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{{short description|2002 video game}}
{{Infobox CVG| title = Battlefield 1942
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2016}}
|image = ]
{{Infobox video game
|developer = ]
| title = Battlefield 1942
|publisher = ]
| image = Battlefield 1942 Box Art.jpg
|designer =
| developer = ]
|engine =
| publisher = ]{{efn|] published the Mac OS X version.}}
|released = ], ]
| director = Johan Persson
|genre = ]
| producer = Lars Gustavsson
|modes = ] ]
| designer = Romain de Waubert de Genlis
|ratings = ]: Teen (T)
| programmer = Johan Persson
]: 16+
| artist = {{Unbulleted list|Stefan Vukanović|Riccard Linde}}
|platforms = ], ]
| writer =
|media = ] (2)
| composer = Joel Eriksson
|requirements = 800 MHz CPU
| series = '']''
| engine =
| platforms = ], ]
| released = '''Windows'''{{vgrelease|NA|10 September 2002<ref>{{Cite web |last=GameSpot Staff |date=August 27, 2002 |title=''Battlefield 1942'' ship date confirmed |url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/battlefield1942/news_2878592.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040904080046/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/battlefield1942/news_2878592.html |archive-date=September 4, 2004 |access-date=July 4, 2024 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Parker |first=Sam |date=September 11, 2002 |title=''Battlefield 1942'' ships |url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/battlefield1942/news_2879959.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040929025921/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/battlefield1942/news_2879959.html |archive-date=September 29, 2004 |access-date=July 4, 2024 |website=]}}</ref>|AU|14 September 2002<ref>{{Cite web |title=''Battlefield 1942'' PC |url=http://www.gamesmarket.com.au/details.cfm?ProdID=3168& |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030512020754/http://www.gamesmarket.com.au/details.cfm?ProdID=3168& |archive-date=May 12, 2003 |access-date=July 4, 2024 |website=GamesMarket}}</ref>|EU|20 September 2002<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bramwell |first=Tom |date=September 20, 2002 |title=What's New? |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/article-46695 |access-date=July 4, 2024 |website=]}}</ref>}}'''Mac OS X'''{{vgrelease|NA|28 June 2004<ref>{{Cite web |last=Largent |first=Andy |date=June 28, 2004 |title=Aspyr Ships ''Battlefield 1942'' & ''Shrek 2'' |url=https://www.insidemacgames.com/historical/news/index.php%3Fdate=2004-06-28.html |access-date=July 4, 2024 |website=]}}</ref>}}
| genre = ]
| modes = ], ]
}}


'''''Battlefield 1942''''' is a 2002 ] ] developed by ] and published by ] for ] and ]. The game can be played in ] mode against the ] or in ] mode against players on the ] or in a ]. It is a popular platform for ] developers, with many released modifications that alter the gameplay and theme.
- 256 Megabytes of RAM


In-game, players assume the role of one of five classes of ]: Scout, Assault, Anti-Tank, Medic, and Engineer. Players also have the ability to fly various ] ] and ]s, navigate ]s, ]s, and ]s, man ] defenses, drive ]s, ]s and ]s, and take control of ] and mounted ]s.<ref>{{cite web |title=BattleField 1942 Photo Gallery |url=http://b-42.webs.com/ |access-date=9 August 2014 |archive-date=24 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224110337/https://b-42.webs.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
- 3D accelerated 32 MB video card or equivalent with HTL and a 24-bit z-buffer


Each battle takes place on one of several maps located in a variety of places and famous battlefields in all of the major theaters of World War II: the ], ], ], ], and ] Fronts. Combat is between the ] and the ]. The location determines which nation-specific armies are used (for example, on the ] map, it is ] versus the ], while on the ] map, it is ] versus the ]). The maps in ''Battlefield 1942'' are based on real battles and are somewhat realistically portrayed.
- 160 MB free hard disk space plus space for saved games


Upon release, ''Battlefield 1942'' received generally favorable reviews, with particular praise directed towards the innovative gameplay, multiplayer, and World War II theme. The game went on to perform well commercially, with over 3 million copies sold by 2004. Since its release, the game has spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs, which became part of what ultimately would become the '']'' game series.
- 16X Speed CD-ROM/DVD-ROM


== Gameplay ==
- DirectX 8 Compatible Sound Card
]


The gameplay of ''Battlefield 1942'' generally has a more ] focus than previous games of this nature, as it is not only important to kill the opposition but to also hold certain "control points" around the map. Capturing control points allows the team to reinforce itself by enabling players and vehicles to spawn in a given area. Additionally, capturing and controlling control points also reduces enemy reinforcements. ''Battlefield 1942'' was one of the first mainstream FPS games to actively encourage teamwork and coordination over individual "lone wolf" style gameplay.
- MS compatible mouse


The default gameplay mode, Conquest, centers on capturing "control points" which serve as locations for ], often referred to as "spawn points". Rounds have a time limit and each team starts the round with a set number of tickets which are consumed when members of that team respawn. If a team does not control any spawn points, members cannot spawn unless the remaining living members capture one. If a team reaches zero tickets, members of that team cannot respawn for the rest of the match.
- Keyboard
|input =
}}
'''''Battlefield 1942''''' is an expansive ] (FPS) set in ] developed by ] and published by ] for the ] (2002) and ] (2004). The game can be played single-player against ] (or cooperatively with other humans and bots versus other bots), but most of the focus has been on its support for large-scale, ] ] games. On average, there are 1700 or more ]s running ''Battlefield 1942'', with up to 64 players playing on each.


A team loses tickets when its members are killed, but also at a fixed rate when the other team holds a greater number of capture points; the greater the disparity in held capture points, the greater the rate of ticket loss to the disadvantaged side, which encourages teams to focus on taking and defending control points. A match is won by killing all members of the opposing team when they either have no remaining tickets, or no available spawn points. Sometimes players on a losing team may ] instead of fight when their team's tickets and respawn points are reduced to zero, forcing the winning team to methodically search for them in order to end the round before the round timer expires.
''Battlefield 1942'' combines realistic ] with gameplay more extensive than the average FPS. The game was revolutionary in the fact that players are not limited to just running on foot. Players are able to fly ] and ]s, captain ]s and ]s, man coastal defenses, drive ]s and ]s, or just fight as one of several classes of ]. Some believe that ''Battlefield 1942'' had one of the most realistic physics and ]s available in FPSs on the market when it came out in 2002. Each battle takes place on one of several maps located in a variety of places and famous battlefields in both the ] and ]. While the combat is always ]s versus ], the location determines which specific armies are used (for example, on the ] map, it is ] versus the ], while on the ] map, it is ] versus the ]). Although based on real battles, Battlefield 1942 is not entirely historically accurate. For example, the game incorrectly displays Americans fighting the ], which was fought by the British. The gameplay also has a more cooperative focus as it is not only important to kill the opposition but to also hold certain "control points" around the map. These control points allow players and vehicles to respawn as well as reduce the enemy's reinforcement pool if enough are held.


