New details regarding Battlefield 3 have arrived, based on the upcoming Game Informer (GI) exclusive and broken down into a long list over on GAF.
The good news for PC gamers is that Windows PC is the lead platform instead of the typical console game receiving a PC port. The bad news is that mod tools will not be available at the time of launch (CY Q4 2011), possibly never at all due to the complexity of the Frostbyte 2.0 engine. DICE claims that the current toolset would have to be "dumbed down."
The GI article reveals that the Battlefield 3 concept has been in the works for years, however DICE decided to wait on proceeding with development until the proper technology was made available. DICE said that its new Frostbyte 2.0 engine is the "culmination" of the tech, re-written from scratch.
As for content, Battlefield 3 will reportedly offer 4 classes--info in regards to squads will be discussed at a later date. Other notable features include a "Killcam" that can be turned off, a theater mode, and the use of the work "f**k throughout the game, undoubtedly landing it an "M" rating when it hits retail shelves.
Confirming previous reports that the game will take place in New York, Paris and Tehran, the article revealed that the story will feature more than one setting, focusing on other territories other than the Middle East. That said, players will visit Sulaymaniyah, Iraqi Kurdistan sometime during the campaign.
Previous reports also indicated that the PC version would provide 64-player multiplayer support. The console versions won't be quite so dramatic, cranking out support for 24-player multiplayer sessions.
Here are a few more details yanked from the article:
- Character animations will be powered by ANT and focused on realism.
- Level destruction will be "believable."
- AI characters and multiplayer characters have different animation sets
- Captured their own war audios (bullets, tanks, helicopters, etc) at different distances to ensure realism
- Better audio cues for certain actions, more easily able to listen for threats
- Better, more immediate post release content
- More unlocks than BFBC2
- A good balance between customization of your character and not having "pink rabbit hat(s)"
- Will have co-op
- BF3's team is almost twice as big as the team for BFBC2
- Balanced pacing in single-player mode, with highs and lows.
- Significant narrative that goes with the SP mode
- Original story, not based on Bad Company.
Battlefield 3 is slated to hit the Windows PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 this fall.