Shacknews editor Chris Faylor got a long look at EA DICE's upcoming free-to-play, ad-supported title Battlefield Heroes at this year's GDC. Take a look at his full report.

Battlefield Heroes will sport three character classes: the standard Soldier, the fast-moving Commando, and the heavily-armed Gunner. Instead of picking their faction at the beginning of each round, players will be forced to swear their allegiance to the National Army--a politically correct Axis team--or the Royal Army when registering their account. The conflict between the two has something to do with a dispute over the Olympics. Yes, really. Read more..

Following yesterday's trickle of Battlefield Heroes news, fansite Planet Battlefield is now reporting a deluge of details said to be lifted from the latest issue of Games For Windows magazine.

Due to arrive this summer, EA DICE's Battlefield Heroes will be a free multiplayer-only PC title supported by in-game advertising and micro-transactions.

According to the site, Heroes will give players more health, less-damaging weapons, and shorter respawn times over past Battlefield titles. Apparently the action will occur from a third-person perspective, with the site writing that a first-person view can be eventually obtained "if really wanted," though it is currently unclear if that means the perspective is an earned option, a purchasable feature, or may be added in a patch.

A point system will allow players to buy in-game items and abilities, with the earned sum based on the performance of a player's chosen faction. Abilities... Read more

Some of the first details of the recently announced Battlefield Heroes have made their way out via the game's handy dandy developer blog. Senior producer Ben Cousins shared some slides and info in the first update of note. We picked through the ramblings of Mr. Cousins for these new details:

• Based on BF2142 Engine
• Low system requirements
• More RPG elements
• Crazy unrealistic feel similar to BF1942
• Quicker learning curve
• Remain true to core BF elements

Announced just a couple of weeks ago, Battlefield Heroes is going to be a free PC-only online game supported by in-game advertising and microtransactions. The details of those microtransactions have not been fully detailed but one would assume that means you can buy in-game items with really small amounts of money.

The German PC Games website has several Battlefield Heroes video interviews, asking the DICE folks about their free to play shooter. Though the intro to the video is in German, the actual Q&A is in English. Thanks Blues News.

Electronic Arts today announced that this summer will see the release of Battlefield Heroes, a free to play PC multiplayer shooter featuring a Team Fortress 2-like art style.

According to EA, the game will be easy to pick up and play, and among other things will feature character customization, matchmaking based on skill level, and a "deep online meta-game."

"We put a different twist on this Battlefield game going with the cartoon-style graphics and gameplay," said EA DICE senior producer Ben Cousins. "There's something here for all types of players--be it our core Battlefield fans or casual gamers. With the new online model, we will continually add new content to keep the game fresh and keep players engaged, while integrating player feedback in real time. As a game developer, it is such a cool new way to make games."

That new content won't be free, as Electronic Arts notes that the game will generate revenue through advertising and micro-transactions.

No screenshots were released, though the game is featured in the new issue of Games for Windows Magazine.