==Expansion packs== === Roles ===
The player can choose to play as either the Allied team or the Axis team. The Allies consist of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and the Soviet Union, while the Axis consists of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. Regardless of which nation is chosen by the player, there are five different infantry roles the player can select from: ], Assault, ], Anti-tank, and ].
The creators of ''Battlefield 1942'' have released ]s entitled ''Battlefield 1942: The Road to Rome'' and ''Battlefield 1942: Secret Weapons of WWII''. Both add various new gameplay modes and design concepts. ''Road to Rome'' features a focus on the ] battles and ''Secret Weapons of World War II'' focuses on prototype, experimental, and rarely used weapons. Downloadable ] fix ] in the game and sometimes add extra content (such as the aforementioned Battle of Britain map).


Each role has its own strength and weakness. For example, the scout role has long-range surveillance, high ] and the ability to provide ] for artillery shelling by another player. Assault is the primary anti-infantry role, focused on directly engaging other players at short and medium range. The Anti-tank role specializes in attacking tanks and other vehicles, but their main weapon is inaccurate against moving enemy infantry. The Medic role has the ability to heal players including themselves, but their ] has less stopping power than the Assault class's rifle. The Engineer has the ability to repair damaged vehicles and stationary weapons, and they also have the ability to deploy ], which are highly effective against both enemy infantry and vehicles, and ]s, which destroy enemy vehicles on contact.
==Mods==
Since its release on ], ], there have been a large number of ] (modifications) developed by independent gamers and studios (see ''']'''). Each mod changes the gameplay by adding new content, gameplay balance, or both. There are dozens of a large content ]s and many times that number of smaller gameplay, texture, and sound modifications. The most famous of these, '']'', moves the setting to modern combat in the ]. ''Desert Combat'' itself has been the subject of several modifications such as '']'', and other gameplay and realism mods.


== Development ==
BF1942 mods have greatly aided the success of the game, driving sales and popularity of the game later into its life cycle. Players of the many modifications typically outnumber those playing the original game online (see , ). Early on there was little mod support by the developers and no ] to work with. The release of a ] (MDT) offered some support, though early versions were criticized as not being extensive enough. ], a tool for creating maps (also for '']''), was also released for the game. BF has also spawned a modding wiki for the game.
In 2000, ] acquired Refraction Games (developers of '']'') and inherited the in-development ''Battlefield 1942''.<ref name="Pelit">{{cite web |url=https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/digital-illusions-taisteluni/ |title=Digital Illusions – taisteluni |trans-title=Digital Illusions – My Struggle |author=nnirvi |date=2 November 2006 |website=] |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801084943/http://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/digital-illusions-taisteluni/ |archive-date=1 August 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> The game was originally proposed by DICE as a ] exclusive. Though satisfied with the proposal, negotiations never made it further because Nintendo had no online strategy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/28480/battlefield-could-have-been-exclusive-to-gamecube|title=Battlefield Could Have Been Exclusive to GameCube|last=Ronaghan|first=Neal|website=Nintendo World Report|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211113436/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/28480/battlefield-could-have-been-exclusive-to-gamecube|archive-date=11 February 2017|url-status=live|access-date=21 January 2018}}</ref> The game was developed by a team of 14 people at ].<ref>{{cite web |title=E3 2016: How EA Plans To Discover The Next Rocket League |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/06/15/e3-2016-how-ea-plans-to-discover-the-next-rocket-league |first=Brian |last=Albert |website=] |date=15 June 2016 |access-date=18 June 2016 |archive-date=17 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617150625/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/06/15/e3-2016-how-ea-plans-to-discover-the-next-rocket-league |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Battlefield 1942'' was built on the formula of the less well-known and successful '']'' video game, set in an ] ]. It featured single and multiplayer modes. The earlier Refractor 1 engine had more arcade-style physics and a less realistic focus than its successor, Refractor 2, which was used in ''Battlefield 2''. A Macintosh-compatible version of ''Battlefield 1942'' was made and released by ] in mid-2004. An ] version of the game was also announced in early 2001 but was cancelled almost two years later so Electronic Arts could more closely work on an expansion pack for the PC.<ref>{{cite web |title=Battlefield 1942 announced for the Xbox |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-1942-announced-for-the-xbox/1100-2677752/ |first=Shahed |last=Ahmed |website=] |date=23 January 2001 |access-date=14 August 2017 |archive-date=15 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815025616/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-1942-announced-for-the-xbox/1100-2677752/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Battlefield 1942 canceled for the Xbox |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-1942-canceled-for-the-xbox/1100-2908782/ |first=Giancarlo |last=Varanini |website=GameSpot |date=14 January 2003 |access-date=14 August 2017 |archive-date=15 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815025726/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-1942-canceled-for-the-xbox/1100-2908782/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Development== == Expansions ==
Two expansion packs would be released for ''Battlefield 1942'', '']'' (adding the ]) and '']'', both adding various new gameplay modes, maps, and game concepts. ''The Road to Rome'' focuses on the Italian battles, allowing players to play as the ] or as the ].<ref>{{cite web |title=''Battlefield 1942'' Official website |url=http://www.ea.com/official/battlefield/1942/us/rome_features.jsp |author=Victorrfr |publisher=] |date=16 September 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080916125206/http://www.ea.com/official/battlefield/1942/us/rome_features.jsp |archive-date=16 September 2008 |url-status=dead |access-date=16 September 2008}}</ref> ''Secret Weapons of WWII'' focuses on prototypical, experimental, and rarely used weapons and vehicles (such as ]s), and added subfactions to the German and British Armies, the German ] ] and ]. Accompany each were ] to the base game that fixed ], and added extra content (such as the Battle of Britain map) to the base game. ''Battlefield 1942 Deluxe Edition'' includes the original game and ''Battlefield 1942: The Road To Rome'', and the ''Battlefield 1942: World War II Anthology'' added ''Battlefield 1942: Secret Weapons of WWII'' expansion pack. ''Battlefield 1942: The Complete Collection'' later added '']'' and ''Battlefield Vietnam WWII Mod''.
''Battlefield 1942'' was a development of the less successful '']'' (2000) computer game which was set in an ] ]. It featured single and multiplayer modes. The earlier engine had more arcade-style physics and a less realistic focus than its sequel. A fan-made port of the game to the ''Battlefield 1942'' engine, compatible with the 1.45 patch was made though. In continuation of the series, Digital Illusions developed a sequel to ''Battlefield 1942'' called '']''. It has conceptual similarities to the ''Desert Combat'' mod, except that instead of present-day helicopters and tanks, it features ]-era weapons comprising the game's arsenal. Its new features include a new game engine that heavily uses ]ping, multiple weapons for most classes, and new maps. The most recent game in the Battlefield series is '']'' which has a ''Desert Combat''-like theme, some changes to gameplay, and a updated graphics engine. It recently caused havoc, as servers around the world crashed with the numbers of people attempting to download a demo version.


