Battlefield 3 Review
Battlefield 3 has arrived and it’s making a huge statement in the First Person Shooter category and looking to redefine the Battlefield series. With EA’s significantly enhance FrostBite 2 engine, Battlefield has never looked so realistic and down-right stunning. Does it do more than enough to steer gamers into what war is really like? Find out in our full review as we see if Battlefield 3 guns down the rest of the competition.
Battlefield is one of the few brands to stand out of the over-crowded shooter genre. And to keep that trend and stay competitive against other rival shooters, Battlefield 3 pushes the boundaries on all fronts whilst providing a deep, rich and intense war experience like no other. Single-player is just the tip of the ice-berg that does a solid job in encouraging team-work, communications and working to the overall objectives – online is the heart of Battlefield 3 and it’s downright one of the finest shooters to date.
In campaign, the game sets you in 2014, held under interrogation for the events that occurred around the Iraq-Iran border where the US Marine Corps are fighting the People’s Liberation and Resistance. Missions include traversing through the streets of Paris, and another set in the sewers and subways of New York. Levels are varied from flying and fighting in a jet to suppressing and clearing out enemy territory. The levels are interesting and engaging and does not feel over the top… the action just feels like what you would imagine on a mission or on the battlefield in real-life.
Battlefield 3 is simply a stunning game to look. The meticulous detail to soldiers, vehicles and the expansive landscape make the war experience so immersive and engaging like no other and a step above the rest visually. The has made leaps and bounds since the previous instalments thanks to the FrostBite 2 engine. The way your gunlight dazzles enemies as it flashes their face to how light bounces of the buildings as you move provide a subtle but overall realistic experience – these are just a few of how the new engine massively enhances the game visuals and thus a more adrenaline pumping battlefield when the action heats up.
And it’s not just the visuals that are fantastic but also the sound and animation effects too. Slitting through a soldiers neck from behind in animated fashion, hearing bullets zip past you in a firefight and the suppression system that blurs your vision are a few examples of how this game excels and includes subtle effects that make things that much better. Adrenaline kicks-in and it’s hard not to get immersed into the missions and find yourself feeling the intensity of the game.
The game truly excels online, with a plethora of various maps, a selection of vehicles to master and a host of weapons to master. You’ll find game modes such as Team Deathmatch, Conquest, Rush and Domination. No doubt, there is a steep learning curve to understanding and mastering the tricks of the trade. Those familiar to the series will find settling in to be easier though for others, it can take a lot of practice. This is mainly down to the gunplay with the way the guns feel and the nature of roaming around whether that be on foot, in a tank or in a jet.
Dogfights in the air can be extremely satisfying and intense though will take the most time to get proficient in. With the game so visually stunning, it’s great that the gameplay is immersive and addictive. The online system is one of the most strongest we’ve seen to date, with a massive level up and progression system and tonnes of unlockables and customisations to work towards. There are 4 classes to rank up, each with their own specialities on the field: Assault, Engineer, Support and Recon. In addition to that, you’ll be awarded ribbons and medal for your service on the battlefield.
It’s really satisfying knowing a lot of what you do on the battlefield provides XP reward points, whether that be taking out an enemy, doing a headshot, destroying a tank or when you’re supplying med kits to boost the squads health. Everything counts and you feel you’re playing a part for the bigger picture. Being split into squads and working with your direct squad members make for the realistic experience on the battlefield in a game. The experience is different to anything else out there and is a deeply rewarding one with a strong community at bay.
Battlefield 3 revolutionises the series and sets a new standard for first person shooters, with mind-blowing graphics, gun-shots sounding as realistic as they come and a Battlefield that’s expansive, dynamic and immersive. If there was any game to provide that true-to-life experience, this is it.
The innovation behind Battlefield 3 makes this the definitive version yet. Veterans of the series will find plenty to love and newcomers will find an experience like no other. The steep learning curve means you’ll be wondering around aimlessly and get shot plenty of times however those that put in the time will be deeply rewarded with the most satisfying, immersive and enjoyable experience on no other level.
Battlefield 3 is simply amazing when it comes to the online experience and solid gameplay on offer for countless hours. The various maps on offer with a huge scope for customisations, levelling up and unlockables make this an FPS that’s more visually gorgeous to play, enjoyable to experience and most of all, rewarding for those that invest their time. Battlefield 3 has what it takes to be Best game of 2011 – period.
