Battlefield 3

This year has been host to a number of great shooters so far, but few have been more anticipated than Battlefield 3. After seeing magnificent trailers of infantry, land vehicle and aerial vehicle combat; I must admit that my I was hungry for BF3 as many of you were, I'm sure.
Let's get on with it, and see if Battlefield 3 really does live up to all the hype.

STORY
The story takes place in an interrogation room in New York, as Staff Sergeant Henry Blackburn is questioned by two CIA Agents, who believe Blackburn is some kind of traitorous spy. The games missions take place in flashback sequences as Blackburn recounts his story; of how he and his squad were sent after PLR leader Al Bashir, quickly unravelling a greater conspiracy involving Russian arms dealers and an international terrorist named Soloman.

Now, it's hard to go into Battlefield 3 without subconciously comparing it to the Call of Duty series. EA has made it very apparent that BF3 is the CoD killer. However, as far as I can see, the story in BF3 is trying to be as over the top and action packed as the Modern Warfare games. While a lot of us love the over the top action movie feel of CoD, what BF3 tries just feels weak in comparison.

The "shocking twists" lack any real emotional weight because we don't really have a feel for the characters. While the same could be said for CoD, can you say that you didn't feel a thing when Pvt Jackson died in CoD4? When something similar happens early in BF3, we haven't had nearly enough time to like the characters that it happens to. Had the game come out 5 or so years ago, then maybe we could applaud these scenes, but as it stands, they've been done before, and better.

PRESENTATION
While Battlefield's single player campaign falls somewhat short, the sights and sounds along the way are nothing short of brilliant. The graphics are solid and the amazing lighting effects accentuate that. The sunlight feels so natural on most of the levels, it's insane. There's also a high attention to detail when it comes to the destructible environments; in particular during the multiplayer.

The sound design is also fantastic, with the loud barking of machine guns really hammering through the tv. It helps raise the sense of immersion I felt while playing this game.
Voice acting, on the other hand was workable, but forgettable on the most part.

GAMEPLAY
Battlefield 3 has some of the most solid shooting mechanics in gaming today. Both the weapons and the soldier's movements have a nice sense of weight to it, adding to the "Warfare Sim" feel of the game. It's just a shame that the story took the over the top route and came up short, instead of taking the "tribute to the soldiers" realistic approach and being in sync with it's gameplay.

There are a couple of vehicle segments in the game, but aren't really worth dwelling on. While it's cool being able to drive a tank through vast plains, it's not as cool to sit in the passenger seat of a jet and push buttons as an AI pilots the damn thing.

Theres a big problem right there; the single player doesn't teach you how to play the multiplayer. I will get more in depth with the multiplayer later, but it needs to be said that any good game should introduce you to it's core mechanics in a natural way; a way that will basically train the player in MP Combat.

My only real problem with the single player gameplay (aside from the no jets thing) is the inclusion of quick time events. Not just QTE's, but QTE's that don't make sense. I would get using Right trigger to attack during one, but BF3 always seems to switch them up. While not difficult (they're unbelievably forgiving) it's just annoying that they're so random.

MULTIPLAYER
Let's face it, if you're buying Battlefield 3, the only replay value you'll need is it's multiplayer. Lucky for you, it's multiplayer is by far the selling point of this title. As opposed to CoD's run and gun, fast paced gaming; Battlefield 3 feels like a more tactical, team based shooter. I found myself not trying to benefit my own stats, but instead trying to better my team, and help them win rounds.

BF3 isn't quite as spoiled for choice when it comes to game modes as OTHER shooters, but it's main drawcard (Rush mode) is more than enough to satisfy your tactical hunger.

The destructible environments add a nice tactical element, as do the "suppressing fire" assists and the "multiple firing modes" found on each gun.

Now, back to what I was saying before: there is little to no instruction on how the Multiplayer works. For seasoned veterans, it's easy enough, until you get to the aerial vehicles. While I haven't piloted a jet as of right now, I did attempt to fly a helicopter. It lasted 2 seconds. Seriously, choppers have NEVER been this hard to fly in anything. Give me another few shots, however, and I might be ok. It's just annoying is all.

OVERVIEW
While I've always said that a game should be able to stand on it's single player campaign, I must say that Battlefield 3's multiplayer does make up for the short and utterly average campaign. Just be aware that if you buy on the 360, it'll pay to install both discs, as well as the HD textures (especially if you don't want the game to look like a blurry arse).

Next week, it should be an Uncharted 3 review. And tomorrow, seeing as it'll be Halloween, i may just have an inFamous: Festival of Blood review. If I'm feeling up to it.