* Squads can request support from the CO, such as artillery, radar scans, and supply drops.
* Squad members can use the built-in VOIP (voice-over-IP) to communicate with other members of their squad.
* Squad members can respawn with their squad leader no matter where he/she is on the map.
Ok, you can stop moonwalking now. People are starting to stare.
Squad Quick Start
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The quick start guide is for the player that likes to jump in and get started right away. As such, the section is deliberately brief and to the point in order to get you up and running in a random squad in mere minutes. Just print it out and follow along and you'll look like a
BF2 squad veteran!
I. Joining an existing squad.
How to join a squad:
1. Hit the CAPS LOCK key to bring up the Squads screen.
2. Find a squad with an open slot (the maximum squad size is SIX so full squads show up as "6/6").
Optionally, you may click the 'down' arrow to the far right of the squad name to drop down a list
of all the squad members' names. The name at the top is the Squad Leader (more on the SL later).
3. Click the squad's Join button and your name will be added to the squad.
4. Hit CAPS LOCK again to close the Squads screen.
II. Identifying and locating your squadmates.
Use these tips to identify and locate your squadmembers:
a) Your squadmates' names are green.
b) The locations of your squadmates are represented by the little green dots on the maps.
c) Your squad leader is the big green circle with the number in it. The number identifies
your squad to the commander.
d) You will see small green arrows in your main HUD which indicate which direction your
squadmates are in with relation to your current position.
III. Communicating with your squad.
There are three methods of communicating with your squad, as follows:
a) Using a microphone with the built-in VOIP (voice-over-IP):
1. Press and hold your BattleComm key (default is B).
2. A green "speaker" icon should appear, indicating your mic is active
and ready to broadcast your voice.
3. Speak up, soldier! Say "hello" and request orders.
4. Release the BattleComm key to deactivate the mic.
When you activate your mic your name will appear in the HUDs of your squadmates so
they'll know who is speaking. I believe your green dot on the map and your name over your
player's head will flash as well.
b) Using the Commo Rose to send built-in, pre-recorded voice commands:
1. Press and hold your Commo Rose key (default is Q).
2. A radial menu should appear around a circle labelled "SPOTTED".
3. Move your mouse to navigate through the menu.
4. Click the Left Mouse Button when your desired message is highlighted and
the Commo Rose will disappear and your message will be sent to the squad.
You should be able to hear the message as well as see it in the chat box.
When you use the Commo Rose I believe your green dot on the map and the name over your
player's head will flash to indicate who is speaking.
c) Using TEXT chat to send text messages in the Squad channel:
1. Hit your "Say: Squad" key (default is L).
2. Type in your message.
3. Hit the Enter key to send the message to the chatbox.
4. Blech! Don't do this anymore! Just get a mic or use the Commo Rose!
IV. Using the Commo Rose to request assistance from your squad.
You may use the Commo Rose to request:
* First aid
* Ammunition
* Repairs
The advantage of using the Commo Rose to request assistance is that your dot will
flash on the radar map so that your squadmates can locate you quickly and easily.
How to use the Commo Rose to request assistance:
1. Press and hold your Commo Rose key (default is Q).
2. Move your mouse over the desired option, eg "Need Repairs"
3. Click the Left Mouse Button and your message will be sent
and your radar dot will flash.
V. Using the Commo Rose to spot enemies.
You can use the Commo Rose to pinpoint the exact location of an enemy on the radar.
When you do so, the enemy will appear on the radar (to your entire team) as a flashing
red icon for about 15 seconds. The specific icon will vary based on the type of enemy.
For instance, a "spotted" enemy tank will be represented by a tank icon.
Hot to use the Commo Rose to spot enemies:
1. Press and hold your Commo Rose key (default is Q).
2. Point the big circle in the center, labelled "Spotted", at the enemy.
3. Click the Left Mouse Button and the message will be sent and the enemy
will be shown as a flashing, red icon on the radar.
VI. Using your Squad Leader as a respawn point.
You may respawn at your Squad Leader's location, unless he/she:
- dies before your respawn timer reaches zero
- is in a vehicle, boat, or aircraft that has no empty seats
How to respawn on your Squad Leader:
1. While dead, hit the Enter key to bring up the respawn screen.
2. Click the green dot on the map (this is your squad leader).
3. Click "Done" in the bottom right corner and you will respawn
with your squad leader.
Advanced Squad Topics
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Coming soon....
