| System: PC, PS3, Xbox 360 |  |
| Dev: DICE | |
| Pub: Electronic Arts | |
| Release: October 25th, 2011 | |
| Players: 1-64 (online) | |
| Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p | Blood, Intense Violence, Strong Language |
BF3 has also taken a few cues from many of the other RPG-influenced FPS titles that have been making their way onto the market by implementing an incredibly deep reward system. I've been playing Battlefield 3 for roughly 24 hours straight and I've barely scratched the surface of my rewards, but eventually I'll be able to unlock upgraded ammo for my jets, anti-aircraft guns, sniper rifle modifications, etc., etc., etc. Earlier this year, EA promised that "Battlefield 3 [would] have more than 10 times the hardware unlocks spread over weapons, weapons attachments, gadgets, and a huge unlock tree for vehicles alone" when compared to previous Battlefield titles. And I tend to believe them.
The only thing that is frustrating about BF3's multiplayer mode is EA's new Battlelog service. Battlelog is a browser-based interface that forces PC players to exit their game and reconnect if they want to change game modes. All in all, the function seems tacked-on and cumbersome. However, PS3 players don't need to worry about that.
Battlefield 3 is kind of an enigma in the gaming industry right now. It's a big-budget shooter that was designed specifically for the PC. And while the console versions are competent, Battlefield 3 can really only be experienced on a functional PC. DICE and EA have managed to raise the bar significantly when it comes to graphical capabilities, but they've done it in a way that only a fraction of players will be able to truly appreciate. Hopefully their gamble will pay off.
Also, I want to mention one more thing as a side note: I know I may have made several comparisons to Activision's Modern Warfare titles, and that's partially because EA forced my hand with its copycat single-player campaign. But I think it's important to note that these two games are attempting to accomplish two very different things. Modern Warfare 3 is a console-based FPS that relies heavily on vertical gameplay, close quarters, and perks, whereas Battlefield 3 is a PC-based, open map, vehicle-centric shooter that focuses heavily on team play and strategy. Just because they're both big-budget shooters set in the modern era doesn't mean that they're meant to cater to the same type of gamers. If you like both, play both. Otherwise just stick to the one that matches your interest.
Also, can we all just agree that there are enough storylines concerning suitcase nukes in the FPS genre? I think we've explored every facet of the suitcase nuke storyline. It's time to move on.
By
Josh Engen
CCC Contributing Writer
Game Features:
