Twilight Zone

Did I wake up in the Twilight Zone today? I was reading the Battlefield3Blog and noticed the banner ad at the top of the page.

Yes, ladies, that's an advert for a Fingerhut credit account, where today's top offer is 25% off T-Fal cookware. Don't forget to order some diapers and bras while you're at it.

Terraria

Steam knows what you play. It knows what you want to play that's similar. In fact, based on the fact I play Left4Dead2 it suggests.... Terraria. Because it's a FPS. Wait, because it's in 3D! Wait, because it uses the Source engine. Well crap, WTF?

From Dust, to distrust

You may read the whole article: War on PC gamers continues: Ubisoft misled on From Dust DRM

... or you may satisfy yourself with the money quote:

The game was scheduled to be released alongside its console counterpart, but it was delayed at the last moment, with Ubisoft promising that it would not require an Internet connection to play after an initial activation. The game was finally released and... guess what? Ubisoft lied. The original forum post has been edited with the new information, the company is stone-walling fans and the press who ask for comment, and no one is happy. Oh, and the port is absolutely terrible.

And of course, the game has already been cracked. The pirates get a better deal than the paying customers, once again.

Dearest Ubisoft: I will always cherish the initial misconceptions I had about you.

f*ck

This, folks, is why you don't pre-order.

As originally reported at bf3blog.com, the console versions of BF3 will feature an in-game server browser, while the PC version will not. You read that correctly.

DICE has confirmed that PC players will have to connect to servers through a separate application called Battlelog. DICE's Alan Kurtz (@Demize99) has tweeted his recommendation that, instead of Alt+Tabbing to access Battlelog, you should restart the game. Because it loads so quickly.

You just cannot make this shit up.

UPDATE:  according to Eurogamer, Mr. Kurtz has said that Battlelog is the whole main menu for BF3. But it's still a separate application. And it's not Origin, so that's three separate applications to log in, pick a server, and play.

SHADES OF UBISOFT UPDATE: if Battlelog is the main menu, and it is web dependent (as it appears to be a website + browser plugin), will you be able to play the single player if you don't have web access?

PEANUT GALLERY UPDATE: several commenters on the aforementioned Eurogamer article, and on this RPS post, seem to love the new system.

BF3 pre-order packages

Editor's note:  we do not recommend pre-ordering any game, even though we've made that mistake many, many times.

From ea.com:

There are a number of pre-order offers for Battlefield 3 available now or soon to be available. Some countries have already announced their offers, while others will follow. Your best bet is to check in regularly with your favourite retailer/digital download service.

By the beginning of August, you should be able to find all of these items where they are supposed to be available. Here is what they all are and how to get them.

BREAKDOWN OF PRE-ORDER INCENTIVES FOR BATTLEFIELD 3

Battlefield 3: Back to Karkand

What it is: An entire themed expansion pack the size of Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Vietnam.

Where to get: You will be eligible to download this expansion pack (once it is released) if you pre-order Battlefield 3: Limited Edition at any retailer all over the world.

Available: Release date of Back to Karkand TBC. This expansion pack is not on the disc and is not available day one.

Value: At no extra charge with every pre-order of Battlefield 3: Limited Edition. You will be able to buy it separately if you don't pre-order (date and price TBC).

More info: In this blog post. More to come.

Physical Warfare Pack

What it is: A set of three time-based exclusive items and one early weapon unlock for Battlefield 3.

Where to get: At select retailers all over the world when you pre-order Battlefield 3: Limited Edition.

Available: Day 1 if you pre-order. If you do not pre-order, you will get access to this content at no extra charge at a later date.

Value: At no extra charge with your pre-order at select retailers.

More info: In this blog post.

SPECACT Kit Upgrade

What it is: A set of 8 multiplayer skins, one for each class and side in Battlefield 3.

Where to get: At select retailers all over the world when you pre-order Battlefield 3: Limited Edition.

Available: Day 1.

Value: At no extra charge with your pre-order at select retailers.

Dog Tag Pack

What it is: A set of 5 unique in-game dog tags to choose from. Dog tags in Battlefield 3 serve as your in-game signature, displayed on screen every time you defeat an enemy. You can also claim the dog tag of your enemies via skillful stealth knife takedowns. This pre-order exclusive pack gives you 5 unique dog tag designs to complement the standard range in the game.

Where to get: At select retailers all over the world when you pre-order Battlefield 3: Limited Edition.

Available: Day 1.

Value: At no extra charge with your pre-order at select retailers.

Avatar Battlefield 3 Gear

What it is: Battlefield 3 gear for your Xbox 360 avatar.

Where to get: At select retailers all over the world when you pre-order Battlefield 3: Limited Edition.

Available: Day 1.

Value: At no extra charge with your pre-order at select retailers.

Shotgun and Beret for Battlefield Play4Free

What it is: An 870S shotgun and a beret for in-game use in our play-for-free title Battlefield Play4Free.

Where to get: By pre-ordering Battlefield 3: Limited Edition on Origin.

Available: Day 1.

Value: At no extra charge with your pre-order on Origin.

More info: In this blog post.

This is almost porn

Just when I was starting to lose interest. 

There's a new BF3 trailer making the rounds, and this one features vehicles. Lots of vehicles, and 64 human beings in-play. If all of this works smoothly, every game awards show is going to have to create a new category called "Best Netcode."

All skepticism aside, it's glorious.