Reviews// Battlefield 3

It would seem that DICE and EA love war so much that they decided to try and lure Activision into one. With an advertising campaign using the slogan “Above and beyond the call” there are no prizes for guessing which franchise is in DICE and EA's crosshairs.

It's looking like a closer fought conflict than you might think. Battlefield is starting to become a series that is as hyped as its enemy. And with more and more players getting tired of the Call of Duty series, this year has the potential to be a major one for both DICE and EA.

However, in order to pick up these ship jumpers, you have to create a game worthy of boarding.

Not Alone
One of many things that the Battlefield series has in common with the CoD series is the emphasis on multiplayer gaming. Although both sides have tried to provide competent single-player experiences, this is always overshadowed by the real money-making multiplayer arenas.

Battlefield 3 certainly doesn't try to swing that focus. With only six hours' worth of single-player gaming, the only way you'll get your money's worth will be by taking it online.

If you've played a Battlefield game before, you'll know what to expect. You run towards a waypoint across beautiful landscapes, stopping every few moments to scan for the enemy and plot your next move. Jeeps speed towards a marker in order to get to the action. All the while player-controlled planes scream through the sky in order to take a new approach to attack tanks park up in tactical locations.

As huge as the maps are, you'll never be too far from a friend. Battlefield games have a fantastic way of keeping players together. Going out alone is always fatal, and the squad-spawning mechanic means that for the majority of the game you'll be side by side with a team-mate.

The emphasis on teamwork is as evident here as it always has been in the series. Those who work together will win the battle, so it's important to try to build a team of friends who are vocal and proactive in their planning.

It's a fantastic feeling when a team pulls together, working to each member's strengths; holding ground or attacking it. However, unless you have a huge arsenal of players, you'll end up with frustrating gamers who are only in it for themselves. Already I've encountered a team-mate who ran me over to ensure that he got to a freshly spawned jet first.

When it works though, there is nothing like it. Battlefield 3 requires you to be as tactical as you are skilful. It benefits knowledge of your surroundings and the correct choice of weapons before entering an environment. It's a little slower paced than the Call of Duty series and, in my opinion, it's far better for it.

Vehicles only add to the battles and require a completely separate skill of their own. It takes a while to get to grips with controlling the helicopters and jets, especially as they are usually occupied quickly after they spawn. The pay-off is worth it and at times dogfights can make you feel as though you're playing a separate game all together.