Game review: Battlefield 3

I must admit, before loading Battlefield 3, I was wondering what all the fuss was about.

Sure I had heard of BF3's impending arrival but, with what seems to be every other game these days being a first-person shooter, my cynical thoughts as I slid the disc into my console, were that this would have to be pretty special.

After picking my jaw up off the floor, I now know most certainly what the fuss is all about.

BF3 is a top-flight offering that oozes gritty realism at every turn, with action aplenty to hook casual and hardcore gamers.

The single-player campaign is a blast to undertake, with you taking the role of various military personnel - from a grunt on the ground to wielding the weapons on a fighter jet, the gaming variety ensures you'll be constantly on your toes.

But in a way, the single-player campaign is just an entree to the hellacious online mode main course.

Tactics, sounds, graphics and gameplay mesh together at a stunning level - it's awesome.

The sheer scope of what the game developers have put together will leave you in awe - well, while you're not popping caps that is.

If you're going to have any first-person shooter in your gaming arsenal, you'd be well advised to make it BF3.

This stunner is simply a gaming masterpiece.

Battlefield 3

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, iOS

Stars: 5/5