Tuesday 14 June 2011

Battlefield 3 vs. Modern Warfare 3;

DICE has taken aim at Infinity Ward, with the main goal; to destroy them. I know that sounds a bit cliche, but that's exactly what they're both trying to do. And now, things are getting interesting.

The two most anticipated games of this year, in my opinion. Obviously both have completely different gameplay styles, and are made by completely different companies. I'm gonna compare different aspects and see which game is more worthy of the attention. I'll try to keep it fairly even weighted, though some of this will be my opinion, because i'm a huge supporter of the Battlefield series.

Also, due to both developers playing it rather smart in their marketing, not a lot of information has been released for certain aspects of both games.


Here's gameplay footage of the two, so you all know what i'm on about.


Single-player

I won't list the story, but just information relating to the campaigns of each.

BF3: Ok, so not much information has been released on the single-player side of BF3, but i'll list what i can.
  •  It's been estimated that the campaign will be around 8-10 hours long, of course, the game isn't finished yet, so it could be more.
  • Obviously Battlefield isn't all "ACTION ACTION, with a side of ACTION!". No, Battlefield is focused on the experience of war. A lot of the game will be slower-paced and boring for those who want nothing but to shoot some bad guys.
  • The single-player will be less sandbox-like and more linear. This means it won't be like the Bad Company games, but more like the Call Of Duty games, just slower-paced.
  • Vehicles won't be used as often as you would expect. But, naturally this would be the case if the game is being made more linear. Expect a lot of walking.

MW3: Infinity Ward has been a bit more lenient than DICE in letting information on the game out.
  • The game will feature 15 missions. Now, this is less than MW and MW2, which both had 18 missions. Whether these missions are longer, or whether more effort is going into the multi-player, remains to be seen.
  • Looks almost exactly like MW1/MW2. This isn't exactly a bad thing though. (I won't get into that again, but look at the my previous blog post for why.)
  • As expected, the campaign will be full of short sequences including a lot of gunfire and rapid scene changes. Expect a really fast paced game.
  • It's being said that this is the game that will tie up the loose ends from the previous two games, and finish the story of the main characters in the previous two. It will also introduce multiple new characters who will then take the reigns in the coming MW games.

 Multi-player

BF3: A lot more information has been released for the multi-player aspect of BF3.
  • Classes have been completely re-made. Assault: Can now revive and give health to players, and can also swap out the revive kit for the grenade launcher. Support: Can now resupply team members with ammunition. Engineer: No significant change, is still responsible for dealing with vehicles. Recon: No significant change.
  • DLC has already been confirmed. Back To Karkand will feature maps form Battlefield 2, and will come with the pre-order. Also, with a pre-order, players will receive bonus weapons, equipment and ammo that will put them at an advantage over other players. (As a fair gamer, i don't like this.)
  • DICE apparently have "Exciting innovations" to squad featured, although nobody knows what they are yet.
  • BF3 will support 64 players online for PC, and 24 players for console versions.
  • BF3 will also have more weapons and unlocks than any other game in the franchise.
  • Changes have been made to the ranking system, so players now have motivation to reach the top level.
  • The ability to go prone will make a return!
  • Co-op campaign has been confirmed.
  • The ability to pilot jets will be making a return as well.
  • Team Deathmatch has been added. 

MW3: Info was "leaked" about certain things being in the game, but were then dismissed and corrected by an Infinity Ward employee. I will not list some of this until it's been properly confirmed.
  • The game is believed to have 20 multi-player maps in development but it's not sure how many multi-player or Spec Ops maps will make it into the final game and how many will be offered as downloadable content.
  • The game will not have Stopping Power, One Man Army, Commando, or Tactical Nukes.
  • Spec-Ops will include a Horde-Style mode, and a Mission-Mode.
The Maps:

Multiplayer Maps

  • Alpha
  • Alps
  • Bootleg
  • Bravo
  • Brooklyn
  • Carbon
  • Coast
  • Dome
  • Exchange
  • Hardhat
  • Interchange
  • Lambeth
  • Meteora
  • Mogadishu
  • Paris
  • Plaza 2
  • Radar
  • Seatown
  • Underground
  • Village
Spec Ops Modes

Survival

  • Carbon
  • Dome
  • Radar
  • Seatown
  • Village
Mission

  • Civilian Rescue
  • Flood the Market
  • Invisible Threat
  • Little Bro's
  • Out of Africa
  • No Fly Zone
  • Wing Man


Graphics Comparison


Battlefield 3 uses the Frostbite 2.0 engine, which will allow for some devastating demolition, while still making the game look beautiful.

Modern Warfare 3's new engine has been kept on the down-low, however. The only details given are that they have moven on from the MW2 engine, and added "lots of cool stuff".

Above: Battlefield 3
Below: Modern Warfare 3




Battlelog and CoD Elite


Now, Call of Duty Elite has been outed, and has had most details revealed. Battlefield's Battlelog however, has been outed, but very few details have been released. I will explain what CoD Elite is, and what features we can expect to see in Battlelog.


CoD Elite


Ok, so CoD Elite. It was made for two functions. To improve your gameplay, and to create a Social Network within CoD.


Functions added to improve gameplay include:
  • Stat tracking. This is said to be a more advanced tracker to what we all think when we hear it. It shows the standard K/D ratio and blah blah blah. That's a given, the interesting part is that when you view a map, the service will give you advise on how to improve. For example, if you die in an area a few times using medium range weapons, it will suggest you try long range. This is an interesting addition, and should help you improve, even in the slightest.
  • Stat comparison. You can view another persons stats, and add them to your own personalized leaderboard. This means if you meet a really good player, you can compare with them, and watch them to pick up on their playstyle.
  • Weapon use suggestions. The Elite service will link you to Youtube videos which show you the recommended way to use each weapon and perk.
Functions added to add to the social side include:
  • Clans. You can start a clan, request to join one, set up a match with a rival clan, and more. The idea of choosing a clan color and having that color show up on all clan members weapons is being considered.
  • Groups. Similar to groups on facebook, this will be used to connect players to other players with similar interests, not necessarily even gaming related!
  • Theatre mode. Film yourself, share with friends, and top clips will be showcased.
  • Competitions. Prizes will be given to gamers who win, while still meeting the criteria. Criteria will be ranged, things like flamethrower kills, most kills within a time limit, or even simple like most points.

CoD Elite Premium

Not much has been said about this. The only thing revealed is that it will include more daily prizes, and the prizes will be better. This will also cost money. The price hasn't been revealed yet, but a lot of features will still be available for standard users. Whether this premium is worth paying for is yet to be seen.


Battlefield Battlelog

From what i understand, this idea was only concocted because Activision came up with CoD Elite. The service will be extremely similar. The only things revealed, and in very little detail, are:
  • "Powerful" Social Tools
  • Feeds
  • Detailed Player Stats
  • Friends Lists
  • Squads
  • Platoons
  • Voice Chat
  • Following Friends Progress in Real Time
  • And More?
And as a final in-your-face to Activision, Battlelog will be 100% free of charge!


I firmly believe Battlefield will win this war against CoD. The improvements made to Battlefield 3 are amazing, but Modern Warfare still seems lacking to me. I guess it's just personal opinion, but i'm interested to see what others think. Have i left something out that could send one ahead of the other? If Battlefield does take the lead, Call of Duty is going to need to make some major changes to be able to remain strong. So, i'm hoping it does, because everyone will benefit from it in the long run.

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