First Battlefield 3 gameplay footage debuted

Holy hell - EA and DICE aren't showing much of Battlefield 3, but what they are showing is an engine that easily rivals or bests CoD's IW engine. Yeah, it still looks like a 'modern war FPS,' but even the most jaded sourpusses have to admit that it's intense enough to warrant interest... or can at least enjoy the particle effects. Check out the first, far-too-brief, gameplay teaser below:

Scoff if you will, but amidst the debris of destructible environments and the dragging of downed teammates, we see something that ought to be inspiring concerned-looking emoticons in Activision's official correspondence.

We've grabbed some HD stills for closer inspection - have a look, and tell us what you think of the teaser in the comments.

UPDATE: We failed to mention the big pre-order bonus announcement. Pre-order Battlefield 3, and you'll get the Battlefield 3: Back to Karkand expansion at no extra charge. The map pack contains four maps from Battlefield 2, "boldly re-imagined with Frostbite 2 physics, destruction and visuals."

"Completing the package are classic Battlefield 2 weapons and vehicles, unique rewards, new achievements/trophies, and more. Players anxious to start the fight can pre-order the Battlefield 3 Limited Edition now at www.battlefield.com/uk. Pre-order while supplies last."

There's no word on whether the expansion will be available post-launch as paid DLC, but we would guess that, after a period of exclusivity for pre-orderers, it will be made available.

Feb 23, 2011