== Reception ==
More patches and maps may still be released in the future for ''Battlefield 1942'', and a Macintosh compatible version of BF1942 was also made and released in mid 2004. A huge amount of content is available in the form of its many mods, with a unknown amount still to be added. With the release of new battlefield games, another full-blown expansion pack for 1942 is unlikely. The Macintosh port did add a new influx of players as do the periodic release of mods.
{{Video game reviews
| MC = 89/100<ref name=MC>{{cite web |title=Battlefield 1942 for PC Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/battlefield-1942/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=11 April 2015 |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308064824/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/battlefield-1942 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| CGW = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Battlefield 1942 |url=http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_222.pdf |first=Tom |last=Price |magazine=] |issue=222 |date=January 2003 |pages=116–17 |access-date=15 August 2017 |archive-date=18 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418103649/http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_222.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
| Edge = 7/10<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Battlefield 1942 |author=Edge staff |magazine=] |issue=116 |date=November 2002}}</ref>
| EuroG = 9/10<ref>{{cite web |title=Battlefield 1942 |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_bf1942_pc |first=Martin |last=Taylor |website=] |date=28 September 2002 |access-date=15 August 2017 |archive-date=30 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530123401/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_bf1942_pc |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GI = 9/10<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Battlefield 1942 |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200211/R03.0807.1220.38047.htm |first=Kristian |last=Brogger |magazine=] |issue=115 |date=November 2002 |page=146 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080627162805/http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200211/R03.0807.1220.38047.htm |archive-date=27 June 2008 |url-status=dead |access-date=15 August 2017}}</ref>
| GameRev = A−<ref>{{cite web |title=Battlefield 1942 Review |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/36135-battlefield-1942-review |first=Ben |last=Silverman |publisher=] |date=September 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530184631/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/battlefield-1942 |archive-date=30 May 2015 |url-status=live |access-date=15 August 2017}}</ref>
| GSpot = 8.8/10<ref name=GSpot>{{cite web |title=Battlefield 1942 Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/battlefield-1942-review/1900-2880344/ |first=Scott |last=Osborne |website=GameSpot |date=16 September 2002 |access-date=14 August 2017 |archive-date=12 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112023217/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/battlefield-1942-review/1900-2880344/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GSpy = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |title=GameSpy: Battlefield 1942 |url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/battlefield-1942/545027p1.html |first=Sal |last=Accardo |publisher=] |date=24 September 2002 |access-date=15 August 2017 |archive-date=19 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140119133139/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/battlefield-1942/545027p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GameZone = 8.7/10<ref>{{cite web |title=Battlefield 1942 - PC - Review |url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/battlefield_1942_pc_review |first=Kevin |last=Krause |publisher=GameZone |date=2 October 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080930205309/http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r16144.htm |archive-date=30 September 2008 |url-status=live |access-date=15 August 2017}}</ref>
| IGN = 9.3/10<ref name=IGN>{{cite web |title=Battlefield 1942 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/09/16/battlefield-1942 |first=Steve |last=Butts |website=IGN |date=16 September 2002 |access-date=14 August 2017 |archive-date=28 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228052431/https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/09/16/battlefield-1942 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| PCGUS = 91%<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Battlefield 1942 |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/archives/2005/06/battlefield_194.html |first=Dan |last=Morris |magazine=] |date=December 2002 |page=126 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060315140919/http://www.pcgamer.com/archives/2005/06/battlefield_194.html |archive-date=15 March 2006 |url-status=dead |access-date=15 August 2017}}</ref>
| rev1 = '']''
| rev1Score = A<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Battlefield 1942 |url=http://ew.com/article/2002/10/11/battlefield-1942/ |first=Erik |last=Wolpaw |magazine=] |issue=677 |date=11 October 2002 |page=86 |access-date=14 August 2017 |archive-date=25 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225213615/https://ew.com/article/2002/10/11/battlefield-1942/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}


In the United States, ''Battlefield 1942'' sold 680,000 copies and earned $27.1 million by August 2006. At the time, this led '']'' to rank it as the country's 18th best-selling computer game released since January 2000. Combined sales of all ''Battlefield'' computer games, including ''Battlefield 1942'', had reached 2.7 million units in the United States by August 2006.<ref name=edgesales>{{cite magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017165955/http://www.edge-online.com/features/top-100-pc-games-21st-century/ |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/top-100-pc-games-21st-century/ |title=The Top 100 PC Games of the 21st Century| author=''Edge'' Staff | date=25 August 2006 |magazine=] |archive-date=17 October 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In December 2002, the game received a "Gold" sales award from the Verband der Unterhaltungssoftware Deutschland (VUD),<ref name=deutschgold>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030223165239/http://www.vud.de/presse/dezember2002.php3 | url=http://www.vud.de:80/presse/dezember2002.php3 | title=UD-SALES-AWARDS Dezember 2002 | date=December 2002 | publisher=Verband der Unterhaltungssoftware Deutschland | archive-date=23 February 2003 | url-status=dead | access-date=3 November 2018 }}</ref> indicating sales of at least 100,000 units across Germany, Austria and Switzerland.<ref name=gameprogold>{{cite magazine | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718145345/https://www.gamepro.de/artikel/vud-gold-awards-2003,1290773.html | url=https://www.gamepro.de/artikel/vud-gold-awards-2003,1290773.html | title=VUD-Gold-Awards 2003 | author=Horn, Andre | date=14 January 2004 | magazine=] | archive-date=18 July 2018 | url-status=live }}</ref> The game sold more than 3 million copies by July 2004.<ref>{{cite web|first=Marc|last=Weingarten|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84947573/|title=War's new fronts|newspaper=]|page=30|date=July 11, 2004|accessdate=September 8, 2021|via=]|archive-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326173346/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84947573/the-los-angeles-times/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Gameplay statistics and player rankings==
BF Tracks provides nearly real-time and historical gameplay statistics for all public ''Battlefield 1942'' servers in ] and ]. All such servers are continuously monitored and statistics from games played on each server are recorded in a database. Each player seen playing online is individually recognized within the database and players are ranked according to their "skill" based on a ] that incorporates various parameters of the player's performance during gameplay. The provides a searchable interface to the database where players can view their statistics and see how they compare to every other player in the database. This is all performed automatically without the player needing to register themself with the service.


