Battlefield 3 is the direct sequel to Battlefield 2 and is the 11th overall entry in the Battlefield franchise. Powered by the Frostbite 2 engine, Battlefield 3 aims to provide fast-paced, team-oriented online multiplayer while also providing a single-player campaign and cooperative mode for the first time in any Battlefield game.
The game's story is set in the near future of 2014, where players take on the role of Staff Sergeant Henry Blackburn as he recounts his encounter with the PLR, a dangerous terrorist organization. The campaign takes place in a disjointed, flashback fashion as Blackburn shares his knowledge about an attack on New York.
The multiplayer suite contains various modes such as Conquest, Rush, Team Deathmatch, and Squad-based variations of these modes. Players can choose from multiple classes, including Assault, Support, Engineer, and Recon, each with unique gadgets and specializations. The game also features vehicles like tanks, helicopters, and jets.
The PC version requires Windows Vista or Windows 7, while the console editions support a lower player count and smaller maps, with only 24 players able to meet online in Console iterations.