PC - EA Games
The game has a very well made intro movie which really gets you in the mood for the game, it does not so much introduce a story as there is not a major plot to the game that needs introducing. Before you can play you need to create an account, it is relatively straight forward but a bit of a pain that you cannot just jump straight into a single player game. The menu options are a bit confusing but it is easy enough to find your way into a game and get started.
Figuring out how to play was simple as it is similar to many other FPS games but the learning curve is very steep. When starting out you tend to die very quickly, often before you've really had a chance to get into the game which can be frustrating. The goals are clearly set out but the ability to make progress towards them can be difficult, especially when new. Also some of the advanced features of the game take time to completely figure out which is difficult in a fast paced FPS situation.
Once you get over the learning curve the game is definitely fun. The fast paced action keeps you continually on edge and you are always on your guard. The game is best played with a team or group of friends to really get the most from the large scale battle atmosphere and take part in co-ordinated teamwork operations. The only part where it can get tedious is if you are continually killed from a distance in unexpected angles, with no sign of your opponent and no time to react it is easy to blame the game.
The graphics are good but do not do anything particularly special; the realism certainly adds to the game but does not have any new ideas.
The game physics are well done and allow for some great vehicle manoeuvring, although there is the odd bug where you are incorrectly killed by slow moving vehicles, which is frustrating. The single player game is not particularly challenging but this is ok as the game is primarily designed for multiplayer.
The realism in the game makes it very immersive, particularly the realistic looking and sounding weaponry and the well done graphics. There is also a loose storyline that tries to explain the reason for the conflict and put the maps into a context. While it is not taken too seriously it is good to have a back story for the battles rather than just mindlessly fighting.
The game has a fixed first person viewpoint when on foot but the option of 3rd person when driving a vehicle; these are pretty standard and work fine. When flying there is also the option to remove the cockpit from first person view which is a helpful addition although it did take a while to figure out how to do it.
Player ad ground vehicle control is well done and easy to figure out. Air vehicles are a lot harder to control and take a lot longer to get proficient at. This can be frustrating to being with but is a good idea as it stops them from becoming over powered as they are constantly tricky to operate.
The main thing which stands out about the game is the realism and the ability to choose your class and upgrade its weapons. It makes you feel involved and stops it from getting dull as you have something to aim for and a bit of variety.
The combat is addictive through being exciting and fast paces; there isn't time to get bored with it. Plus the addition of the persistent stat tracking and character development makes you want to keep playing to unlock that next weapon and try it out.
It has a really good formula of large scale battles against intelligent real opponents and manages to set it in a believable situation. It also allows for great teamwork and co-operative play which is far superior to playing on your own.