This one is worth it since you get the Back to Karkand expansion for free. It will be $15 when it comes out a month after BF3's release. The maps look great and it'll fun to relive some of BF2's best maps.
The differences between Op Metro and Caspian Border were huge. I had issues at first, like many others, with major bugs on Op Metro: falling through the map, going prone and have out of control camera shake, etc. However, none of those problems were present in the Caspian Border map. Its a real shame that console players didn't get to experience it because it is the true BF3 experience.
I think the real reason you found more communication and teamwork on XBL vs PSN for the BF3 beta was not because of paying for XBL "weeds out" non team players and makes for a better community. I think it could actually be much simpler and it comes down to two reasons. First is that every 360 came with a headset. A great decision if you want a community of communicators; makes it easier for gamers to communicate with each other when everyone has a headset.
I would s...
Panda, his "charts" don't include digital preorders which is a good chunk of the PC preorders. I know I did. Amazon just put a great deal for digital download of LE edition of BF3 at $42.
I wouldn't believe that for a minute. So many of the PC preorders are for the digital version and will not register with these "chart keepers".
Did you play on PC? Metro is the smallest map on BF3 and not a good representation of what true BF is (that was more of BC style map). Caspian border, on the other hand, was a fantastic map! If you were on console and didn't get the chance to play it, then you didn't really get to experience BF3.
Have faith in DICE. BFBC2 was actually quite good across all platforms and I believe BF3 will be as well. Don't base your decision on flawed beta rollout (I admit that t...
I guess you do have a point, then. Since PC gaming has a more expensive upfront cost and takes more technical "know how" than consoles, there is a "weeding out" effect that you mention for XBL since it is a subscription service. I have to agree to a point. The PC community does seem more mature and cost is probably one of the reasons. However, a good chunk of XBL accounts are kids who, for the most part, are not actually paying for the service; their parents are.
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I don't agree with the author. He basically is saying that PSN needs to charge so the community becomes better (in his opinion) and comparable to XBL. Paying to play online makes for a better community? As a PC gamer, I couldn't disagree more. We've had a free online experience for years and I wouldn't trade communities. Battlefield on the PC has incredible teamwork and a great community.
If the author saw less teamwork and communication on PSN for the BF3 bet...
You and me both. Missed the Newegg promotion, but just took advantage of this one. Since its digital, there's no tax either: $42 straight up. Damn nice deal!
From my understanding, it isn't a mandatory install; it is optional. If you have the HDD space, though, I don't see why you wouldn't install it.
Just played 3 rounds and the map really is epic! This is Battlefield!
Well, the title should have "in the US" added to it. Now, I'm an American, but the title should probably reflect it as US households (Nielsen is US focused). You can tell by the high rank of Madden over FIFA (3rd vs 14th?) when FIFA is the bigger seller and FIFA 12 is getting lots of praise. Also, BF3 is only listed at 7th and I can guarantee you that it is way more anticipated than another rehash of Madden. I have no trust or faith in this survey
That would be "lose, lose situation", but I get what you mean (you've got "loose", as in loose change). Frankly, though, I see it more as a PC vs console thing. Lots of articles with console gamers complaining that the graphics aren't as good as PC, player counts are lower, etc. We're on the cusp of a new generation and PC's are offering a glimpse of that new future. Of course, 6 year old console tech can't quite keep up, but, somehow, console fanboys b...
It seems to me that BF3 is going to appeal to a diverse group of FPS gamers. Rush is there for those who like the Bad Company style of BF gameplay. Conquest is for those that want to relive the glory days of BF2 with huge maps, lots of players and plenty of vehicles. And, finally, TDM seems to be there to attract the COD style gamers who want a quick, pick up and play shooter without worrying about objectives. Oh, almost forgot about Co-op and SP modes as well. Damn, BF3 really covers a lot o...
Tom's Hardware is always good for PC articles and this one is no exception. Great write-up. Now, I'm hoping EA/DICE will open up Caspian Border for the beta without passwords. Really want to check that one out.
I did, but it was too laggy to play. Tried a couple of servers and no luck. Loved the look of the map, though.
I keep thinking of that old saying: "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me." In other words, I'll believe it when I see it. Using the same old engine and not taking advantage of PC's graphical strength is not a good start. Dedicated servers are great, but not if the map sizes and player counts are small because of console limitations (18 players on PC is not taking advantage of that platform). Take a look at DICE's work and see how to cater to both crowd...
But everything else seems to be in the right order. It's just the start of the article is completely off: "In 2003 and 2004 two games were released that caused a fundamental shift in the gaming industry." Like I said, it seems like the author believes BF1942 came out in 2004 for some reason. Funny thing is, though, if it came out in 2004, maybe it would have been called BF1944 instead.
Nice article, but the timeline is off. Quote 1: "In 2003 and 2004 two games were released that caused a fundamental shift in the gaming industry." Quote 2: "Call of Duty came first - but only just, so we'll let Activision have the first say." Sorry, but BF1942 came out before the 1st COD. It was released 9/2002 vs 10/2003 for COD. For some reason, the author thinks BF1942 came out in 2004. Maybe, that's when he first played it.
You and me both. I had such high hopes for that one just to have it quickly go away once I bought and played it on release day. Definitely a "Day One Disappointment".