ArmA: Combat Operations

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There are major malfunctions in this soldier

Words: Craig Pearson, PC Gamer UK

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And these flaws are just two in a litany of game-breaking bugs: ArmA has crashed more than any game we’ve ever played, dropping out when trying to load saved games, missing out certain mission triggers leaving it impossible to continue because a truck hasn’t turned up. This is serious: if we weren’t reviewing ArmA, we’d have given up. If we had paid for this we’d be storming back to the shop.

Yet the inconsistencies and crashes can’t hide the incredible potential of the engine. As the main campaign advances and the troop and vehicle numbers grow, you’re given squads and armor to control and the battles take place over large areas. Squad control works well enough if you’re careful and plan properly in advance - all squaddies are attached to the Function keys, and you can select them individually, in groups or as a whole to deliver orders.

These larger battles allow the subtleties to shine: Bohemia has made sure that the relative speeds of light and sound are modeled, so that you’ll see a distant explosion before you hear it. The authentic weather effects mean a foggy early morning glows eerily red as the fog droplets catch the dawn sun. It’s beautiful, but there’s a price to pay: it’s a heavy load for any PC to carry. ArmA is a demanding mistress for those who want to experience the full range of shaders and draw distance (up to 16km).