The game received "generally favorable reviews", just one point shy of "universal acclaim", according to the ] website ].<ref name=MC/> At 6th annual Interactive Achievement Awards, ''Battlefield 1942'' received awards for Online Gameplay, Innovation in PC Gaming, PC Game of the Year, and Game of the Year. In March 2010 ''Battlefield 1942'' was awarded with "Swedish game of the decade" award at the computer game gala hosted by Swedish Games Industry.<ref>{{cite web |title=Årtiondets svenska spel är Battlefield 1942 |trans-title=The Swedish game of the decade is Battlefield 1942 |url=http://www.dataspelsbranschen.se/nyheter/2010/3/19/aartiondets-svenska-spel-aer-battlefield-1942.aspx |publisher=Dataspelsbranschen |language=sv |access-date=25 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100329000728/http://www.dataspelsbranschen.se/nyheter/2010/3/19/aartiondets-svenska-spel-aer-battlefield-1942.aspx |archive-date=29 March 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Another major tracking website is GameTrack, located at . This site differs from BF Tracks in that it collects server/player data more often, resulting in true realtime tracking. In addition, it separates players into Rookie, Seasoned, and Veteran ranking classes depending on how much time they have in-game and how many maps they have played. GameTrack's ranking formula gives each game played a ranking, heavily depending on flags taken, kill:death ratio, and kill rate. This ensures that team players get better rankings and veteran players are ranked against their peers.


Scott Osborne of ] called it a "comic book version of WWII."<ref name=GSpot/> The publication later named it the best computer game of September 2002.<ref name=gotm>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030918115811/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/gotm/100502/index.html | url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/gotm/100502/index.html | title=''GameSpot''{{'}}s Game of the Month, September 2002 | author=((The Editors of ''GameSpot'')) | work=] | date=October 5, 2002 | archive-date=September 18, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Steve Butts of ] praised the multiplayer, but said that "the single-player game leaves much to be desired."<ref name=IGN/>
==Milestones==
*], 2004 - ] begins shipping the Apple Macintosh Version of ''Battlefield 1942''
*], 2004 - 3 million copies sold, BF1942's sequel, '']'' released
*], 2003 - 2 million copies sold
*], 2003 - ''Secret Weapons expansion pack'' released
*], 2003 - ''Battlefield 1942 Secret Weapons'' demo released (Hellendorn map)
*], 2003 - ''Road to Rome expansion pack'' released
*2003 - 6th annual ], BF1942 receives awards for:
**"Online Gameplay"
**"Innovation in PC Gaming"
**"PC Game of the Year"
**"Game of the Year"
*], 2002 - ''Battlefield 1942'' released
*], 2002 - ''Battlefield 1942'' multiplayer demo released (Wake map)
*], 2002 - ''Battlefield 1942'' single-player demo released (Tobruk map)


'']'' and '']'' named ''Battlefield 1942'' the best multiplayer computer game and best overall computer game of 2002; it tied with '']'' for the latter award in ''Computer Games Magazine''.<ref name=cgm12th>{{cite journal | author=Staff | journal=] | title=Best of the Year 2002; 12th Annual ''Computer Games'' Awards |date=March 2003 | issue=148 | pages=58–61 }}</ref><ref name=pcgamerusawards2003 /> It also won ''GameSpot''{{'}}s annual "Best Multiplayer Action Game on PC" and "Biggest Surprise on PC" awards, and was nominated in the publication's "Best Graphics (Technical) on PC" and "Game of the Year on PC" categories.<ref name=bestworst2002>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030207155400/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/ | url=http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/ | title=''GameSpot''{{'}}s Best and Worst of 2002 | author=''GameSpot'' Staff | date=December 30, 2002 | work=] | archive-date=February 7, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref> ''PC Gamer US''{{'}}s editors hailed it as "the realization of our 'dream PC game' — multiplayer battles in which every interesting element of combat is playable by human teammates and opponents."<ref name=pcgamerusawards2003>{{cite journal |date=March 2003 | title=The Ninth Annual ''PC Gamer'' Awards | volume=10 | number=3 | pages=48–50, 54, 58, 60, 66, 68, 70 | journal=] | author=((The Editors of ''PC Gamer'')) }}</ref>
==Maps==
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* Invasion of the ]
* Liberation of ]


The ] awarded ''Battlefield 1942'' with four honors at the ] (now known as the ]): "]", "Computer Game of the Year", "Outstanding Innovation in Computer Gaming", and "]"; it also received a nomination for "]".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2003&idGame=340 | title=''Battlefield 1942'' | author=] | accessdate=February 17, 2022 | archive-date=17 February 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217173800/https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2003&idGame=340 | url-status=live }}</ref>
* '''''Road to Rome''''' ]
** Monte ]
** ]
** ]
** ]
** ]


{{clear}}
* '''''Secret Weapons of WWII''''' expansion pack
** ]
** ]
** ]
** ]
** ]
** ]
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** ]


== Franchise ==
{{Battlefield}}
{{main|Battlefield (video game series)}}
''Battlefield 1942'' was the first in the '']'' series and would go on to spawn many sequels and spin-offs set in different eras of war. Releases included '']'' in 2004, '']'' in 2005, '']'' in 2006, '']'' in 2009, '']'' in 2008 and ], '']'' in 2011, '']'' in 2013, '']'', a cops-and-robbers spinoff, in 2015, '']'', a ] based title, in 2016, '']'', the first time since ''Battlefield 1943'' that the series saw a return to a ] theater of operations, and the first since ''Battlefield 1942'' set outside the ]{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} in 2018, and '']'' in 2021. All of these releases have been overseen by ], with ''Hardline'' being developed by ], with additional developers like ], ] and ] providing additional development.


