Phenomic, an Electronic Arts studio, announced that the Real-Time Strategy game, BattleForge, is now available to all players as a free download. To download the Play 4 Free version of BattleForge, players can visit www.battleforge.com and click Play 4 Free.

BattleForge is a “Play 4 Free” game, like Battlefield Heroes which is currently in closed beta. By being available for free, all players have easy and immediate access to the action and adventure in BattleForge. The flood of new players will enrich the overall gameplay experience and grow the community.

BattleForge’s Play 4 Free version provides players with full access to the BattleForge game, including all community features, scenarios, the recently launched Renegade campaign and 32 of 200 trading cards. Play 4 Free players will be able to explore the full world of BattleForge and, can add more cards to their collection by purchasing points online. Players that do not wish to download the game or purchase the cards online can still buy the retail version which includes a disk-based game and cards from all 4 factions plus 3000 BattleForge Points that can be exchanged for in-game cards.

BattleForge combines strategy, fantasy, trading cards and magical spells in a dynamic online environment. Combining the strategic, real-time gameplay of classics such as Command & Conquer with a fully enabled, online collectible community, BattleForge pioneers strategy gaming with its online multiplayer design and community features set. The collectable cards in the game are the tools of war -- each representing a spell, unit or building that is conjured directly onto the battlefield real time in stunning 3D graphics. BattleForge features single-player scenarios and cooperative scenarios supporting 2-12 players, as well as Player vs. Player (PvP) ranked and unranked duels. With co-op play, 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.