So im starting to get more into shooters again, used to play them nonstop through the old PC days with Duke/Doom etc...and really only got into Halo for modern day shooters when playing online.

But I bought BF4 and the game is just way deeper than I imagined, way deeper. I never played a BF game so for me its just not coming naturally. Any suggestions for noobs? I understand that you gotta stick with squads etc...and that its not really a lone wolf type game, but the ownage that I face is incredible. The issue I have is it seems you are against people with big time levels, tons of weapons, gear etc...and I just need beginner tips if anyone can offer some.
 
Also, how are the online modes for the other 2 games I mentioned? Are they enjoyable with a little less depth? Or does one need to of played many years of CS and many years of CoD games to really dive in?

Yes start with single player mode it always helps to get a feel for the game....it is what I always do, and I started out with doom when it first came out been playing single shooter games since 89....so go with the flow....just hope your system is up to par so to speak...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2lLSt90A44
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNrILp-dqwQ

If you want to spend time in Battlefield then I suggest playing Team Death Match (TDM) then you can get a feel for weapons in soldier on soldier combat without the threat of Vehicles everywhere.
I also agree with the others on the single player campaign will get you in tune with the weapons as well.
After you fell comfortable in TDM then move on to conquest and work on vehicle unlocks.
 

Your first weapon is good as your last one. It's the rock paper scissors approach to the game. You just have to find what feels best for you in regards to gear load out and you will be good there. Other than that join us on EVGA TS server and we can show you finer points there. See below my load out for assault class. Nothing fancy. It is third rifle that you unlock but it gets the job done for me. 
 

Just start playing and have fun with it.
Will you die a thousand deaths,sure but that is part of the fun and learning curve.
And yes i die a lot,but i still have fun.
It is a game after all,just enjoy yourself.

They don't have to be head shots but of course its better if they are. Aim at the chest and let the rifle rise if you are using full auto weapon of course. Also make sure your ISP connection is performing optimally. This game is heavily network dependent meaning that it does not tolerate very good the dropped packets. 

Good stuff guys, ill keep it in mind.
 
I am interested in CoD: Ghosts though as well. I sort of wanted a more casual pickup and play online DM type game. Would Ghosts be considered more casual friendly by chance?

Unless you want to have a casual experience play a hard core server and actually play. Certain servers are actually competitive which is all I'll play...

Just pretend that its real life and youll have a ton of fun. Dont just run in guns blazing to get one kill. Try to skirt around the enemies and use cover.
 
It will be hard at first but thats how I started with BC2 and it pays off big time. You end up getting way more kills than deaths.

I came from a similar background back years ago I played quite a bit of Wolf and Enemy territory MP, played at a pretty high level on a couple different TWL/CAL teams.  Finally got a decent internet connection again and started BF4 never having played any of the BF series.
 
I am enjoying and really did not have any of the difficulties many complain of maybe 4 crashes through the single player and during over 50 hours online play.  I will say the learning curve is rather steep, but as others have stated it is a different game.  It is not really a run and gun game, I had to slow my gameplay style down and start to wait for other teammates to push the attack together.  I really had to slow down.
 
Team death match would be the way to start learn to fight with small arms before adding all the vehicles.  I have found quite a few servers where I get on good fireteams that actually work together and with the spawn on teammates option a good fireteam can really do some damage.  When I find people that are willing to work as a team together I add them to my friends list getting a good group to work with will make it a much better gaming experience.
 
Overall I think it is a pretty good game and will only get better with time.
 
 

The bullet drops with the distance. 
 
You can adjust the scope on your rifle to automatically compensate that distance. So if you are aiming for a headshot, you dont need to aim so far up. You can adjust the scope and the bullet will shoot up. You just have to gauge the distance correctly.
 
I am just surprised out of the performance of the game.
 
Im running an old rig, and Im getting 45-60fps on Ultra. Ive never seen it hit 30 or anything less than 45 for more than a split second which doesnt affect gameplay at all. Its more like a stutter.

Just a side question, for 15 bucks though is CS:GO well worth it to jump in for quick death matches? I mean that's another game ive simply never played but in trying to get into a shooter im curious about it, huge playtime still on steam. What say you guys?

pumpkinhed
CS:GO was a major let down for me.  Laggy and cheezy weapons with very minimal improvements in graphics and gameplay when compared to older versions of CS.  I think the hardest part of BF4 at first is learning the maps.  You will get owned until you learn the maps in just about very first person shooter game out there.  Also, try Americas Army Proving Grounds (free on Steam, no respawns w/ more teamwork).  I play it now and then and it is not too bad, fast paced though.

I can tell you haven't played cs go in the past.... year. Try it again, its better than even the original ever was now. Its been patched so many times its refined, and then refined again. very good shooter now. (disclosure, i have played cs since 1999 and have never stopped, and even played cs cz)