Get close and personal on the PS3 with Battlefield 3: Close Quarters

Battlefield 3: Close Quarters releases today on PS3, one week ahead of the Xbox 360 and PS3 version.

The new add-on, the first of four upcoming expansions, looks to create a highly competitive and deadly environment through the emphasis of tight level design and vertical gameplay.

Like all of the other maps, there will be plenty of destruction in Close Quarters. Everything from furniture to plaster can be blasted into rubble, and you will see the mayhem as the debris piles up around you.

In addition to four new maps, Battlefield 3: Close Quarters includes 10 new assignments, 5 unique dog tags, and 10 new weapons.

I'm all for close quarters play, but my personal hope is that it doesn't turn the game into one giant frag fest. One of the great things about Battlefield 3 was its sprawling maps and tactical gameplay those large spaces offered. Oftentimes, when you head into closed quarters, people start playing mindless and chucking up grenades.

You can purchase Close Quarters today for $14.99 on the PlayStation Network, or next week on Xbox LIVE (1200 Microsoft Points) and PC ($14.99). Of course, if you plan on purchasing all five upcoming expansion packs you might as well go with Battlefield Premium, a new one-time pay service that grants you early access to all five expansion packs and a slew of other in-game items and bonuses. For a one-time fee of $49.99 you can get all of the expansion packs and exclusive content which actually has an estimated value of $75.