Battlefield 2: Special Forces
So, it turns out that most of my gripes with the original BF2 have been resolved in the expansion pack, BF2: Special Forces. Primarily, I find that the focus is set firmly on the infantry battle with vehicles playing a minor support role. This is FPS paydirt. It rewards tactical movement, careful fire strategy, and shooting skill rather than knowledge of vehicle spawns. There is also a veritable gaggle of interior combat zones which is pure gold as it provides lots of close range firefight opportunities while removing the ever-present threat of artillary bombardment. In the past, it seemed like any time you'd find yourself getting good and stuck-in, the arty would start falling killing or scattering everyone to the four winds. There's even a map that is set on on an aircraft carrier. The new kits and options are nifty though I find I haven't really gotten the hang of the night-vision yet. There are also tear-gas grenades and gas-masks which gives some S.W.A.T.-esq nostalgia sometimes.
Anyone who is a fan of BF2 or tactical shooters owe it to themselves to grab a copy of BF2 and the expansion. Seriously. It's good. If you don't play it you're a huge looser. Solid.