spyware, stay away
the game itself is indeed broken (as many others have stated); as it is, it is barely playable.
the web-based server browser is a joke, the lag horrendous,
and there are so many bugs and missing features that design errors
(such as replacing BF2's simple but usable minimap with a confusingly designed new version) seem almost trivial in comparison.
even if this were a worthy successor to BF2 though,
i must warn you not to but it: it requires you to install EA's 'origin' program in order to play.
origin is a spyware program that collects all the data it can off your PC,
including personal information and information about the software you use.
the state of north-rhine westphalia in germany has already launched an investigation into this,
as it is a clear violation of german privacy laws. it is not possible to play BF3 without installing and using origin first, so be aware of that.