Battlefield 3: Back to Karkand Gameplay Video and Impressions

Even though most Battlefield 3 players are still learning the ins and outs of the game's multiplayer maps, EA is already prepping a four-map downloadable update scheduled for release next month. The map pack is called Back to Karkand and features a number of classic Battlefield maps, as well as a new mode called Conquest Assault. This mode is sort of a combination of Conquest and Rush, putting a team of defenders against a team of attackers as they all fight over three different flag-capture points. The twist is that the attackers start with fewer respawns, while the defenders have no spawn base; they can only squad spawn or spawn on successfully defended flags. So what's the deal with those "new" maps? Well, here's a breakdown of the two we got a chance to play:

Strike at Karkand

If this map sounds familiar, there's a reason: It's a remake of the fan-favorite Battlefield 2 map of the same name. This one takes place in a Middle Eastern city that's visually similar to the Battlefield 3 campaign levels set in Tehran. The density of buildings makes it a great map to pick off opponents from the rooftops, but there are more than a few tanks that can literally take the ground out from under you at a moment's notice. Here are a few gameplay videos:

Gulf of Oman

Gulf of Oman is another remake of a classic Battlefield 2 map and is a more wide-open map than Strike at Karkand. There are wide stretches of road, freeway, and hills that make you an easy target for snipers if you don't have a vehicle handy. Be sure to keep an eye out for snipers perched atop the towering construction cranes that dominate the skyline. It'll be interesting to see if DICE keeps these sniper perches accessible via ladders because it removed a similar sniper spot on the Caspian Border map after the public beta. Check out the gameplay videos right here:

Back to Karkand is scheduled for release in December. If you preordered the limited edition, you've already got access to the map pack. Everyone else will have to fork over $15.