Multiplayer takes the unbridled action of the single player campaign, and multiplies it by 24. Why 24? Well, getting into a game with up to 24 other menta, destruction drunk, Bad Company lunatics makes up for the limited intelligence and manoeuvrability of the system controlled enemies. It becomes a disturbingly thrilling derby of devastation and demolition. Gold Rush missions involve incredible simple rules – protect or capture crates of gold. As with the single player, the clear objective is opened wide by the free choice of how that goal is accomplished, and the beautifully tolerant servers mean the action is as heated and rampant as any online FPS yet seen.

It’d been nice to see a little more life from the system controlled enemies, who seem to be clustered quite tightly into their specific locations – especially considering the sprawling, free-roaming map at the player’s disposal – but getting online resolves this minor issue. There’s also the promise of a free to download Conquest mode in the works, so despite the potential to barge boots first through Bad Company, it’s likely to have an unexpectedly long and salacious lifespan.

If the Three Stooges were to get drunk and stoned, then given a good supply of weapons, bullets and an army of knuckleheads charging toward them, you’d have a pretty good representation of what to expect in Battlefield: Bad Company. And this isn’t a criticism – it’s a salutation and a subtle warning to people who take their shooters a bit too seriously.