Battlefield 3: Aftermath Trailer, Release Date & Crossbow Reveal

First, Battlefield 3 got the ‘Back to Karkand’ DLC pack which let long-time fans reminisce on some of the franchise’s most popular classic maps. Then, the game went all-infantry with ‘Close Quarters’ and its four new maps. In September, DICE released the vehicle-focused ‘Armored Kill‘ which featured the biggest map in series history.

Next, Battlefield 3 is going to explore the Jurassic period. We’re kidding (sadly), but the upcoming ‘Aftermath’ DLC is coming soon and Electronic Arts has just unveiled its release date, a brand new trailer, and a tease of a weapon Bethesda couldn’t even get right in their last two Elder Scrolls games: crossbows.

As a Reddit exclusive yesterday evening, Battlefield 3‘s community manager posted the first teaser image for Battlefield 3: Aftermath which depicted three soldiers standing side-by-side, two of them with crossbows.

You’ll also note the city destruction in the background and the ragtag look of the soldiers, bloody and bandaged – this falls in line with the theme or ‘hook’ of this DLC pack. “Aftermath” itself refers to the setting of the DLC pack taking place in the post-earthquake ruins of Tehran where infantry battle for control of the area. This setting will lend itself to some interesting gameplay features, including more modding capability for weapons and vehicles. The following note was added by the community manager after posting the image:

Some people have noticed there’s some jury rigging going on with equipment and the crossbow. In a post ‘quake environment, survivors are modifying what they get their hands on to work. The crossbow is one example, but vehicles will see more of this kind of treatment as well…

The first Battlefield 3: Aftermath trailer released this morning and oddly enough, doesn’t feature actual gameplay. Instead, it makes use of in-game assets and the Frostbite 2 engine to depict a pre-rendered skirmish and as a result, isn’t as appealing or effective as their award-worthy gameplay trailers from before. As a teaser, it does suffice, but we’re looking forward to actual gameplay, new features being demonstrated, and of course, what the crossbow can do to the environment and other players. Can we run around with a bolt sticking out of our chest?

The Aftermath DLC takes over the original release date slot previously occupied by ‘End Game’ (the final announced DLC pack for the Battlefield 3 Premium package). End Game of course, movies to early 2013.

Battlefield 3: Aftermath features all multiplayer game modes from the base game, plus the all-new Scavenger mode. In Scavenger mode, lost soldiers start equipped with only a knife, one grenade, and sidearm and must search the environment for more powerful weapons to increase their chance at surviving and eventually winning.

Battlefield 3: Aftermath is out starting November 27th for PlayStation 3 Premium members. It is included with Battlefield 3: Premium and available separately at $14.99. Full release dates as follows:

PlayStation 3 Premium members: November 27
Xbox 360 and PC Premium members: December 4
PlayStation 3 players: December 11
Xbox 360 and PC players: December 18

A new game mode, destroyed environments, (potentially) more customization features, and crossbows serve all serve as the hook for Aftermath. What will be the hook of End Game? We already know End Game will feature motorcycles. All we need now… are dinosaurs. We’re not letting that go.

-

Follow Rob on Twitter @rob_keyes.

Source: Reddit