The official Battlefield blog bears new details about "Back to Karkand", the DLC expansion that is controversially due to be released alongside the game as a pre-order incentive -- splintering the multiplayer maps available to players upon launch and requiring any latecomers and secondhand purchasers to buy it separately.

This themed multiplayer pack pays tribute to Battlefield fans by featuring four highly celebrated maps from Battlefield 2, including Strike at Karkand, Gulf of Oman and the Sharqi Peninsula, each now boldly re-mastered using Frostbite 2. Completing the package are classic Battlefield 2 weapons and vehicles, unique rewards, new achievements/trophies, and more. Containing four of the best Battlefield maps ever created by DICE, the first expansion pack for Battlefield 3 will be a treat both for returning fans and newcomers.

In addition to a detailed explanation of the first re-created map, Back to Karkand, the blog also features some new concept art, showing off an impression of what the map should look like in the incredibly impressive Frostbite 2 engine. A high-res version of this image can be found on our Battlefield 3 game page.

Battlefield 3 is due during holiday season 2011 for PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.