“Battlefield: Bad Company 2” is an example of a sequel done right — one that improves on nearly every aspect of the original while keeping the first game’s distinct appeal.

Though “Bad Company 2” successfully marries the long-standing squad and vehicle based mayhem of the “Battlefield” series with the quick and brutal urban combat of “Modern Warfare,” whether it will be enough to unseat that franchise’s record-breaking multiplayer dominance remains to be seen.

The game has an online component and a surprisingly good single player — though the real meat of the game is to be found in battling through various game modes with a dozen teammates.

The class-based system offers four appreciably different play experiences: The highly mobile and deadly assault class, the long-range and stealthy recon, the stolid and helpful medic, and the versatile and explosive engineer are all balanced and enjoyable.

The infantry combat is fierce and fast-paced. It blends long to close range combat skillfully with integration of destructible cover — not to mention melee kills taken straight from “Modern Warfare.”

The series truly differentiates itself with its integration of vehicles. A tank rolling into a crowded control point or an unmanned aerial vehicle coordinating a well-placed air strike can change the game as it sends the other team struggling to regroup and modify tactics.

There are a few thrills in multiplayer gaming such as manning a turret to keep rocket wielding enemies off of your buddy’s tank as he or she blows holes in a crowded building.

The vehicle controls take a bit of getting used to, but are effectively weighty and maneuverable for the most part.

Unfortunately, the online experience has been marred since its release March 2 by continual server difficulties across all three platforms, resulting in unexpected kicks and service outages.

It is definitely possible to get into a good match online, but it’s harder than it should be.

The single player game follows the exploits of Bad Company, a cantankerous group of four soldiers who stumble onto a plot to uncover a Japanese weapon of mass destruction from the second World War.

The campaign traverses much of the western hemisphere and has a good selection of intense moments in vehicles and on foot.

“Battlefield 2” ultimately doesn’t compare to the tightly scripted scenes of “Modern Warfare 2,” though the freedom of choice in tactics (Rush the enemy? Hang back and snipe? Grab an explosive and bring the roof down on them?) gives it nice replay value.

Where it really stands apart is in its surprising moments of humor — the squadmates have a good report and will often banter humorously back and forth about topics such as the effect of agricultural pesticide on one member’s childhood development.

Four out of five stars

E-mail the author: Connor Sheridan