Battlefield has long since been one of the most popular and successful FPS series. With engaging visuals and unique gameplay mechanics, such as real-time destruction and the classic ‘Commander’ mode, which allowed players to ascend from the battlefield and assume the role of an actual military commander, guiding other players to destinations and spotting enemies.

Battlefield 3, the last game of the series, cut back on some of these features and introduced a stronger focus on infantry powers, such as spotting enemies and class perks like plastic explosives and SOFLAM lasers. Now, the next game in the Battlefield series is here. Featuring more in depth customization for weapons and vehicles, and a change of pace from the previous map design of earlier games, Battlefield 4 has a lot to offer to eager fans.

But how does it compare to Battlefield 3?

Battlefield 4’s story is nothing spectacular and can be completed in less than 6 hours, but Battlefield has never been highlighted for its storytelling. The real focus is on the multiplayer this time, with a powerful drive on elements that seemed lacking in Battlefield 3.

Battlefield 4 is a case of quantity over quality. The numerous weapon attachments and gun camouflage are nice, but offer little in the way of changing performance of guns. The sights are hardly different from those in Battlefield 3; however their usefulness has been enhanced with switchable optics which can turn a short range sight into a medium to long range one.

As for the weapon camos, they are somewhat diverse and a welcome change from the repetitive camos of Battlefield 4, but it seems too much time was spent on making the guns look nice and pretty, causing the rest of the game to lack polish.

The maps contain numerous failing textures and an overall sense that not enough time was put into the lighting and set design.

Despite the graphical errors, Battlefield 4’s maps are certainly unique and a welcome change from the repetitive Middle Eastern themes of Battlefield 3’s maps. The new Asian architecture makes for dramatic and exciting vertical gameplay, requiring infantry to watch their corners at all times in order to avoid an attack from literally every possible direction.

However, all of this vertical gameplay has created a rift between vehicles, which are now at odds with the skyscrapers, narrow alleyways, and highway overpasses which prevent them from attacking some of their most formidable enemies. Recon and Engineer soldiers, now back in their original forms from earlier Battlefield games, can both rain down explosives onto vehicles, which in turn have a rough time finding an angle to fight back. This causes problems for tanks and IFVs, which already have had their firepower reduced from Battlefield 3.

Water combat, one of the most anticipated changes in Battlefield 4, is also lacking. The boats suffer the same fate as the land vehicles, only they don’t have useful cover to protect them from stray explosives.

The display of Battlefield 4 is interesting, but nothing new. Surprisingly, the blues, oranges, and greens of Battlefield 3 return all around the display, and greatly contrast the dull environments. This is a good thing, because the display is finally more visible in gameplay. However, things such as the map and respawn screen have become cluttered messes as opposed to the straightforward design of previous games.

Battlefield 4 has been a largely anticipated gaming title, but for most, fails to live up to expectations.

However, with the next generation of consoles on the rise and the ever present PC community, Battlefield 4 has the chance to mold itself into the enjoyable FPS that fans have come to expect.