GrE Review: ArmA II: Combined Operations

GrE writes, "I have been assigned the tough mission of reviewing Arma II: Combined Operations. This is a pack that contains ArmA II, as well as the new stand alone expansion, Operation Arrowhead. ArmA II bills itself as the most realistic war simulator on the planet. I have to admit that playing the game often feels like you’re going to war. It starts off with a long barrage of basic training missions that can be a grueling experience in and of itself. Once finished, you are sent off to battle, where the romanticism of war quickly fades and the harsh reality of what the game is quickly sets in. Even so, if you manage to hang in there and survive, the stories you will be able to tell are the kind that Hollywood movies are made of..."

[bgrundman]

This game sounds so complex that it made me yearn for my Xbox 360 controller.

[Neco512]

no kiding, wtf

[roblef]

But hardcore PC gamers live for this type of game.

[CrAppleton]

PC Gaming sucks :P

[bgrundman]

Nobody likes a troll @crappleton.

[starven]

Screw this. This sounds like a game of frustration not enjoyment

[Pandamobile]

It's a combat simulation, not a Call of Duty game.

[EvilBlackCat]

"NO WAR GAME on console and PC can stand next to this game without saluting his high rank" - Evil Black Cat

[Spenok]

Heh.

[Neco512]

I'm usually all for killin fools, this time I think I might sit it out

[roblef]

It really is a case of "complexity carpel tunnel" just waiting to happen, but is supposed to be tremendously rewarding if you put in the time.

[Davedough]

If I had a PC capable of pushing anything beyond Diablo II, I might look at it =\

[Tristanh82]

You yearn for call of duty cause you are 12 years old, this is a mans simulator, boys not apply. This is a simulator not a game.

[Saryk]

If you want a shooter that is quick into the action and constant action, this is not the game for you.

However if you wanted to have a realistic game, that has just about all types of military vehicles and small arms. Where the action can happen when the shit hits the fan, then you will like this game. The enemy AI is far superior to any game I have ever played. And I don’t say that lightly, even on recruit (beginner level) the game will frustrate the most season FPS player. Only until you have played the game several times then you will get the hang of it.

When firing any type of weapon you have to take into account of all variables, wind, distance, speed of target, etc, you will have to lead your target if they are on the run.

The vehicles are simplified controls, realistic in driving and firing. I like the tanks because I was a hardcore M1A1 Tank sim fanatic during the Microprose days.

I bought the game for $19.99 during the Steam sale and it was worth it.

EDIT:

Excuse me, I bought ARMA 2, not Arrowhead.

[Sidewinder-]

Cuz i am. *smug face*

It's a cool game. As reall as you'd want it, and even more so if you mod it up with better sound effects etc.
Multiplayer is where it's at for this game.

[Tristanh82]

the sound has improved alot from ARMA 2 and it carrys the sounds back to ARma2 from the expansion