Xandoom's BF3 review!
Normally I don't like FPS games, but I've always been a fan of shooters that were a bit more realistic and mature, such as BIA, Arma, and of course Battlefield. So when they announced Battlefield 3, a direct sequel to BF2, I was quite excited. I pre-ordered it instantly.
The game is on 2 discs, one covering the campaign, the other covering multiplayer and co-op.
Let's start with campaign mode shall we?
Battlefield 3's campaign is one that I have mixed opinions about. On one hand, it's great, it delivers some nice set pieces, its realistic and manages to tell an emotionally charged, if a bit generic, storyline. On the other hand, it plays a bit too much like Call of Duty. I'm so sick of playing as uber elite special ops forces, when I play a war game, I just want to play as normal infantry (a reason I enjoy games like Call of Duty 1 and 2 and BIA.) While Battlefield 3 does but you in the role of a normal soldier, it also puts you in the boots of special ops soldiers, and I feel like at times it plays a bit too similar to Call of Duty. Half the games missions are stopping a nuke, and attempting to capture/assassinate people, and they feel a bit stale and have a been there done that feel. It also doesn't make use of Battlefield 3s amazing selection of vehicles. There is a lackluster flying mission (where you really don't fly you just gun), and a tank mission, but that is about it.
But just because of those complaints does not mean that the campaign is bad. Far from it. The graphics are gritty and realistic, the voice acting is good, the action is intense, and YOU FINALLY GET TO SELECT SEMI OR AUTO!!!!! The game delivers some excellent set pieces, and when it gets it right, it really gets it right, and moments were you play as infantry in large firefights are definitely the best, delivering tense realistic combat. The games difficulty is also refreshingly challenging, although sometimes you might encounter a cheap death or too. It's also rather short, a disappointment but considering the overall campaign, it's quite good.
But don't buy Battlefield 3 for the campaign. Buy it for the multiplayer. The multiplayer in Battlefield 3 is absolutely amazing, and I didn't even get to experience the full 64 player PC game. The maps are gigantic, and are filled to the brim with vehicles. The weapon classes are varied, and they work well. There's something here for every type of player and every type of match. There are wide open fields, cities, CQB environments and everything inbetween. Playing with friends and working co-operatively is one of the best parts. I could honestly rave about this game's stunning multiplayer for hours on end, but i'm going to end it at if your a MP fan, buy this game immediately. I'm a mainly SP gamer and this blew my mind.
Well there is my opinion, the game's singleplayer acts as a sort of dessert or appetizer to the game's multiplayer. The co-op is also good and fun, but nothing particularly special. This is a game definitely worth checking out, and this is coming from someone who generally dislikes FPS games.