Yes, it’s been a bloody long time. I definitely underestimated the rigours of not only work but fatherhood and while I’m still busy as shit (as most people are) I’ve decided that it’s time I get back to writing. And what better place to start than with my most anticipated game of the year – not FIFA 12, not PES 2012 – no, it’s Battlefield 3! I absolutely adored Battlefield: Bad Company 2’s multiplayer and ever since the first videos of Battlefield 3 I’ve been waiting with baited breath for the PC and 360 versions.
After several hours with each game I have to say it doesn’t disappoint. First off, the PC version looks incredible. This current console generation is getting long in the tooth and Battlefield 3, even moreso than Crysis 2 and The Witcher 2, shows us the most compelling argument for new console hardware. It absolutely puts the console version to shame. Not only from the standpoint of the resolution but the textures, the draw distance, the increased detail, the lighting, the animations and much more are stunning. Just look at the picture above – that’s a screenshot and yes, the game really does look that good!!
From a gameplay standpoint, if you’ve played Bad Company 2’s multiplayer then you’ll know what to expect. I would still argue that Call of Duty’s 60fps engine is smoother but I far prefer the team-based objective gameplay in Battlefield. What really makes the game so enjoyable is the fact that you don’t have to be a killing machine to be successful. In fact, more than half of the matches I play I end up with a kill/death ratio less than one but I still rack up the points from doing support actions. I think it’s genius how they’ve incentivised many support actions (from repairing vehicles to even spotting enemies) so that it’s in your best interest to be a good team-player because you’ll end up with more points.
My two favourite classes are Assault/Medic, as you can rack up points by healing and reviving your teammates, and Engineer as you can repair vehicles and you have access to all manner of RPGs!
The level design is hit and miss, depending upon not only the map itself but also the platform – the PC version supports 64 player games (32 vs. 32) while the 360/PS3 version only has a max of 24 player games (12 vs. 12). The PC maps also appear to be marginally bigger than their 360 counterparts with a tad more space and a few more capture points (if you’re playing the Conquest mode – and you should) but the increase still isn`t proportional to the number of extra players.
As a result, for the smaller maps such as Grand Bazaar or Tehran Highway I prefer the 360 version as it`s less hectic and you`re not dying every 20 seconds. However, where the game shines is the big maps and it`s here that the PC version is just incredible. A 64-player match on `Kharg Island` makes you feel like you`re not just in a skirmish but in a full-blown war. There are multiple planes and helicopters flying overhead (all controlled by human players), vehicles racing around the map, buildings being blown up left right and centre – it`s breathtaking.
A word must also be said about the sound design in this game which is very impressive. Multiple explosions and an RPG whizzing inches over your head sound just as good as they look.
Unfortunately, it`s not all sunshine and roses. The web-based interface for the PC version is a pain in the ass and you have to use the same system to look at your stats from the console version. I didn`t realize you had to use the same email address when you sign up for each version so somehow I now have two different `Battlelog` accounts, one for each platform, and am waiting on Customer Service to merge my two accounts (if they can/will).
I will have continuing thoughts and impressions in the upcoming weeks and I’ll also chime in on FIFA, PES and a bunch of other games. And this time, I promise, I won’t disappear for a year.
For the three of you reading this, go buy Battlefield 3 now and don’t forget to add me – “DrMacca” on both Battlelog (PC) and Xbox Live.
Lavan
