Battlefield 3 Beta Sept. 29-Oct 10th - 99 problems, but a beta ain't one.

Played a couple of matches. Not bad. It's got some rough spots visually, but it is a beta, so... yeah. Can't be too critical on that yet, I guess. Can't say I'm a fan of the reduced health, but it is definitely making me play more cautiously by staying close to my team. I've also noticed that, without the aim assist on, shooting accurately becomes a lot harder. Not sure if it's just because the aim sensitivity is too high or what. I kinda like it, though. Makes scoring kills that much more rewarding.

There have been server side patches as well as downloadable patches for the game to fix a variety of issues. For now, they've turned off terrain destruction to stop people from falling through the ground. They say they've got it fixed in the final version though.

Patch details:

A SELECTION OF CHANGES FROM OPEN BETA TO FINAL, PART 1
(Not a complete list – for up to date news, visit the News section in Battlelog)
* Fixed occasional client crash when reviving.
* Fixed killcam showing glitched area under map if your killer is dead.
* Issue with spawning on dead squad mates fixed.
* Fixed a bug where shooting at a moving enemy could cause more than the intended amount of damage.
* Crosshairs for shotguns have been replaced with a new, thinner, art.
* A subtle low health screen effect has been added.
* Tweaked scores of Medals and Service Stars.
* Tweaked the Rank progression.
* Pushing prone on console will not play the animation twice.
* Fixed loss of Squad Leader after EOR at some times.
* Framerate stability fixes.
* The 3D spotting icons has been tweaked to better match the target's visibility. Icons will show frequently less on mostly obscured targets.
* Fixed issue with crosshair disappearing after round transition.
* Fixed issue with crosshair disappearing after trying to deploy while the countdown timer still active.
* Squad list now shows specializations chosen, VOIP activity and dead squad mates.
* Non working options in squad menu fixed: "Private" flag and "Switch Teams"

We have distributed a server side update with the following changes:


- Terrain destruction disabled, because it causes problems with people crawling around under the map. We have a proper fix for this in the retail game, but chose to simply disable it for the OB

- Preround is fully activated: 8 players required to transition from preround to in-game; when 8 players are reached, the start-timer is set to 10 seconds

- Fixes for the most common game server crashes reported over the past 48 hours

- Fixes for end-of-round progress reporting to Battlelog (so players will see their progress more detailed on Battlelog)

The Server Providers have been instructed to deploy before Fri Sep 30th, 0800 UTC (when it impacts players the least)

I kinda like it, I'm dissapointed with destruction, on the last phase I threw a grenade at a wooden door in one of the buildings, nothing happened. The lack of destruction and vehicles also seems to cause alot of camping, especially in the subway.

I haven't played the Beta yet, since I can't be bothered going through Origin and Battlelog. Not yet anyway. What I did play at the EuroGamer expo in London last week was pretty fun though, so I'll wait and see. Been checking the website below to see how it's going and whether I should bother trying it out:

B3 ongoing Beta preview/review: http://geekmandem.com/2011/09/30/battlefield-3-multiplayer-beta-review-pc/#more-159

I'm not a hardcore FPS fan, so I don't think I'll get much out of the Beta anyway. The video with the dude underground was funny though.

One thing I noticed in BF3, it is very easy to die from long range. Alot of times i got fragged and I didn't even see the guy.

Played a couple of matches. Not bad. It's got some rough spots visually, but it is a beta, so... yeah. Can't be too critical on that yet, I guess. Can't say I'm a fan of the reduced health, but it is definitely making me play more cautiously by staying close to my team. I've also noticed that, without the aim assist on, shooting accurately becomes a lot harder. Not sure if it's just because the aim sensitivity is too high or what. I kinda like it, though. Makes scoring kills that much more rewarding.

c_rake

The fact that this is a "Beta" is NO excuse for the wonkiness present in the game, especially since this game is ONE MONTH from being released, meaning that this build is likely final, and the only difference in final versions will come from patches (minor bug fixes, etc). Hell, the Halo: Reach beta was brilliant, and it wasMANY months before the game came out.

This isn't looking great, in other words.

It's fun. I'm actually debating whether to get the pc version and the ps3 version.

The fact that this is a "Beta" is NO excuse for the wonkiness present in the game, especially since this game is ONE MONTH from being released, meaning that this build is likely final, and the only difference in final versions will come from patches (minor bug fixes, etc). Hell, the Halo: Reach beta was brilliant, and it wasMANY months before the game came out.

This isn't looking great, in other words.

