In case you dont know yet, Battlefield 1942 is hands down the best game of its type ever made. (applies to online play only) Anaylists have reported that 1 out of every 4 people who play this game online is addicted. I would agree. If you dont then your in denial. Apparently it currently holds the #1 position (even over EverCrack) as the most addictive game on the market.
So, now that we understand just how great the game is...we can also agree that the expansion packs are worthless. As is the single-player mode. But many mods are being developed for free on the internet. The best and most popular by far is Desert Combat.
Desert Combat is BF42 brought into the modern day. All vehicles and unit types are updated, and in my opinion better. Many new maps have also been created, but the core of the game is still played on the existing maps. Another great feature is that its fully incorperated into the original game, and you can play either a game of regular BF, or without even reloading switch to a mod game.
Nothing beat the thrill of the Hum-V, or the challange of fly the choppers. I used to think that Desert Combat was more unbalanced then the regular game, but after playing through an entire tournament and several patches it has become more fun and balanced then the regular game.
Which brings me to our final addict stronghold; 21st Century Warefare! This is definitely not for the casual player, or the slightly addicted. 21CW is Tournement style play with a command structure. You play in a division and have a rank. You follow orders or your ranking officers will admin-kick you out of the game, and then ban you from the servers and forums. Also all-chat is strictly forbidden. Typing in general is heavily frowned on. Each division (about 500 members) uses a program called " Teamspeak" which through the use of your microphone and speakers allows you to keep in touch directly with your company, division, and commanding officers.
Battles are held for 12 hours straight about twice a week. You dont have to attend the entire 12 hours, but some do. Most people play a few hours when they can. The servers hold 25 from each team, so if more of yoru division shows up you have to wait in a " watiing room" for your commanding officer to give orders to join the game. It seems annoying, but its not too difficult and I never waited more then 30 minutes.
The objective of 21CW is to conquer the opposing forces by battling over a series of maps for control...sorta like RISK, accept instead of rolling the dice you play for 12 hours.
This is a totally free tourney. The only catch is you have to stay active, and practice occasionaly with your division, or you will be removed and/or not allowed to play a particular battle. The servers are not public, andyou can look forward to some pretty fun team-style fighting. Its nothing like the public servers, and nobody dis-obeys orders. Play with some of the best:
www.21stcenturywarfare.net The 3rd campaign is next, ranks are being filled now.