==Other WW2 themed games== == Mods ==
An October 2004 public release from EA noted the game's modding community.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web |title=Community update |url=http://www.ea.com/official/battlefield/vietnam/us/editorial.jsp?src=community_update_22&ncc=1 |publisher=Electronic Arts |date=7 October 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070308223156/http://www.ea.com/official/battlefield/vietnam/us/editorial.jsp?src=community_update_22&ncc=1 |archive-date=8 March 2007 |url-status=dead |access-date=14 August 2017}}</ref>
*] (2005, WWII FPS)
*] (2003, WWII FPS)
*] (2003, WWII FPS)
*] (2002, WWII FPS)
*] (2004, WWII FPS)
*] (2002, WWII FPS)
*] (2003, WWII FPS)
*


Like '']'' and some other popular FPS games, ''Battlefield 1942'' spawned a number of mods. Most did not progress very far and were abandoned without ever producing a public release. Some are very limited and just include some gameplay changes or even a different loading screen while others are total conversions that modify content and gameplay extensively. A few mods have become popular and are nearly games in their own right. Early modifications of Battlefield 1942 were produced without a ]. Later a "Mod Development Kit", Battlefield Mod Development Toolkit, was produced by EA to help the development of mods. With the release of the Battlefield 1942 sequel '']'' and '']'', some mods have released a new version or have continued development with that game. ''Battlefield Vietnam'' uses an updated version of the ''Refractor 2'' ]. Some mods have switched to the computer games '']'', '']'' while others were releasing a standalone game after completed mod development for Battlefield 1942 (Eve of Destruction - REDUX<ref>{{cite web|title=Eve of Destruction - REDUX|url=http://www.eod-game.com/|publisher=Agger Interactive|access-date=18 September 2017|archive-date=30 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430152430/http://www.eod-game.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> and FinnWars<ref>{{cite web|title=FinnWars (2015)|url=http://www.finnwars.com/|publisher=Iceflake Studios, Ltd|access-date=18 September 2017|archive-date=11 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911204455/http://finnwars.com/|url-status=live}}</ref>).
==See also==
* ]
* ]
* ]


