GAMES REVIEW: Battlefield 3

The latest outing for the battlefield series by EA games and DICE, which is so popular with PC and online gamers, this version is mainly geared up for Xbox live with the campaign thrown in to give you a taste of what is to come when you log on.

Don’t get me wrong, the campaign is good, if just a little bit annoying at times due to the lack of free roaming (something the online mode allows).

The visuals are superb with the new Frostbite 2 gaming engine and excellent lighting rendering and sound gives you a real feel of warfare.

OK, it’s not in the league of Call of Duty but it’s a pretty good attempt to tap into the money pit that Activision has created and it was a wise move getting Battlefield 3 out before Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is released. Winner of over 60 awards, including Best Action Game and Best Multi-player Online Game, it is certainly worth a look, especially for the online play.

The destruction element of the game allows things to be blown up, you can even chip away at cover to reveal enemies before you kill them, there are plenty of large set pieces during the game and the action is pretty immediate, large variety of weapons and vehicles especially in on-line mode.

Be aware, if you buy a second hand copy of the game that you need a code to play online this is available to purchase on Xbox live (800 points or £7.99)

Campaign

With over eight hours of action this is a great introduction to the online play (which is pretty intense) the story revolves on the Iran-Iraq border where the US marines are fighting the PLR (Peoples Liberation and Resistance).

Set in 2014, you are Sgt Blackburn leading a five-man squad on a mission to locate and return a US squad investigating a chemical weapons site.

You are then sent to hunt down a high value target called AL-Bashir in Tehran.

Whilst investigating a bank vault your team realises that there are a number of nuclear devices deployed in various locations worldwide and so the adventure begins with maps of Paris, Tehran, Sarajevo, Sulaymaniyah, New York, Wake Island and Oman.

There is plenty of variety and you can skip the cut scenes if the story doesn’t interest you.

The visuals are realistic and the battle scenes can be pretty hectic but it still comes across as another version of Call of Duty.

The originality appears to have gone in favour of trying to be a C.O.D. wannabe which is a shame.

It is enjoyable to play but the online multi-play is far superior, again do we want to be in this war or the Call of Duty 3 one (hmmm choices, choices)?

As I have not reviewed C.O.D. 3 yet I cannot make a comparison, I am afraid it does pale compared to the older versions of call of duty even so .

Co-Operative

Nice split screen allowing play with your friends

Online

This is where Battlefield 3 comes to life, you can team up with friends on missions or play by yourself using a variety of weapons vehicles, planes, helicopters etc. more free roaming possibilities more destruction!

Flying a jet is a bit of a nightmare so unless you’re really into the idea of being a pilot then try being a gunner on a gunship (loads of fun).

The scoring system keeps the interest up with new goodies on offer as you progress and there are a number of different classes to play in which makes for more interest, it’s all about team work (no room for loner mavericks) and this is really what makes Battlefield 3 a worthwhile experience.

Summary

I give Battlefield 3 a rating of 8 out of 10.

It’s a great game for multi-play online and if you don’t play Xbox Live then the campaign is worthwhile but let’s face it Call of Duty has more to offer.

There are quite few glitches within the game which can be distracting but over all a pretty good effort by EA and an enjoyable eight hours and I will be clocking up more hours on the excellent online Xbox live, see you all in Tehran.

For more information go to www.battlefield.com

Review by Dayvid Ryan

PS3, Xbox 360, PC

First person shooter (FPS)

Campaign, Multi-player, co-op

Age rating 16+

EA games

Release date: 28/10/2011