Electronic Arts is revamping its “Battlefield” franchise as part of an attempt to shift its business model to free base-games that pay for themselves via Internet-based subscription and micropayments. (That’s a trend that’s working out well with the “Guitar Hero” and “Rock Band” franchises, incidentally.)

The revamp manifests itself as “Battlefield Heroes”, designed to be a more accessible gaming environment with a friendlier, cartoony look.

Looking at the sample soldier from the game, pictured here, I have to ask: Is EA also trying to appeal to the gay gamer?

I mean, come on. How else to explain the clam digger combat fatigues? Calves on display don’t exactly say “battle-hardened” to me. Although I’ll grant they seem to be in fashion in other virtual hangouts…

The short pants I could dismiss, but the pose this soldier-boy is striking is suspect as well. One hand on the hip, the other… what? Up as a fist of defiance, or raised to eye-level to check the manicure?

All told, I’m thinking the most appropriate soundtrack for this videogame world would, indeed, be a selection of Pansy Division greatest hits. “Dick of Death” seems appropriately aggressive for a war game.