Jbul

I agree that the beta tag is no excuse for the technical issues present -- doesn't make for a good impression when you're demo is full of nearly game-breaking hit-detection issues, especially this close to release. What I meant was that if the game looks rough be cause just the beta version, then fine -- no big deal. Maybe they'll surprise us with the full game by making the visuals look better or something. Doesn't really matter either way -- it was just an observation.

[QUOTE="Jbul"]

The fact that this is a "Beta" is NO excuse for the wonkiness present in the game, especially since this game is ONE MONTH from being released, meaning that this build is likely final, and the only difference in final versions will come from patches (minor bug fixes, etc). Hell, the Halo: Reach beta was brilliant, and it wasMANY months before the game came out.

This isn't looking great, in other words.

c_rake

I agree that the beta tag is no excuse for the technical issues present -- doesn't make for a good impression when you're demo is full of nearly game-breaking hit-detection issues, especially this close to release. What I meant was that if the game looks rough be cause just the beta version, then fine -- no big deal. Maybe they'll surprise us with the full game by making the visuals look better or something. Doesn't really matter either way -- it was just an observation.

Browsing various Battlefield 3 boards and hearing the cries of defenders led me to a statement by DICE saying that the Beta version was "quite old" and the final version is polished and ready to go.

Lol.. wut?

Then why the hell didn't you show us the polished version? They've got to realize many people, myself included, are playing the Beta in order to make a purchasing decision. In any case, it could also be PR damage-control because of the apparent backlash present from the startlingly mediocre Beta.

Whatever the case, only time will tell.

Have played the ps3 beta some with my buddy. I like it :). Weapons feel great, looks fine, smoth controls. Beside some bugs my biggest issue is that I don't know how to mute other players. I've quit a couple of matches with screaming players. Any tip on this issue?Sushiglutton

Tried to play this beta the last few days, and here's my honest thoughts. I'm just not feeling it. Sure, the visuals are better than BFBC: 2 (my favorite multiplayer shooter of all time), but in a way, they're distractingly watercolor'ish. Almost too bright. I also absolutely despise the ability to go PRONE. Terrible, terrible, terrible idea from DICE to put this in their game. This is what seperated BFBC2 from the Call Of Douchey lameness -- it didn't invite or nessecarily reward a camping playstyle. Now, every idiot kid is laying in bushes with his SVD, spawn-killing the other team. Yawn. Oh well DICE, it was a nice attempt.Jbul

[QUOTE="Jbul"]Tried to play this beta the last few days, and here's my honest thoughts. I'm just not feeling it. Sure, the visuals are better than BFBC: 2 (my favorite multiplayer shooter of all time), but in a way, they're distractingly watercolor'ish. Almost too bright. I also absolutely despise the ability to go PRONE. Terrible, terrible, terrible idea from DICE to put this in their game. This is what seperated BFBC2 from the Call Of Douchey lameness -- it didn't invite or nessecarily reward a camping playstyle. Now, every idiot kid is laying in bushes with his SVD, spawn-killing the other team. Yawn. Oh well DICE, it was a nice attempt.Teufelhuhn

Yes, the 6-year old Battlefield 2 had the ability to "go prone". But the Bad Company games benefited from the intelligent design decision of not allowing prone gameplay.

Just because it's true to the last game doesn't make it better, more interesting, or more playable. Period.

i've been playing it on 360. I was pleasently surprised. My roommate is a COD fanboy and told me the Beta sucked, but i tried it anyway. It was worth it, BF3 looks amazing even on 360. I loved the movement, it felt like what brink tried to do, but more refined. You can vault, slide, or jump over anything if it's in your capacity. The controls were new to me so i sucked at first, but once i got used to it, it was a lot of fun. I'm excited for the full game.

[QUOTE="Sushiglutton"]Have played the ps3 beta some with my buddy. I like it :). Weapons feel great, looks fine, smoth controls. Beside some bugs my biggest issue is that I don't know how to mute other players. I've quit a couple of matches with screaming players. Any tip on this issue?Elann2008

Or you could scream back, extra loud. that works sometimes. ;)

[QUOTE="Elann2008"][QUOTE="Sushiglutton"]Have played the ps3 beta some with my buddy. I like it :). Weapons feel great, looks fine, smoth controls. Beside some bugs my biggest issue is that I don't know how to mute other players. I've quit a couple of matches with screaming players. Any tip on this issue?soul_resonance

Or you could scream back, extra loud. that works sometimes. ;)

Yes, the 6-year old Battlefield 2 had the ability to "go prone". But the Bad Company games benefited from the intelligent design decision of not allowing prone gameplay.

Just because it's true to the last game doesn't make it better, more interesting, or more playable. Period.

