Some more fuel to the fire:
I loved Bad Company 2. The ability to level buildings with snipers inside, the massive, lush environments, the way the maps were slowly turned to rubble throughout the game, all of these things made the game unique and epic.
I cannot stand BF3. I had it on 360, hated the frame-rate issues, dished out for the PC, and still didn't like it. Didn't even get past the fourth or fifth campaign mission because it was so damn linear and boring. BC2's campaign wasn't exactly historic, but it at least had character, plus large missions with the freedom to destroy the environment, mount up on vics or go straight leg infantry. BF3's SP is basically corridor shooting followed by on-rail shooting. It's pathetic.
But no one buys BF games for the campaign, so I figured maybe the MP was the shizzy. Honestly, the animations, models, and little details are all awesome (the way your guy swings his legs to hurdle obstacles is just cool). But beyond that, I'm was just let down. The classes have kind of eroded (meaning they're less distinct that they were in BC2), the maps aren't particularly memorable or stellar, and there is just a huge emphasis on urban combat in non-destructible environments. Its gorgeous, but feels soulless.
In short, if you really dug the big, lush jungles and forests of BC2, the ability to level buildings down on campers, and the more team-focused class system, then skip BF3. It's newer, shinier, prettier, but it's more focused on infantry shooting and selling DLC faster than MW3. It's a good game, but it's a step down in my opinion from BC2, which was a GREAT game.