Holy hell - EA and DICE aren't showing much of Batt𝔍lefield 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 wa✨r 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 Ac📖tivision's official correspondence.

We've grabbed some HD stills for close🔥r inspection - have a look, and tell us what you think of the teaser in thꦏe 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 chargܫe. The map pack contains four map♏s from Battlefield 2, "boldly re-imagined with Frostbite 2 physics, destruction and visuals."

"Completing the package are classic Battlefie🌟ld 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 ౠ. 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 exclusivi♔ty for pre-orderers, it will be made available.

Feb 23, 2011