Jbul

[QUOTE="Jbul"]Tried to play this beta the last few days, and here's my honest thoughts. I'm just not feeling it. Sure, the visuals are better than BFBC: 2 (my favorite multiplayer shooter of all time), but in a way, they're distractingly watercolor'ish. Almost too bright. I also absolutely despise the ability to go PRONE. Terrible, terrible, terrible idea from DICE to put this in their game. This is what seperated BFBC2 from the Call Of Douchey lameness -- it didn't invite or nessecarily reward a camping playstyle. Now, every idiot kid is laying in bushes with his SVD, spawn-killing the other team. Yawn. Oh well DICE, it was a nice attempt.GodModeEnabled

Agreed, but the key difference with Sniping in BFBC2 is that real skill was rewarded. Calibrating lead fire, bullet-descent, and other factors lead to a deeper and more interesting exploration of the sniping mechanic that rewarded raw skill.

Also, if you were an engineer, why the hell weren't you in a vehicle? :P

[QUOTE="Jbul"]

Yes, the 6-year old Battlefield 2 had the ability to "go prone". But the Bad Company games benefited from the intelligent design decision of not allowing prone gameplay.

Just because it's true to the last game doesn't make it better, more interesting, or more playable. Period.

Teufelhuhn

Well, not having the ability to crouch in BFBC2 led to alot less permanent camping for snipers and other cIasses alike. I agree that Battlefield games are at their best when playing and coordinating with others, but people will play how they are going to play, which includes the lowest common denominator. So I thought it was cool that even if someone WAS to play lone-wolf in BFBC2, they couldn't do it for long because their character couldn't shrink themselves to the size of 2 pixels with a x20 Sniper Rifle Scope with Magnum ammo and ruin everyone's day.

Right now it seems the true die hard fans don't like the way Dice is going with this one and the people who entered the franchise with the Bad Company's seem to really really enjoy this. Me personally I'm not the biggest fan on the Bad Company's as I felt that what made Battlefield great seemed to be removed and now I can see them taking the Bad Company formula and moving it over to Battlefield.

I'm not a fan of Rush mode at all never was in Bad Company and still not now. Thankfully Conquest is still there.

Battlefield was really never about an in-depth class/weapon/gear unlock system. Yes in BF2 and 2142 you had somethings but not to this exent. It was all about finding a server jumping in and playing not having to worry about some dude that is geared up to his teeth.

Prone should have never been taken out. Good thing it is coming back. Commander function and the squad system is just weak. Good to see 64 players coming back.

I still don't know right now on this game, still on the fence about and right now the Metro map isn't showing me much.

Well one thing is for sure, we cannot judge the game by one silly map Operation Metro. By now, you probably know that it wasn't the wisest of choices to use this in the open beta and ALPHA as well. First impressions are everything, right?

Secondly, I agree with you on the squad management. I feel like from what I've played so far in alpha and beta, there should be some integration when it comes to team-play and functionality. The squad system is extremely weak. And no, I'm not talking about squad management - that will be in the full release of BF3 day one.

Thirdly, performance right now is at a stand still since high and ultra are both locked out of the beta. We're basically running the game at Medium and it sure looks good if it's truly medium. Can't wait to see it on high and ultra. Although, for medium, the game sure runs like crap. Framerate isn't stable, and the minimum framerate I'm getting has me a bit worried. I hope the final game sees a huge boost in framerate, but I'm not going to hold my breath.

As for unlock progression, it's the new age of multiplayer online where unlocking rewards and ranking up is important to gamers as much, as say, achievements. To some of us, they're not as important, but I could see it being as a motivator to continue pushing on to rank "x." It's inevitable.

I've been playing the beta a lot and I've since tried playing Bad Company 2 again and I must say that they barely feel the same. Everything from the gunplay, to animations, to recoil and bullet-drop are far and away from Bad Company 2's. BC2 almost feels like a run and gun game now that I've been playing BF3. Maybe it's just me, but I like BF3 so much more than BC2 and I'm glad there are enough differences to set it apart from it. But you can't help but to see people use the BC2 vs BF3 comparison when they should be focusing on how much how it's like or not like BF2.

I don't think it's right to make the final curtain call on BF3 because DICE made a poor choice to put Operation Metro in the open beta. Well, they should have at least left Caspian Border in there for a few more days. Just sayin'.

Things I've noticed that BF3 does not do right:

1) Triple buffering. I believe TB takes up VRAM? And BF3 supposedly takes a good amount of VRAM so you may see a decrease in performance either way. This is still up in the air. We need benchies.

2) BF3 beta doesn't like my MSI afterburner overclocks. None of them. Crashes the game every time.

