Wondering about how Battlefield 3’s multiplayer mode fares? Short answer: you’ll never want to put the controller down. In fact, when my demo ended, I begged to stay for the next session and DICE was kind enough to oblige. While most gamers share enthusiasm for Battlefield’s large, destructible environments, DICE decided to showcase something unexpected on the E3 show floor. I had the opportunity to play (the ever-so familiar) rush mode on their new downtown Paris multiplayer map — you won’t see three-story buildings collapsing on this one. Don’t worry, there’s still plenty of things to blow up and chances to foil some jerk’s attempt at taking cover. What intrigues me is the unusual progression through the map.
You start off in a wide, open space (typical for Battlefield), but then combat eventually funnels into a subway. Enclosed corridors aren’t the norm for Battlefield, and I’m genuinely surprised at how it enjoyable it is. The addition of flashlights is part of the reason why I had so much fun. Yes, I said flashlights. Trying to navigate through a tunnel with an abandoned subway train, and opponents already inside seems like a suicide run, right? Not exactly. There’s sufficient amount of cover to take, and reason to use flashlights. I’ll explain why this is my new favorite accessory in a moment.
What I love about the subway area is the various opportunities to be strategic. Shoot the lights out in the tunnel, and your team gains the advantage. With Frostbite 2’s lovely graphics and ability to showcase more lighting effects — the flashlight makes for an aggressive combat device. When you aim it at a foe (and you’re still equipped with your gun,) your target’s screen is filled with blinding light — sort of similar to the effects of a flash grenade. I couldn’t tell if I could use it in a well lit area with the same result, and I certain it’s only useful in close-range combat.
