Dell's Alienware takes Battlefield 3 to a whole different level

 For the launch of EA’s Battlefield 3 – the latest offering in the military shooter made famous by its huge, sprawling, destructible environments and versatile class-based gameplay – Social Media NZ rolled out to the launch party in style. John Lai and myself were at the head of a convoy of authentic World War II personnel movers that made its way over the Harbour Bridge to JB Hi-Fi Albany. I can’t speak for the rest of the vehicles in our convoy, but the 1942 American jeep we travelled in actually saw active duty in France during the war. It wasn’t the fastest of vehicles (we reached a top speed of around 50km/h over the Harbour Bridge), but it certainly turned the heads of those who overtook us. Speaking of head turners, it’s a descriptor that can also be applied to the game this was all in honour of. Battlefield 3 is a strikingly beautiful, detailed and technical military shooter that indisputably leads the current pack. In particular, the PC version with which developer DICE opted to lead with in the game’s development is quite possibly best looking game of this generation. Not only does the PC version sport particularly stunning visuals, but it supports larger maps and more simultaneous players (64) than its console counterparts (which support only 24). Simply put, if you want to play Battlefield 3 at its absolute best, you’ll need to play on an optimised PC rig. Fittingly, Alienware was on hand at the game’s New Zealand launch event to demonstrate just what Battlefield 3 can do on its range of factory-overclocked gaming desktop PCs and notebooks. Multiple Alienware machines were set up outside JB Hi-Fi to give attendees their first taste of Battlefield 3’s campaign mode. Importantly, it also served to demonstrate that, straight out of the box, Alienware’s line of gaming PC’s can run this monster at optimal settings without issue. According to Alienware’s New Zealand marketing manager, Stuart Buxton, Alienware’s refreshed 2011 portfolio of computers are “literally the world’s most powerful” purpose-built gaming machines. Also present was the famous Alienware ‘Pod’: a custom-built gamer’s wet dream consisting of the comfiest of reclining chairs, an Alienware Area 51 desktop unit (complete with moving ventilation shafts) and a tri-monitor set-up (perfect for added peripheral vision). There’s some $10,000+ worth of equipment in the Pod, but unfortunately even those with the deepest of pockets can’t order one from the local EB Games; it’s a one-of-a-kind unit designed to show off what is possible of the Alienware experience. Battlefield 3 launches nationwide today on PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Our thanks to EA, Dell and PPR for the opportunity to see the game at its best. [Picture source]