Battlefield 3 Alpha

[Jasper Jeffs]

My brother got an e-mail for the BF3 alpha but his PC doesn't run it, so it has been installed on my PC and I've just been playing it. Simply, it's fucking awesome, are there any other Escapees that have the alpha? If so, what do you think of it?

If anyone wants to ask a question about anything then feel free. I can't post screenshots or videos because it'd be a violation of.. something, I can however answer shit, so ask away!

EDIT: If you're wondering how to get in the alpha, then read this!

How can I get into the Battlefield 3 Alpha Trial?

It is a highly tech focused test period where the main purpose is to do a number of server related tests in preparation for game launch requiring a set amount of players online to ensure the final experience is as much fun and easy as possible.


Is this the Battlefield 3 Beta promised to buyers of Medal of Honor: Limited Edition?

No, this is an Battlefield 3 Alpha Trial, meaning this software is still not at the Battlefield 3 "Beta" development milestone. The Battlefield 3 Open Beta will start in September. The exact date for when Medal of Honor: Limited Edition players can join the Battlefield 3 Beta will be announced at a later date.


Can I join the Battlefield 3 Closed Alpha Trial?

The Battlefield 3 Alpha is a closed test and by invitation only. If you'd like to have a chance to be called upon make sure to register for our newsletter and ensure your Veteran status is up to date. We are also not giving away keys to the Battlefield 3 Alpha Trial on any of our social networking platforms.


Recently a Medal of Honor: Limited Edition Beta newsletter went out to users. What is that all about?

Well, that newsletter says you are entitled to play the Battlefield 3 beta in September. It is however not a ticket or a code. If you purchased a copy of Medal of Honor with the Battlefield 3 Beta sticker on it, you are eligible for the Beta. If you have not received the newsletter, make sure you opt in on your EA Profile to receive them. Also, if you haven´t received the newsletter and own a copy of Medal of Honor: Limited edition, you are eligible to play in the beta.

 

[Dalek Caan]

It is awesome. My cousin got it and we have being playing it all day.

 

[TheShogun]

How do the jets handle? I miss the dogfights I had in Battlefield 2...

 

[Outcast107]

I can't play it due to haveing "outdated" drivers. Yet I fully updated them to the max and still wont let me play. CURSE YOU COMPUTER!

 

[yuval152]

Too bad that there is no alpha for console :/

 

[Dirty Hipsters]

Question 1: How's the lag?
Question 2: Is the movement still as clunky as it was in Bad Company 2?
Question 3: Does 70% the team still go sniper regardless of the map?

If the answers to these questions are favorable I will be quite happy.

 

[Jasper Jeffs]

How do the jets handle? I miss the dogfights I had in Battlefield 2...

Unfortunately the map available doesn't have any planes, other than some that appear briefly to destroy part of the map and open the next set of objectives.

Expanding on the map itself, it's quite confined, the first section is in a park in Paris, you push forward through the playgrounds and fountains and take out two objectives. Once that is done, the aforementioned planes blow up the rear of the park which opens up a destroyed subway. The subway section plays as more of a corridor shooter, you take cover in trains and behind small objects. I find it quite hilarious, just now my entire squad was taking cover in one of the trains. We were all in prone on the floor, occasionally peeking out to pick one of the attackers off whilst RPG's, grenades and bullets were being fired through the windows.

It's interesting how they manipulate gameplay styles by changing the game space, this is only one instance I can speak for, but it's a good mechanic so I can't see why it wouldn't be used elsewhere in the game. The only problem is it kinda makes everything feel instanced, in the first section you can only use tanks for example, then you're forced into a subway and unable to use vehicles.

I hope they include open sandbox type maps like older Battlefields. I always enjoyed how BF2 was different every time you played it and you had to adapt to the enemy every match. Whilst BF3 is still fun to play, the map currently is very scripted, and there's only so many ways you can play something like that. I prefer maps that the players direct, not maps that direct the player.

With all that said I still have high hopes for the game. As a game in itself without comparison to other Battiefields, it's a very fun experience.

 

[Sebster 105]

Question 1: How's the lag?
Question 2: Is the movement still as clunky as it was in Bad Company 2?
Question 3: Does 70% the team still go sniper regardless of the map?

If the answers to these questions are favorable I will be quite happy.

1. most servers are 75 and under
2. It's a PC game through and through. The controls are AMAAZIIING
3. No, snipers are posotively useless

How do the jets handle? I miss the dogfights I had in Battlefield 2...

It is 1 map Operation Métro, there are no jets.

 

[Sebster 105]

Doublt post oops

Add me on origin
SebsterES

 

[JochemDude]

I have it, I don't particularly like the first map. As you said much scripting and little interactive destruction, I also found that a lot of people were only playing the 'Support' class I saw very little people going for the Medic or Engineer and that is kinda worrying.
Also there is no more censor in the chat box,
Explosives don't feel very overpowered,
Not much run and gun, but (probably due to the small map) very static gameplay.

 

[Jasper Jeffs]

Question 1: How's the lag?
Question 2: Is the movement still as clunky as it was in Bad Company 2?
Question 3: Does 70% the team still go sniper regardless of the map?

