Battlefield 3's Untold Story: Two Missing Missions
Battlefield 3, a celebrated entry in the franchise known for its thrilling multiplayer, also boasted a single-player campaign. While generally well-received for its action and visuals, the campaign drew criticism for its narrative shortcomings, lacking cohesion and emotional depth. Former DICE designer David Goldfarb recently shed light on this, revealing two cut missions that could have significantly altered the player experience.
These excised missions centered around the character Hawkins, the jet pilot from the "Going Hunting" mission. The original plan involved Hawkins being shot down and captured, with the cut missions detailing her daring escape and eventual reunion with Dima. This arc, had it been included, might have elevated Hawkins to a more memorable and impactful character within the Battlefield universe.
The omission of these missions highlights a common complaint about Battlefield 3's campaign: a reliance on predictable set pieces and a lack of mission variety. These survival-focused escape sequences could have provided a more dynamic and grounded experience, potentially addressing the criticism of the game's linear structure.
This revelation has sparked renewed discussion about Battlefield 3's single-player and the future of the franchise. The absence of a campaign in Battlefield 2042 only intensified the debate surrounding the importance of a compelling narrative. Many fans are hopeful that future Battlefield titles will prioritize engaging, story-driven campaigns to complement the series' renowned multiplayer component. The potential of Hawkins' expanded role serves as a potent reminder of what might have been, and what fans hope to see in future installments.