Summary
- Release Year: 2012
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
- Developers: EA Digital Illusions CE
- Publishers: Electronic Arts
Battlefield 3: Close Quarters – Urban Warfare at Its Finest
Battlefield 3: Close Quarters is the second expansion pack for the critically acclaimed first-person shooter Battlefield 3. Released in 2012, Close Quarters takes the game’s intense multiplayer combat to new heights, focusing on infantry-based warfare in close-quarters environments.
Relentless Infantry Combat
Close Quarters introduces four new maps specifically designed for close-quarters combat:
- Ziba Tower: A skyscraper in Dubai with tight corridors, verticality, and intense rooftop battles.
- Donya Fortress: A sprawling fortress in Iran with narrow alleyways, destructible walls, and multiple flanking routes.
- Scrapmetal: A junkyard in Oman with dense cover, shipping containers, and vehicles providing strategic advantages.
- Operation 925: A shipyard in Singapore with narrow corridors, explosive barrels, and a central control room.
These maps are smaller and more compact than the expansive battlefields of the base game, forcing players into constant engagement with the enemy. The focus is on fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping infantry combat, with close-quarters firefights and intense room-to-room battles.
New Weapons and Gadgets
Close Quarters introduces a range of new weapons and gadgets tailored to close-quarters combat:
- Weapons: PDW-R, MTAR-21, UMP-45, MP7, and Saiga-12 shotguns.
- Gadgets: Compact GL, M320 3GL, and Tracer Dart.
These new weapons offer unique advantages in close-range encounters, while the gadgets provide tactical options for breaching, suppressing, and detecting enemies.
Teamwork and Communication
Close Quarters emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication. The close-quarters environments demand constant coordination among squad members, as flanking, suppressing fire, and objective control become crucial for success. The game introduces a new in-game voice chat system that allows players to communicate effectively during the chaos of battle.
Conquest Domination Mode
In addition to the traditional Conquest mode, Close Quarters introduces a new game mode called Conquest Domination. This mode is a variation of Conquest, where teams fight to capture and hold control points. However, unlike regular Conquest, control points in Domination are smaller and closer together, leading to even more intense and frequent skirmishes.
Reception and Legacy
Battlefield 3: Close Quarters received critical acclaim upon release. Reviewers praised its focus on close-quarters combat, the new maps and weapons, and the emphasis on teamwork. The expansion was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
Close Quarters is considered one of the best expansions for Battlefield 3 and is still enjoyed by many players today. It remains a popular choice for those seeking intense and chaotic infantry-based warfare in a variety of close-quarters environments.
Conclusion
Battlefield 3: Close Quarters is an essential expansion for fans of the base game and anyone who enjoys close-quarters combat in first-person shooters. Its tight maps, fast-paced gameplay, and focus on teamwork create an exhilarating and immersive experience that will keep players on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
Review Score
8/10
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