Poor installment to "Battlefield" series. Same old bugs still apply.
*Graphics are greatly enhanced over previous installments.
*Multiplayer primarily sticks to the formula that made the series revolutionary.
*Fun to play, especially for those who have been dying for a new Battlefield game.
*Ability to spawn on any squad member.
*Destructible and persistent environment.
Bad:
*As usual, Punk Buster creates far more problems than it solves. Leading many servers to turn it off. Accordingly, don't be surprised when you are one shot killed with a pistol from a guy who steps out of a wall on the other side of the map.
*There is no prone position. Limiting your ability to use different tactics that may actually occur in the kind of battle this game purports to simulate.
*Despite numerous claims of "huge maps", the maps are decidedly smaller than Battlefield 2 and 2142. Once again limiting options.
*Fewer and less user friendly squad leader options than previous installments. (you had better have Teamspeak or Ventrilo for your squad)
*No more airplanes or ocean going vessels. This type of limitation must have been a casualty of smaller maps.
*Lame single player. Very linear, "follow the path" type that was clearly recycled from past Medal of Honor games. Too many exceedingly long cutscenes. It feels like there are equal parts cutscene to gameplay.
Overall:
I seems like I just tore it apart, but: The multiplayer is an ok game. It is a welcome addition to those of us who have been starving for a new battlefield game. The destructible environment is impressive and fun. The graphics are a step forward. Unfortunately, EA's obsession with punkbuster leads to buggy play that boots undeserving players while guys who wall hack and aimbot seem to stay in game. The single player would have been better off with the old sandbox type game of BF 1942 and BF Vietnam that is infinitely playable rather than the linear "play once and discard" style. I am left with the impression that EA was trying too hard to compete against the COD games, instead of having confidence in their own creation.
Edit* After nearly 100 hours now.
Multiplayer: POOR
This game is clearly designed for console play. It is not nearly sophisticated enough for PC.
1. Very minimal customizability for server filters. Can't even tell pings, column for it is non functional.
2. Once in usually get a ping around 250 (got around 60 on BF2 and BF2142), end result LAG, LAG, LAG. btw this is with an amazing new quad core computer.
3. Effectiveness grows with unlockable rewards, If you haven't bought it yet, don't buy it you will be nothing but bait at this point.
4. If you are dropped from a server and get back in, all your points and accomplishments are gone. Major step back.
5. Maps are rediculously small. Clearly meant to draw the Arcade fans who love Modern Warfare. If you have any appreciation for the tactics it took to play the old BF games, stay away, this game is just run and shoot.
6. Still no prone. Making the game silly.
7. Can't put in IP to join server.
8. Hardcore is mediocre. Guns do more realistic damage but there is no minimap, which is stupid.
End Result: NOT the battlefield simulator the previous games were. JUST a run and shoot arcade game. Much better suited to the impulsive juvenilles who love Modern Warfare, not suited to the more tactically minded players who have long enjoyed Battlefield games.
Single player Campaign: AWEFUL
not much more to say I can't even finish it. Far too recycled.