*''Battlefield 1918'', A mod set during World War I which was first released in 2004 and as of December 2022 is still in active development.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.moddb.com/mods/battlefield-1918 | title=Battlefield 1918 mod | date=17 May 2011 | access-date=28 December 2022 | archive-date=28 December 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228054957/https://www.moddb.com/mods/battlefield-1918 | url-status=live }}</ref> Battlefield 1918 was mentioned as an inspiration for Battlefield 1 by key DICE employee Lars Gustavsson in a 2016 interview.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mcvuk.com/business-news/the-big-game-battlefield-1/ | title=The Big Game: Battlefield 1 | website=MCV | date=28 June 2016 | access-date=28 December 2022 | archive-date=28 December 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228054955/https://www.mcvuk.com/business-news/the-big-game-battlefield-1/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
==External links==
* ''Battlefield Interstate 1982'', mentioned in ''1UP'' ''"Free PC Games"'' December 2003 article. (''Free PC Games'' "1UP.ORG" December 2003.)
*
* ''Battle G.I. Joe'' was reviewed on ], by Michael Klappenbach.<ref>{{cite web |title=G.I. Joe Battlefield: 1942 Mod |url=http://compactiongames.about.com/cs/mods/p/gijoe_mod.htm |first=Michael |last=Klappenbach |publisher=] |year=2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050919143743/http://compactiongames.about.com/cs/mods/p/gijoe_mod.htm |archive-date=19 September 2005 |url-status=dead |access-date=14 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=G.I. Joe Mod - Planet Battlefield |url=http://planetbattlefield.gamespy.com/View.php?view=1942Mods.Detail&id=70 |author=G.I. Joe Mod Team |publisher=] |date=27 October 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060128104042/http://planetbattlefield.gamespy.com/View.php?view=1942Mods.Detail&id=70 |archive-date=28 January 2006 |url-status=dead |access-date=14 August 2017}}</ref> The mod was also contacted by ] for ] issues, as noted in ''Am I Mod or Not?'' (Nieborg, 2005)<ref name=autogenerated2 />
*
* ''Desert Combat'', produced by ], was winner of FilePlanet's ''Best Mod of 2003 Award'' and many other reviews and awards, such as the March 2003 '']''.{{Citation needed|date=August 2015}} ''PC Gamer'' described it as "Desert Combat is set in the white-hot conflict zone of the Middle East and pits the United States against Iraq."<ref name="pcgamerm2004m">{{cite magazine |title=MODS! |magazine=PC Gamer |date=March 2004}}</ref> Articles noted it was helped by the ], which increased the number of page views to approximately 15,000 per day,<ref name="cnn">{{cite web |title=War games see sales spike |url=https://money.cnn.com/2003/03/25/commentary/game_over/column_gaming/index.htm |first=Chris |last=Morris |publisher=] |date=25 March 2003 |access-date=23 January 2007 |archive-date=14 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070214071127/http://money.cnn.com/2003/03/25/commentary/game_over/column_gaming/index.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> or even between 20,000 and 70,000.{{citation needed|date=August 2017}} Desert Combat was pointed out as having two mods of its own, ''DC Extended'' and ''Desert Combat Realism'' in ''Am I Mod or Not?'' (Nieborg, 2005)<ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite web |title=Am I Mod or Not? - An analysis of First Person Shooter Modification culture |url=http://www.gamespace.nl/content/DBNieborg2005_CreativeGamers.pdf |publisher=GameSpace |access-date=31 August 2015 |archive-date=24 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224125535/http://www.gamespace.nl/content/DBNieborg2005_CreativeGamers.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
*
* ''Eve Of Destruction'' was the winner of ''PC Gamer'' 2003 Mod of the Year.{{Citation needed|date=August 2015}} Dan Morris of PC Gamer noted in the March 2004 issue of PC Gamer, "While Battlefield Vietnam was still a twinkle in its developers' eyes, this standout mod debuted to a rapturous reception from the Battlefield 1942 faithful."<ref name="pcgamerm2003awards">{{cite magazine |title=10th Annual PC Gamer Awards |magazine=PC Gamer |date=March 2003}}</ref>
*
* ''Experience WWII'' was described in PC Gamer as having substantial changes to be historically accurate that directly impacts gameplay.<ref name="pcgamerm2004m"/>
*
* '']'' was featured in ''Pelit'' magazine in issue 9/2005, and ''PC Pelaaja'' in 2007. FinnWars is based in ] and ]s between Finland and the Soviet Union, as well as ] between Finland and Nazi Germany.
*
* ''Forgotten Hope'', a 2003 mod that aimed at a high degree of historical accuracy, was noted for including over 250 new pieces of authentic equipment (at the time more than any other World War II-themed FPS).<ref>{{cite web |title=Battlefield 1942 Mod Forgotten Hope Coming Soon |url=http://www.insidemacgames.com/news/story.php?ArticleID=12327 |first=Cord |last=Kruse |publisher=] |date=1 November 2005 |access-date=31 August 2015 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924035426/http://www.insidemacgames.com/news/story.php?ArticleID=12327 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was awarded the Macologist Mod of the Year Award by ] in 2006 after the mod was ported to the Mac.<ref>{{cite web |title=Macologist Mod of the Year |url=http://www.insidemacgames.com/news/story.php?ArticleID=12710 |first=Anthony |last=Wang |publisher=Inside Mac Games |date=16 January 2006 |access-date=31 August 2015 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924035437/http://www.insidemacgames.com/news/story.php?ArticleID=12710 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was followed by its 2006 ''Battlefield 2'' sequel, ''Forgotten Hope 2''.
* ''Galactic Conquest'' was noted for its permission to blatantly use Lucasarts Star Wars universe material in ''Am I Mod or Not?'' (Nieborg, 2005). It was mentioned in '']'' in April 2004.{{Citation needed|date=August 2015}} ''Galactic Conquest'' was reviewed on ]'s '']'' show in 2004.<ref>{{cite web |title='Galactic Conquest' (PC) Mod |url=http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/239/Galactic_Conquest_PC_Mod.html |publisher=] |year=2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929123536/http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/239/Galactic_Conquest_PC_Mod.html |archive-date=29 September 2007 |url-status=dead |access-date=14 August 2017}}</ref>
* ''HydroRacers'' was reviewed in '']'' in 2004 by Tony Lamb, and also the ''Madison Courier'' in June 2004.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Big Update - Hydroacers2 and HydroRacers S.I.M |url=http://tracerstudio.planets.gamespy.com/hydroracers/mod/ |publisher=Tracer Studio |date=18 April 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111025000/http://tracerstudio.planets.gamespy.com/hydroracers/mod/ |archive-date=11 November 2007 |url-status=dead |access-date=14 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=HydroRacers Media |url=http://tracerstudio.planets.gamespy.com/hydroracers/mod/media.html |publisher=Tracer Studios |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111025005/http://tracerstudio.planets.gamespy.com/hydroracers/mod/media.html |archive-date=11 November 2007 |url-status=dead |access-date=14 August 2017}}</ref>
* ''Siege'' was pointed out in a study by Utrecht University, both for its original concept, and its medieval warfare theme. ''Am I Mod or Not?'' (Nieborg, 2005)<ref name=autogenerated2 />
* '']'' won the ''PC ACTION-Super Mod Award'' in edition 07/2006 of the German gaming-magazine PC ACTION.<ref>{{cite web |title=PC ACTION Super Mod 07/2006 |url=http://www.computec.de/index_2.cfm?menu=0203 |publisher=Computec |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070408202232/http://www.computec.de/index_2.cfm?menu=0203 |archive-date=8 April 2007 |url-status=dead |access-date=12 April 2007}}</ref> Also, it was featured on many Norwegian and Swedish media websites, including ], ] and IDG.<ref>{{cite news |title=Svensk invasjon på vei |trans-title=Swedish invasion on the way |url=http://www.vg.no/pub/vgart.hbs?artid=70586 |newspaper=Verdens Gang |date=5 August 2003 |language=sv |access-date=12 April 2007 |archive-date=6 December 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051206092444/http://www.vg.no/pub/vgart.hbs?artid=70586 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Norge och Sverige slåss&nbsp;– i "Battlefield" |url=http://www.aftonbladet.se/vss/spela/story/0,2789,340674,00.html |author=Spela |newspaper=Aftonbladet |date=5 August 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031003193645/http://www.aftonbladet.se/vss/spela/story/0,2789,340674,00.html |archive-date=3 October 2003 |url-status=dead |access-date=14 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ta tilbake Jämtland og Härjedalen |url=http://www.adressa.no/teknologi/article.jhtml?articleID=451469 |publisher=Trondheim Puls |date=18 September 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071212122052/http://www.adressa.no/teknologi/article.jhtml?articleID=451469 |archive-date=12 December 2007 |url-status=dead |access-date=12 April 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Intervju: Johan "Zarkow" Munkestam |url=http://www.fz.se/artiklar/article.php?id=149 |first=Daniel |last=Johansson |publisher=FragZone Artiklar |date=16 December 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040701084419/http://www.fz.se/artiklar/article.php?id=149 |archive-date=1 July 2004 |url-status=dead |access-date=14 August 2017}}</ref>
* ''Who Dares Wins'' was reviewed in August 2005 ] edition of ''PC Gamer'' magazine and a copy of version 0.2 was distributed with the magazine on DVD-ROM to its readers.<ref name="pcgamer2005">{{cite magazine |title=Who Dares Wins: Behind the Balaclava |date=October 2005 |magazine=PC Gamer}}</ref>


== Notes ==
]
{{Notelist}}
]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{cite web|url=http://www.eagames.com/official/battlefield1942/home.jsp?ncc=1 |title=''Battlefield 1942'' at EA Games |access-date=1 June 2015 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030602191340/http://www.eagames.com/official/battlefield1942/home.jsp?ncc=1 |archive-date=2 June 2003 }}
* {{cite web|url=http://global.dice.se/games/battlefield/ |title=''Battlefield 1942'' at DICE |access-date=2 September 2003 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030721201555/http://global.dice.se/games/battlefield/ |archive-date=21 July 2003 }}
* {{moby game|id=/windows/battlefield-1942}}
* {{IMDb title|0412486}}

{{Battlefield series}}
{{DICE GOTY}}
{{Authority control}}

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Latest revision as of 16:49, 28 November 2024

2002 video game

2002 video game
Battlefield 1942
Developer(s)Digital Illusions CE
Publisher(s)Electronic Arts
Director(s)Johan Persson
Producer(s)Lars Gustavsson
Designer(s)Romain de Waubert de Genlis
Programmer(s)Johan Persson
Artist(s)
  • Stefan Vukanović
  • Riccard Linde
Composer(s)Joel Eriksson
SeriesBattlefield
Platform(s)Windows, Mac OS X
ReleaseWindows
  • NA: 10 September 2002
  • AU: 14 September 2002
  • EU: 20 September 2002
Mac OS X
  • NA: 28 June 2004
Genre(s)First-person shooter
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Battlefield 1942 is a 2002 first-person shooter video game developed by Digital Illusions CE and published by Electronic Arts for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. The game can be played in single-player mode against the video game AI or in multiplayer mode against players on the Internet or in a local area network. It is a popular platform for mod developers, with many released modifications that alter the gameplay and theme.

