8Bit/Digi

It may have only been two months since its release, but the first DLC for Battlefield 3 is not just an upgrade for gamers but a nostalgic treat for those old school fans who have been playing the series from the beginning.

Time to fight down memory lane with Back to Kakand.

As the title implies, yes you will get to fight in the “Strike at Karkand” map that has been reimagined using the Frostbite 2 engine. Besides the visual makeover nothing much has changed and for gamers that is a good thing.

What has made “Strike at Karkand” is the lack of aircrafts along with its limited use for vehicles. Because of this emphasis on urban combat; it has grown to become one of the most popular maps. The map was first featured in Battlefield 2 but later included in Battlefield 2142 and Battlefield Play4Free.

But besides Karkand, the DLC features Gulf of Oman, Sharqi Peninsula, and Wake Island maps from Battlefield 2. While most have only undergone a reimaging; Wake Island has been completely redone to give it a more war torn atmosphere along with presenting a greater challenge to gamers. Also included are 10 new weapons and 4 new vehicles all returning from Battlefield 2.

While the DLC adds more to the Battlefield 3 multiplayer; it has only been two months since its release and its online experience is more fun than Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. At best its going to be a nostalgic reward for the old school games.

Back to Kakand is out now for the PS3 while PC and Xbox 360 gamers will have to wait until next week to relive those good / bad times.

Final Score: 8/10

Disclaimer: I bought the limited edition of Battlefield 3, which included this DLC.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides an insight into the gaming community and industry of the Bay Area.