BattleForge, the upcoming real time strategy PC title from Phenomic Studios and Electronic Arts is currently in open beta for all players, EA announced today.

Previously only those with exclusive limited keys could access the closed beta, but today the beta goes live for all to enjoy, criticize, love, hate, or chime in with a resounding “meh”. ‚ The bottom line is that free is free and BattleForge is calling.

BattleForge is a fantasy online RTS/card battle hybrid with intriguing MMO elements that has the player assembling armies with various collectible trading cards available for purchase that supplement the micro-transaction business model of the title.

Cards can be won, traded, or bought online to create the ultimate deck and must be mixed and matched appropriately with friends to surmount the colossal virtual combat zones.

In the beta, players have access to all 200 BattleForge cards and every environment available in the game.‚  And if you like free bonuses, really who doesn’t? an upgraded Firedancer unit is yours when BattleForge hits retail at the end of the month.‚  In addition, anyone who pre-orders at retailers will receive four, exclusive units, one from each faction to help jump-start the experience.

I always get excited when genres are fused together; hopefully BattleForge can melt the distinct MMO and RTS elements together in both a pleasing and functional manner.

BattleForge launches March 24th for the PC.‚  More information on the official site.

About EA:

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–PhenomicTM, an Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) studio, today announced that the real-time strategy (RTS) game BattleForgeTM will open its beta for all players today. Starting today, all players will be able to enter the genre-changing world of BattleForge and experience the thrill of virtual cards coming to life in epic, online RTS battles before the game goes live on March 24th, 2009.

The open beta players will have access to all 200 BattleForge cards and all maps in the game. Everyone who takes part in the beta will get the bonus, upgraded Firedancer unit that will be available after launch. Players who pre-order BattleForge from participating retailers will receive four, exclusive units, one from each faction to jump start their decks.

BattleForge combines fast-paced strategy with a digital trading card mechanic in a dynamic online environment. Players use virtual trading cards to build custom armies and lay waste to their foes. Combining the strategic, real-time gameplay of classics such as Command & ConquerTM with a fully enabled, online collectible community, BattleForge is a breath of fresh air in the strategy genre. With an all-new style of play that is more accessible for casual gamers, BattleForge also offers a rich, deep gameplay experience that veteran RTS players seek. The collectable cards are the tools of war — each representing a spell, building or unit that is conjured directly onto the battlefield in stunning 3D graphics.

BattleForge features single-player scenarios and cooperative scenarios for 2 to 12 players, as well as Player vs. Player (PvP) ranked and unranked duels. With co-op play, guilds, chat rooms, and a robust marketplace featuring direct trade, an auction hall, and in-game mail, BattleForge is the first RTS to combine the social and community aspects of an MMO with an exciting RTS. Let the battles begin!

BattleForge ships March 24th, 2009 for the PC. For more information, visit www.battleforge.com.

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world’s leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, cellular handsets and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTSTM, EATM, EA SPORTS FreestyleTM and POGOTM. In fiscal 2008, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.67 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA’s homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA’s products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.

EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS Freestyle, POGO and BattleForge are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About The Author

Eddie Makuch is a Blast staff writer. Reach him at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @EddieMakuch.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.