Product Description

Prepare to take warfare to a new level with an incredibly realistic war simulation.

In ARMA II, you're part of an elite squad of American soldiers sent behind enemy lines to restore peace to Chernarus, a Soviet country ripped apart by civil war as warring rival factions fight to take control of the troubled state. In an epic story full of plot twists and turns, it becomes clear that the troubles plaguing Chernarus are deeper than anyone thought and the battle intensifies to extreme levels.

Building upon the foundations laid by its predecessor, ARMA II features refined graphics; unscripted AI opponents that ensure no skirmish ever plays out in the same way; 225sqkm of gameplay area including more than 50 different towns and villages, alongside lush forests and wind-swept beaches; 136 different vehicles variants including helicopters, tracked armoured vehicles, boats and even bicycles and 81 weapon variants

• Improved AI for team mates and enemies
• 225sqkm of mapped terrain to explore all built using real-world topographical data
• Dynamic conversations and events that shape the storyline
• Incredibly realistic game engine that's been used by the military for combat simulations
• Built in Mission Editing tools allows you to design your own missions
• Advance weapons and ballistics simulation using real-world data
• Extensive online multiplayer modes

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #698 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: 505 Games
• Released on: 2009-06-19
• Rating: Suitable for 18 years and over
• ESRB Rating: Mature
• Platform: Windows XP
• Format: Unknown format
• Dimensions: .28 pounds

Manufacturer's Description
Prepare to take warfare to a new level with an incredibly realistic war simulation.

In ArmA II, you’re part of an elite squad of American soldiers sent behind enemy lines to restore peace to Chernarus, a Soviet country ripped apart by civil war as warring rival factions fight to take control of the troubled state. In an epic story full of plot twists and turns, it becomes clear that the troubles plaguing Chernarus are deeper than anyone thought and the battle intensifies to extreme levels.

Building upon the foundations laid by its predecessor, ArmA II features refined graphics; unscripted AI opponents that ensure no skirmish ever plays out in the same way; 225sq km of game play area including more than 50 different towns and villages, alongside lush forests and wind-swept beaches; 136 different vehicles variants including helicopters, tracked armoured vehicles, boats and even bicycles and 81 weapon variants.

Customer Reviews

ArmA 2
Well, like the other reviewer, I have played the German version with English languages.

I'm not much of a Reviewer but I'm incredibly compelled to review this game since it is purely magnificent. I have played the first ArmA and though the graphics were cheesy and the game was buggy, I still thoroughly enjoyed the gameplay. ArmA 2 has taken the recipe of ArmA and brought it towards the standard of modern games. There is a huge graphical improvement as well as a huge gameplay improvement. The whole `Army Simulation' promise has been well delivered.

The gameplay has a more realistic feel and takes a while to get used to. For example, when you move the camera, there is a motion blur giving the camera a more human feel. When you sprint, your head moves in a realistic fashion and the sound of breathing seems the get denser the further you run, so even the elements of moving are immersive. Although these aren't anything major, it adds a great experience to the game.

The AI is a great improvement too, they react according to various things such as realistic sight and hearing. Whereas in ArmA 1, there was a few instances where the AI would spot you in a hill a kilometre away while you are wearing camouflage mesh after you farted. Although the AI is a great improvement in terms of what they react to there is still a few issues. During the first mission in ArmA 2, I spent around 30 seconds looking at a guy right next to me because I thought he was my pal for not shooting me. Then, as you most likely guessed, he turned around and shot me in the face. With that said, I think that may of been my fault since I was hidden in grass right next to him.

The sounds have also been upgraded from ArmA 1, the shooting sounds a lot more real. Thats all I can really say about the sounds. Oh, the radio talking still sounds odd, with each word being spoken in a different tone of voice, but that may be because of the English pack. And to be fair, if every radio message was spoken separately, it would include something such as 300,000+ audio files since there would be a vast number of combinations.

There has been alot of interactivity added to ArmA 2, you can enter a few buildings and you can speak to the locals, asking them how the weather is, where you are and if they had seen anyone. This is helpful if you're patrolling an area and want to see if its safe before you enter. I would list a few more of the exciting features but that's for you to find out for yourself.

The controls are like the standard FPS (W, walk. A, go left, ect.) with a few extras such as the compass and watch. The only complaint I have is that the controls for helicopters and aeroplanes are insanely difficult to get used. It's not a simple case of `W' being up, `S' being down and moving with the mouse. The controls are along the lines of `Q', Add thrust. `Z' decrease thrust'. `W', nose down. `D', nose up. `X' tilt. It's incredibly complicated but it'll appeal to those who enjoy flight simulators.

I'll now move onto the campaign. The characters are more established than they were in the first ArmA, they're more a part of the game, this is a little difficult to explain. Characters in the first ArmA just seemed like generic soldiers without any real characteristics. ArmA 2 is the opposite of that and there is also more interaction within the campaign, such as optional objectives, the way you carry out objectives, ect. You have more of a choice of what happens. Being honest, this is the only non-RPG which I've seen give such choices. I haven't really got far into the campaign since I've been having a blast with the built in editor which allows you to make your own campaigns with ease.

