I wasnt too impressed by the demo; reminded me of, well, Battlefield. The authenticity was nice at times (like the nice F-35B and Su-33 models, actually all the vehicle models are nice, along with an accurate representations of the MARPAT MCCUU), but not-so-nice at others:
1.) The extremely weak performance of the sniper rifle; I am dissappointed it is not a 1-shot KO in the chest. Also, the USMC does not use the M24, as was in the Oman demo, they use the M40A3. And it seems that the SVD is becoming a favorite when portraying the typical eastern-bloc sniper rifle. I would have much preferred if MEC got a rifle that was on par with the M24 and 40A3, like perhaps the Sv-98. This should also balance the sniper field with both sides fielding bolt-actions.
3.) Lack of a designated marksman/spotter class, in between assault and sniper.
4.) Lacking variety of weapons: its very nice to see the M16A2 and the 203 launcher in a game, but the USMC is currently issued the M16A4. Also, troops deployed attach a variety of crap onto their weapons; if DICE could have simulated this with a 'random prop attachment algorithm' or something like that, it would have added to realism.
5.) Lack of variety of player models and faces. This has been an issue with BF since it came out, and even in BF2, they dont address it. It would be nice if you could pick and choose character faces and models from wide selection, RPG-style.
6.) The BF tradition of abandoning aircraft in mid-flight and parachuting down really detracts from realism. It is also an extremely annoying method of base-infiltration on the Oman map. I remember when a guy called 'sniper man' would frequently crash his Su or MiG into the Essex bridge, parachute down, and snipe from the water, only to get mowed down 1 kill later by the CIWS. Choppers should have no pilot ejection system (I guess the Havok does have explosives rigged to the blades, I think), while jets should have accurate ones that launch you out of the tub, forcing pilots to correctly align themselves before ejection or risk death. Parachute survivors should also land on the ground with something like 3/4 of their health prior to ejection.
7.) Revival of wounded players should not set them back at full health. Sure, it gives more power to the medic class, but is somewhat unrealistic. I would mention the unlimited ammo/health thing, but that makes the game flow better.
8.) Lack of bots for single-player play in medium and large maps and complete lack of bots in any sort of multi-player plays makes you wonder what the hell EA was thinking.
Im not getting this one fresh off the oven. I'll stay with the demo until the price starts to come down or until a few mods come out (I already found a very nice realism mod in the works). Still, this game is fun for sheer vehicular madness. But then, so is Desert Combat, and so is Vietnam.