Discs are so 2003. Though existent to some degree before Steam premiered in November of 2004, Valve's juggernaut digital distribution platform relieved gamers of the stress entailed in searching frantically for lost disc keys (and discs), multi-disc installations, and finicky sales reps who refused to replace CDs and DVDs if they were scratched or otherwise unusable. It seems a new publisher or developer adds classics or new gems to Steam's growing flock of downloadable titles every week, and despite having more than its fair share of kinks to work out, digital distribution seems to have finally become more convenient than buggy.

Although I intended to honor my commitment vows to digital distribution, the honeymoon has ended. No longer able to satisfy my demanding hardcore gamer's needs, I've begun a steamy love affair with web-based games that offer an even greater convenience: digital distribution eliminated discs, but web games require no installation other than a plug-in or two. Casual fans have been swimming in the web pool for quite some time, both casual and core gamers are being treated to fast, frantic fun with developer DICE and publisher EA's Battlefield Heroes, a stylish shooter with its roots firmly planted in the classic Battlefield franchise.

Just like id Software's upcoming Quake Live web game, a remake of Quake III Arena, Battlefield Heroes is carries a satisfying price tag of $0.00 and is accessible from any computer with an Internet connection. Where Heroes differs from Quake Live is in its gamer demographic: Quake will cater to the diehard FPS action fans, whereas DICE hopes Heroes will appeal to players from both ends of the spectrum.

Battlefield Heroes' casual-friendly appeal is evident in the lighter, cartoony style the game applies. A stark contract to core Battlefield games, Heroes' aesthetics are more reminiscent of Valve's Team Fortress 2 -- but that's not a bad thing. Games with cartoon-like graphics can be thought of as casual, but DICE genuinely feels that, like TF2, more personality can gained itself using an engine not reliant on photorealism.

They were certainly correct in that belief. Rampant personality manifests itself through a plethora of expressive character customization. Like an MMO, you'll be able to decorate your avatar with different facial expressions, outfits, and more that can be inserted into 10 character slots. Given that amount of flexibility, distinguishing oneself from the competition shouldn't be a problem.

Characters are divided into three classes: Soldier, Commando, and Gunner. The Commando is fast yet weak, the Gunner powerful but slow, and the Soldier sits firmly on middle ground. Also similar to MMOs is the skill bar found at the bottom of the screen. Specialties such as vehicle repairs, grenades, healing are activated by pressing the number key corresponding to the respective skill.

Many skills, such as the Soldier's bandage, are multi-functional: applying the bandage to oneself expectedly results in healing, but it's also an area-of-affect skills that encourages players to stick close for automatic healing.

Universal actions such as firing are, of course, mapped to various buttons and keys.

Two maps will be available upon launch, with constant additions promised by DICE over the course of the game's existence. Because up to 16 players can join a game and use their respective class abilities in an assortment of ways, all games should contain a pleasurable combination of chaos and strategy. Each map is quite large and features four different capture points adequately spread across the terrain, as well as vehicles such as tanks and planes.

In short: two may seem like a paltry number, but each map, combined with different classes and distinctive character appearances should give players more than enough reasons to spend time on the game since they won't be spending any money.

Battlefield Heroes' success will be hard to measure, as sales won't be an issue. With only two maps at launch, many players might flock to Quake Live, which is both free and higher in replay value due to supporting more maps. That being said, more maps will always be coming, and the game will be free, so there's no good reason to test its waters.

Battlefield Heroes will be available during the third or fourth quarter of this year.