If the answers to these questions are favorable I will be quite happy.

1. I've not had any problems with the lag, there were a few servers that lagged a little bit but they evened themselves out quite quickly, so I imagine it was just my internet farting.

2. No, and I know exactly what you mean by clunky! (I hated the clunkiness myself) The running is really smooth, they have a system as well like Brink where if you press space near any obstacle your character will very smoothly slide over it, it doesn't pause when you do it either so you can continue running. The feel of the weapons and turning of the character is a lot like the new Medal of Honor, except the animations on the weapons and character are a lot more realistic. The guns are fairly difficult to fire, you can't go spraying and expect to hit, nor can you snipe someone from across the map with your AR.

3. I imagine that's more of a community issue, in the games I've played I've hardly seen any snipers. They can't supply ammo, resurrect, or repair vehicles, so (unless they get something useful later on other than simply tagging enemies) there isn't much utility they can give.

How did people get hands on the alpha?

I'd loved to have gotten it.

I believe it was random, e-mails were sent to veterans of Battlefield: BC, or so I've read.

I can't play it due to haveing "outdated" drivers. Yet I fully updated them to the max and still wont let me play. CURSE YOU COMPUTER!

Strangely enough I get that exact same message yet my game launches anyway. There is a thread my brother made here [http://battlelog.battlefield.com/bf3/forum/threadview/2811510711341254338/], but I think that's a different error. You could try re-installed your drivers, other than that I have no idea.

 

[Jegsimmons]

how does one obtain the BF3 alpha? as one of my favorite game series id really like to know...actually i think most of us would like to know.

 

[Vrach]

My brother got an e-mail for the BF3 alpha but his PC doesn't run it, so it has been installed on my PC and I've just been playing it. Simply, it's fucking awesome, are there any other Escapees that have the alpha? If so, what do you think of it?

If anyone wants to ask a question about anything then feel free. I can't post screenshots or videos because it'd be a violation of.. something, I can however answer shit, so ask away!

The big question:
How did you get into the Alpha?
Is it friends&family, is there somewhere to sign up or how does it work? Would love to sign up for it if possible, it's one of my most dearly expected games this year.

 

[Jasper Jeffs]

how does one obtain the BF3 alpha? as one of my favorite game series id really like to know...actually i think most of us would like to know.

My brother got an e-mail for the BF3 alpha but his PC doesn't run it, so it has been installed on my PC and I've just been playing it. Simply, it's fucking awesome, are there any other Escapees that have the alpha? If so, what do you think of it?

If anyone wants to ask a question about anything then feel free. I can't post screenshots or videos because it'd be a violation of.. something, I can however answer shit, so ask away!

The big question:
How did you get into the Alpha?
Is it friends&family, is there somewhere to sign up or how does it work? Would love to sign up for it if possible, it's one of my most dearly expected games this year.

I've updated the OP with the information I could find, it seems pretty random.

 

[Irridium]

I got the alpha. Sadly by the time I got it, and Origin, set up I saw the size and deducted I couldn't play it by the time the Alpha ended. So that makes me sadface

I hope they include open sandbox type maps like older Battlefields. I always enjoyed how BF2 was different every time you played it and you had to adapt to the enemy every match. Whilst BF3 is still fun to play, the map currently is very scripted, and there's only so many ways you can play something like that. I prefer maps that the players direct, not maps that direct the player.

Doubtful that'll happen. The reason those big maps worked was because of the Battlefield Commander, the player who basically commanded the team. Kept things from devolving into 64 people running around randomly. Without it, they need somewhat to direct players, and I guess more confined maps are the answer.

Unless there is a battlefield commander. Is there? That's one of the things I really want this game to have. Seems a magazine-based reloading system like in BF2 is out, so this is basically the only thing I really hope is in the game.

 

[Akihiko]

Beta keys seemed pretty random. I got one and I've only played BF1943 and Battlefield Heroes.

 

[Jasper Jeffs]

I got the alpha. Sadly by the time I got it, and Origin, set up I saw the size and deducted I couldn't play it by the time the Alpha ended. So that makes me sadface

That sucks, how come you can't?

I hope they include open sandbox type maps like older Battlefields. I always enjoyed how BF2 was different every time you played it and you had to adapt to the enemy every match. Whilst BF3 is still fun to play, the map currently is very scripted, and there's only so many ways you can play something like that. I prefer maps that the players direct, not maps that direct the player.

Doubtful that'll happen. The reason those big maps worked was because of the Battlefield Commander, the player who basically commanded the team. Kept things from devolving into 64 people running around randomly. Without it, they need somewhat to direct players, and I guess more confined maps are the answer.

Unless there is a battlefield commander. Is there? That's one of the things I really want this game to have. Seems a magazine-based reloading system like in BF2 is out, so this is basically the only thing I really hope is in the game.

I don't think they are, it's almost identical to Bad Company structurally. I doubt a commander would need to direct this map anyway, there are only 2 routes you can take, 3 if you're insane and like running straight through the middle. It's a shame somewhat, but like I said, it's fun in its own way.