In-game, players assume the role of one of five classes of infantry: Scout, Assault, Anti-Tank, Medic, and Engineer. Players also have the ability to fly various World War II fighter aircraft and bombers, navigate capital ships, submarines, and aircraft carriers, man coastal artillery defenses, drive tanks, APCs and jeeps, and take control of anti-aircraft guns and mounted machine guns.

Each battle takes place on one of several maps located in a variety of places and famous battlefields in all of the major theaters of World War II: the Pacific, European, North African, Eastern, and Italian Fronts. Combat is between the Axis powers and the Allies. The location determines which nation-specific armies are used (for example, on the Wake Island map, it is Japan versus the United States, while on the El Alamein map, it is Germany versus the United Kingdom). The maps in Battlefield 1942 are based on real battles and are somewhat realistically portrayed.

Upon release, Battlefield 1942 received generally favorable reviews, with particular praise directed towards the innovative gameplay, multiplayer, and World War II theme. The game went on to perform well commercially, with over 3 million copies sold by 2004. Since its release, the game has spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs, which became part of what ultimately would become the Battlefield game series.

Gameplay

Battlefield 1942 features combat both as infantry and in vehicles.

The gameplay of Battlefield 1942 generally has a more co-operative focus than previous games of this nature, as it is not only important to kill the opposition but to also hold certain "control points" around the map. Capturing control points allows the team to reinforce itself by enabling players and vehicles to spawn in a given area. Additionally, capturing and controlling control points also reduces enemy reinforcements. Battlefield 1942 was one of the first mainstream FPS games to actively encourage teamwork and coordination over individual "lone wolf" style gameplay.

The default gameplay mode, Conquest, centers on capturing "control points" which serve as locations for respawning, often referred to as "spawn points". Rounds have a time limit and each team starts the round with a set number of tickets which are consumed when members of that team respawn. If a team does not control any spawn points, members cannot spawn unless the remaining living members capture one. If a team reaches zero tickets, members of that team cannot respawn for the rest of the match.

A team loses tickets when its members are killed, but also at a fixed rate when the other team holds a greater number of capture points; the greater the disparity in held capture points, the greater the rate of ticket loss to the disadvantaged side, which encourages teams to focus on taking and defending control points. A match is won by killing all members of the opposing team when they either have no remaining tickets, or no available spawn points. Sometimes players on a losing team may hide instead of fight when their team's tickets and respawn points are reduced to zero, forcing the winning team to methodically search for them in order to end the round before the round timer expires.

Roles

The player can choose to play as either the Allied team or the Axis team. The Allies consist of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and the Soviet Union, while the Axis consists of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. Regardless of which nation is chosen by the player, there are five different infantry roles the player can select from: Scout, Assault, Medic, Anti-tank, and Engineer.

Each role has its own strength and weakness. For example, the scout role has long-range surveillance, high stopping power and the ability to provide spotting for artillery shelling by another player. Assault is the primary anti-infantry role, focused on directly engaging other players at short and medium range. The Anti-tank role specializes in attacking tanks and other vehicles, but their main weapon is inaccurate against moving enemy infantry. The Medic role has the ability to heal players including themselves, but their sub-machine gun has less stopping power than the Assault class's rifle. The Engineer has the ability to repair damaged vehicles and stationary weapons, and they also have the ability to deploy explosives, which are highly effective against both enemy infantry and vehicles, and land mines, which destroy enemy vehicles on contact.

Development

In 2000, DICE acquired Refraction Games (developers of Codename Eagle) and inherited the in-development Battlefield 1942. The game was originally proposed by DICE as a GameCube exclusive. Though satisfied with the proposal, negotiations never made it further because Nintendo had no online strategy. The game was developed by a team of 14 people at Digital Illusions. Battlefield 1942 was built on the formula of the less well-known and successful Codename Eagle video game, set in an alternate history World War I. It featured single and multiplayer modes. The earlier Refractor 1 engine had more arcade-style physics and a less realistic focus than its successor, Refractor 2, which was used in Battlefield 2. A Macintosh-compatible version of Battlefield 1942 was made and released by Aspyr Media in mid-2004. An Xbox version of the game was also announced in early 2001 but was cancelled almost two years later so Electronic Arts could more closely work on an expansion pack for the PC.

Expansions

Two expansion packs would be released for Battlefield 1942, Battlefield 1942: The Road to Rome (adding the Italian Front) and Battlefield 1942: Secret Weapons of WWII, both adding various new gameplay modes, maps, and game concepts. The Road to Rome focuses on the Italian battles, allowing players to play as the Free French forces or as the Royal Italian Army. Secret Weapons of WWII focuses on prototypical, experimental, and rarely used weapons and vehicles (such as jet packs), and added subfactions to the German and British Armies, the German Elite Troops and British Commandos. Accompany each were patches to the base game that fixed bugs, and added extra content (such as the Battle of Britain map) to the base game. Battlefield 1942 Deluxe Edition includes the original game and Battlefield 1942: The Road To Rome, and the Battlefield 1942: World War II Anthology added Battlefield 1942: Secret Weapons of WWII expansion pack. Battlefield 1942: The Complete Collection later added Battlefield Vietnam and Battlefield Vietnam WWII Mod.

Reception

Reception
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
Metacritic89/100
Review scores
PublicationScore
Computer Gaming World
Edge7/10
Eurogamer9/10
Game Informer9/10
GameRevolutionA−
GameSpot8.8/10
GameSpy
GameZone8.7/10
IGN9.3/10
PC Gamer (US)91%
Entertainment WeeklyA

In the United States, Battlefield 1942 sold 680,000 copies and earned $27.1 million by August 2006. At the time, this led Edge to rank it as the country's 18th best-selling computer game released since January 2000. Combined sales of all Battlefield computer games, including Battlefield 1942, had reached 2.7 million units in the United States by August 2006. In December 2002, the game received a "Gold" sales award from the Verband der Unterhaltungssoftware Deutschland (VUD), indicating sales of at least 100,000 units across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The game sold more than 3 million copies by July 2004.

