EA Phenomic's card-based and microtransaction-funded RTS BattleForge now has a 'Play 4 Free' edition -- pretty cool, really.

It isn't some cheap version, either -- it's basically the full game, including multiplayer, except you start off with 32 cards instead of the 64 packed with the retail version plus points for more (which runs you $30). More cards through the Play 4 Free version can be had via microtransactions or by trading with other players.

Info and screenshots for BattleForge ...

chautemoc via www.battleforge.com »

Quite a release week, for PC gamers especially. First we get (finally) Dark Sector, initially planned for simultaneous release, then The Last Remnant, Battleforge..life's pretty good. Although we can't recommend you pick up Dark Sector as it contains that horrid Starforce DRM.

There isn't really much exclusive stuff (not a bad thing, really), with PS3, Xbox 360 and PC owners alike receiving Stormrise, Wanted, and Wheelman, with the latter two seeing Legends of Wrestlemania.

DS owners ca...

chautemoc via www.shacknews.com »

"The open beta players will have access to all 200 BattleForge cards and all maps in the game. Everyone who takes part in the beta will get the bonus, upgraded Firedancer unit that will be available after launch. Players who pre-order BattleForge from participating retailers will receive four, exclusive units, one from each faction to jump start their decks."

kevcothirtythree via www.electronictheatre.co.uk »

"Phenomic, an Electronic Arts Inc studio, has announced that the Real-Time Strategy BattleForge will ship in Europe on March 27th for PC. Prior to launch, players can get into the BattleForge Open Beta by registering at www.BattleForgeCardHunt.com."

kevcothirtythree via www.electronictheatre.co.uk »

Electronic Arts' BattleForge will be out for PC's on March 24th, 2009. The game is a real-time strategy game where you summon units out of a custom-made deck of cards ala Magic or, dare I say, Munchkin (love that game). The game has both single-player as well as co-operative missions as well as a micro-transaction system to purchase new unit decks.

JelalTrueshot via www.gamingshogun.com »