I know I have spoken highly about ArmA 2 but it truly is an enjoyable game for those who like combat games/war simulators. The game does have its off moments but they don't affect the gameplay and are barely noticeable.

I really recommend this game and if you get it, I hope you enjoy it.

i highly recommend
i have the german download of this version, patched to 1.01 and with the english language pbo's installed so as to get all the text in english.

i must say, i am thoroughly thoroughly impressed so far, it would be easy to whine about bugs etc, as there are a few in this version, however that german version is not what i would consider a fully completed version, as bohemia were made to rush that out for the german market, and the 1.01 patch sorts alot of dramas out anyway.

so, the game.

brilliant, if you are an armed assault fan (and im talking genuine, not the ones who bought it initially, moaned about the bugs and didnt bother after that) im talking about the hardcore amongst us, the ones who are still playing, with the 1.16 patch, the ace mod and perhaps are in a clan.

you WILL NOT be disappointed.

i feel alot of what the ACE mod implements and alot of what the fans have been after has been put in this game, the ai of both enemy and friendly alike is very very good and quite realistic and not stupid (cranked up to the highest of course)

the campaign is sublime, and well worth getting your teeth stuck into.
i for one was not too impressed at armed assaults campaign, as im sure alot werent, and only play online with my clan, however, the campaign here is fantastic, with high replayability and lots of enjoyment, with you being able to make dynamic choices on the fly to influence and branch the story in different directions.

ill explain:

the first mission has you in the MEU task force, arriving into chernarus waters, and as team razor, a 5 man force recon team, you are inserted ahead of the main assault, under cover of darkness to laser designate a listening post/radar to assist the attacking forces.

as you approach the village, you become aware of a doctor being held captive and tortured, and you can rescue him if you so wish and get him to a safe house, also with a female who is being abused by the invading rebels, or not if you dont want to.

once you get eyes on your objective, you inform higher that an airstrike will create too much collateral damage, and are given the option to insert satchels to blow it yourself......or not,,,,,,,you can still call in the airstrike if you so wish, also you can search for the mass graves that you have received intel on to the south of the village....or not..... then once youve done the main objective you are free to move to extraction point, as the sun is coming up you are radioed from higher to assist in lazing targets for the attack. but you can turn this down and go home if you want etc etc

brilliant.

graphics wise, even everything on normal is pretty and all the units kits look very very good.


so far so good, i will add more as i play more

Hard core and in the face... Your choice if you accept the mission.
After reading a review on this site I felt compelled to write a fair reflection on what is, to be honest, a ground breaking game. Ground breaking as it has been so long in development and belongs in its own genre of gaming.

Yes this game has bugs and yes there are problems enough for you to notice but I have been playing this game since delivery on Friday (I do have a life) and it has surprised me! Coming from playing Operation flashpoint I felt I had to give this game a chance and see if the developers are proactive in updating the game. Our German brothers have said their game was released early but has been patched to 1.01 and they loved it. Already there is a 1.02 patch out and it improves the issues I have noticed. But I have to stress, issues which haven't caused me too many problems. They seem to be working hard to get a lot of improvements into the game. The future holds some promise.

The graphics are jaw dropping and to fly in the helicopter and look out is... Words can't describe it. The action is like Flashpoint/ArmA but there are many sliders and tweaks and difficulty levels so you aren't going to get blown away if you work hard and stay safe. But then I'm only up to the first part. A word of warning, download the 1.02 patch before starting the game as you can't continue on after the install. The armoury, with its challenges, are `unusual' as it's another little game on its own. Same can be said of the scenarios, there is a multitude of things you can do here although I have only taken the computer on a couple of times. I have not touched the editor so can't comment but there where improvements highlighted in the 1.02 patch.

The main campaign is where the action can be found. After the first series of engagements you are in command of a four man team with a story driven plot. You have total freedom of movement to search and complete your missions just don't (totally) get side tracked! You can call in support when and where you like just make sure it can land and the bad guys don't shoot it down. Furthermore, on occasion you are supported by 81mm mortars which can be called and laid where you want. One word of warning if one of your team is killed then it's game over this is the hard part as your men sometimes stand there and take it but usually they over power the enemy but then I have only faced the bandits. On the whole you are given a set amount of tasks which it is up to you to take up and finish but then sometimes there are side missions which require you to change plans and head of like, rescuing downed pilots and assisting the NAPA.

I would never claim to be a game playing genius, I play games purely for leisure and don't try to complete them as fast as possible more to enjoy the adventure. This game so far is playing really well. It is graphics hungry and will eat your system alive. But then I'm playing on high and it looks good. Perish the thought what this game would look like on full spec? Below is my system spec.

Processor: Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40GHz, 2.4GHz. Memory: 4MB RAM and a NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS 512mb card.

On reflection this game deserves attention of people looking to play a true soldier sim. If you are looking for arcade style shooters look elsewhere but this game is for the purist and those who have longed for another piece of Flashpoint/ArmA action. I am shattered and need rest; perhaps I'll just fly up and take out those satellite camps... Just one more hour and then it's bed?