The maps are one of the reasons why it feels too fast and plays closer in speed to cod than to the BF of old. Things need to be more spread out on most of the maps so that there are more open battles in between zones. Most of these new maps don't even feel designed to well support large, armored vehicles either. Yes, there are battles in between zones right now but those battles are lightning quick and feel very CQB'ish in closed off smaller areas (cod) and not BF'ish (more open battle area needed for the encounters).
Some of the BF2042 maps are actually alot more fun/entertaining to play on, IMO. I can only hope they will bring back a bunch of old map remakes into Portal, from previous BF games.
Are the newer maps made to be more realistic in appearance? Yes, it would seem so. But that doesn't mean they will also play better. Realism doesn't usually equate to better gameplay itself. Although it does usually create a more immersive experience in general.
I agree, spreading out a bit would be great. Liberation peak, for example has a great length, it just feels very narrow. I'd love to see some re-imagining of some of the BF1 maps, actually...those were TONS of fun to play