3) Optimization is an issue. Hopefully it gets sorted out in time for the full release.

4) Squad management will be in the full release but where are the squad system features? Gone perhaps.

5) Battlelog is a heavy burden and there are just too many windows and crap to open to play one game.

6) Game Manager error when searching for matches.

7) We need to be able to setup our loadouts, graphical settings, etc out of the game. I found myself setting up my loadouts after I just received unlock rewards at the beginning at a match and there just isn't enough time for me to fiddle with it. So I'm at deployment doing that, while the rest of the team fights on shorthanded.

8 ) Random glitches like flailing bodies, invisible player, bodies that look dead but the enemy player is actually still alive and shooting at you, etc.

9) White flickering artifacts usually in the distance. Flickering screen. Screen tearing even with vsync on. Again, triple buffering seems to decrease performance.

10) 870 shotgun needs to be nerfed a bit.

11) Where is the destructible environment? It could be that it's basically non-existent in rush maps but could that be? Sure, you can plow through some walls with a rocket launcher, but that's about it for destructibility.

12) I've blue-screened once while playing BF3 and I've never blue-screened on this PC rig, ever for any reason.

There are good things about BF3:

13) Hitbox is good. I have no issues with that. I'm so happy about this.

14) Prone. Need I say more?

15) Prone speed is perfect. I don't care what the haters are saying. To make it slower and more sluggish would make it feel like Arma 2. BF has never been about ultra-realism. Do not take out the fun in video games. It's a video game.

16) When BF3 is running at 60fps, it feels exhilarating. I want that in the full release.

17) Sound design is amazing. Better than BC2's imho. The whisping of bullets pass your ears is intense! I play with high-quality headphones with a dedicated sound card, equalizer tweaked to my liking. BF3 sounds superb.

18 ) Walk/Run Normal/Sprint to prone animation is slick and smooth. They did it just right.

19) The user interface although reminds so much of Medal of Honor 2010, is warming up to me. Although it could have been something different altogether. Overall, it's satisfactory.

20) I actually like the unlocks but I'm not so sure about the unlock progression. I was looking through it and I don't know if what I saw was a "limited" beta unlock progression. I didn't see that many unlocks. Will there be more than just this? Didn't Dice promise like over 100,000 variations or something like that? Not sure what the number was, but it was a "staggering" mark.

21) The graphics on MEDIUM looked very good. It looks like BC2 maxed out on my PC rig. I'm stoked to see how it will look like on ULTRA but I'm afraid it will crush my GPU.

22) Gun-play feels satisfying. Everything from the recoil to bullet-drop feels good. Firing away at enemies in short bursts at close range or at a longer range feels immensely satisfying. The most important thing is that you feel this adrenaline rush when you're having a good match.

23) BF3 will be best enjoyed amongst friends. I had a chance to play with one fellow Gamespotter and it feels so better than playing solo with a random team. Get your friends and group up. This is highly encouraged.

I'll add to this list and things go on. I just wanted to share my thoughts and feelings on the beta. Cheers.

Noooooo. The beta is over. I only got to play Caspian border once. Didn't even get to fly a jet!

My verdict? It's very anti-COD. Running out in the open is going to get you killed. Even if you dont, someone somwhere laying prone will find you and take you out. You NEED to stick with your teammates. I had the pleasure of playing this game on the PC and was extremely surprised at the level of coordination on even the public servers. It was a breath of fresh air. Even games where we lost, it felt like we were working as a team.

I f***ing hate the keyboard and mouse setup. Switching weapons and gears is a f***ing mess. There are a million keys on the keyboard and I can never find R, G and 3,4 when i need them. I got used to the aiming after a few hours and was getting quite a few kills towards the end, but my god I suck at finding keys.

Noooooo. The beta is over. I only got to play Caspian border once. Didn't even get to fly a jet!

My verdict? It's very anti-COD. Running out in the open is going to get you killed. Even if you dont, someone somwhere laying prone will find you and take you out. You NEED to stick with your teammates. I had the pleasure of playing this game on the PC and was extremely surprised at the level of coordination on even the public servers. It was a breath of fresh air. Even games where we lost, it felt like we were working as a team.

I f***ing hate the keyboard and mouse setup. Switching weapons and gears is a f***ing mess. There are a million keys on the keyboard and I can never find R, G and 3,4 when i need them. I got used to the aiming after a few hours and was getting quite a few kills towards the end, but my god I suck at finding keys.

S0lidSnake

I spent the last two days playing nothing but Caspian. K+M are fine I have no problem switching between items, then again my mouse has 1-12 on the side so simply click with my thumb to switch items. Love the jets!