The game received "generally favorable reviews", just one point shy of "universal acclaim", according to the review aggregation website Metacritic. At 6th annual Interactive Achievement Awards, Battlefield 1942 received awards for Online Gameplay, Innovation in PC Gaming, PC Game of the Year, and Game of the Year. In March 2010 Battlefield 1942 was awarded with "Swedish game of the decade" award at the computer game gala hosted by Swedish Games Industry.

Scott Osborne of GameSpot called it a "comic book version of WWII." The publication later named it the best computer game of September 2002. Steve Butts of IGN praised the multiplayer, but said that "the single-player game leaves much to be desired."

PC Gamer US and Computer Games Magazine named Battlefield 1942 the best multiplayer computer game and best overall computer game of 2002; it tied with No One Lives Forever 2 for the latter award in Computer Games Magazine. It also won GameSpot's annual "Best Multiplayer Action Game on PC" and "Biggest Surprise on PC" awards, and was nominated in the publication's "Best Graphics (Technical) on PC" and "Game of the Year on PC" categories. PC Gamer US's editors hailed it as "the realization of our 'dream PC game' — multiplayer battles in which every interesting element of combat is playable by human teammates and opponents."

The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences awarded Battlefield 1942 with four honors at the 6th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards (now known as the D.I.C.E. Awards): "Game of the Year", "Computer Game of the Year", "Outstanding Innovation in Computer Gaming", and "Online Gameplay of the Year"; it also received a nomination for "Outstanding Achievement in Game Design".

Franchise

Main article: Battlefield (video game series)

Battlefield 1942 was the first in the Battlefield series and would go on to spawn many sequels and spin-offs set in different eras of war. Releases included Battlefield Vietnam in 2004, Battlefield 2 in 2005, Battlefield 2142 in 2006, Battlefield 1943 in 2009, Battlefield: Bad Company in 2008 and the 2010 sequel, Battlefield 3 in 2011, Battlefield 4 in 2013, Battlefield Hardline, a cops-and-robbers spinoff, in 2015, Battlefield 1, a World War I based title, in 2016, Battlefield V, the first time since Battlefield 1943 that the series saw a return to a World War II theater of operations, and the first since Battlefield 1942 set outside the Pacific Ocean theater of World War II in 2018, and Battlefield 2042 in 2021. All of these releases have been overseen by DICE, with Hardline being developed by Visceral Games, with additional developers like Criterion Games, EA Gothenburg and Ripple Effect Studios providing additional development.

Mods

An October 2004 public release from EA noted the game's modding community.

Like Half-Life and some other popular FPS games, Battlefield 1942 spawned a number of mods. Most did not progress very far and were abandoned without ever producing a public release. Some are very limited and just include some gameplay changes or even a different loading screen while others are total conversions that modify content and gameplay extensively. A few mods have become popular and are nearly games in their own right. Early modifications of Battlefield 1942 were produced without a software development kit. Later a "Mod Development Kit", Battlefield Mod Development Toolkit, was produced by EA to help the development of mods. With the release of the Battlefield 1942 sequel Battlefield Vietnam and Battlefield 2, some mods have released a new version or have continued development with that game. Battlefield Vietnam uses an updated version of the Refractor 2 game engine. Some mods have switched to the computer games Söldner: Secret Wars, Half-Life 2 while others were releasing a standalone game after completed mod development for Battlefield 1942 (Eve of Destruction - REDUX and FinnWars).

  • Battlefield 1918, A mod set during World War I which was first released in 2004 and as of December 2022 is still in active development. Battlefield 1918 was mentioned as an inspiration for Battlefield 1 by key DICE employee Lars Gustavsson in a 2016 interview.
  • Battlefield Interstate 1982, mentioned in 1UP "Free PC Games" December 2003 article. (Free PC Games "1UP.ORG" December 2003.)
  • Battle G.I. Joe was reviewed on About.com, by Michael Klappenbach. The mod was also contacted by Hasbro for IP issues, as noted in Am I Mod or Not? (Nieborg, 2005)
  • Desert Combat, produced by Trauma Studios, was winner of FilePlanet's Best Mod of 2003 Award and many other reviews and awards, such as the March 2003 PC Magazine. PC Gamer described it as "Desert Combat is set in the white-hot conflict zone of the Middle East and pits the United States against Iraq." Articles noted it was helped by the Iraq War, which increased the number of page views to approximately 15,000 per day, or even between 20,000 and 70,000. Desert Combat was pointed out as having two mods of its own, DC Extended and Desert Combat Realism in Am I Mod or Not? (Nieborg, 2005)
  • Eve Of Destruction was the winner of PC Gamer 2003 Mod of the Year. Dan Morris of PC Gamer noted in the March 2004 issue of PC Gamer, "While Battlefield Vietnam was still a twinkle in its developers' eyes, this standout mod debuted to a rapturous reception from the Battlefield 1942 faithful."
  • Experience WWII was described in PC Gamer as having substantial changes to be historically accurate that directly impacts gameplay.
  • FinnWars was featured in Pelit magazine in issue 9/2005, and PC Pelaaja in 2007. FinnWars is based in Winter and Continuation Wars between Finland and the Soviet Union, as well as Lapland War between Finland and Nazi Germany.
  • Forgotten Hope, a 2003 mod that aimed at a high degree of historical accuracy, was noted for including over 250 new pieces of authentic equipment (at the time more than any other World War II-themed FPS). It was awarded the Macologist Mod of the Year Award by Inside Mac Games in 2006 after the mod was ported to the Mac. It was followed by its 2006 Battlefield 2 sequel, Forgotten Hope 2.
  • Galactic Conquest was noted for its permission to blatantly use Lucasarts Star Wars universe material in Am I Mod or Not? (Nieborg, 2005). It was mentioned in Edge in April 2004. Galactic Conquest was reviewed on TechTV's X-Play show in 2004.
  • HydroRacers was reviewed in PC Zone in 2004 by Tony Lamb, and also the Madison Courier in June 2004.
  • Siege was pointed out in a study by Utrecht University, both for its original concept, and its medieval warfare theme. Am I Mod or Not? (Nieborg, 2005)
  • SilentHeroes won the PC ACTION-Super Mod Award in edition 07/2006 of the German gaming-magazine PC ACTION. Also, it was featured on many Norwegian and Swedish media websites, including VG, Aftonbladet and IDG.
  • Who Dares Wins was reviewed in August 2005 UK edition of PC Gamer magazine and a copy of version 0.2 was distributed with the magazine on DVD-ROM to its readers.

Notes

  1. Aspyr published the Mac OS X version.

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