ArmA 2: Great Modern Combat Simulator Mired in Bugs and Inaccessibility
The look of the game is obvious: It's gorgeous. Graphically there are enough bells and whistles to constantly keep games in awe of the Chenarussian landscape.
Weapons and Character models are also excellent. The motion of the Marines and various soldiers is excellent. The motion capture is top notch.
But graphics are not what really makes a game. A game can look amazing, bringing in all kind of praise and accolades for LOOKING nice. What is needed is substance to back up the nice curves.
Arma 2 mostly succeeds here. There is a lot to do in the game. The campaign is different than most other games in the modern combat sub-genre. It can be brutal, frustrating, rewarding, and amazing in rapid succession.
Simulation is a term tossed around a lot, but Arma 2 is just that, a simulator. It's unforgiving, and will laugh in your bloody face once your down. When you restart, you will die again. And again.
But honestly that is the draw of Arma 2. It's supposed to be brutal. Be a masochist now and again and enjoy the harsh, harsh fun.
But the campaign is only a small part of the Arma 2 experience. Probably the most fun will be had in multiplayer and in the wonderfully accessible mission editor. Placing an army of Marines against an army of Insurgents then watching the mayhem that will follow is utterly addictive. You'll probably never run out of different scenarios for the editor.
Seeing a massive battle unfold in Arma 2 is a treat. Helicopters thumping overhead as an A-10 tank killer roars by while a group of tanks fires on an enemy position is breath taking (and can be yours after a while in the editor).
Arma 2 has some major stumbling blocks though. Namely, this is not a game for everyone. Like the Marines, it's for the few. Subtract "proud", toss in "patient" "attentive" and "banana-fingered" and you have an Arma 2 player.
Bugs...Everyone knows Arma 2 has bugs. Tons of bugs. Random acts of bugginess will ensue during the campaign. Gird your loins.
Sound...turn off all voices. Play with friends. Stab your ear drums with ice picks, just don't listen to the voices. "I'm gonna get me some scalps!" exclaims one overly excited robot-marine hybrid. Wow. But the guns, explosions, helicopters, jets, tanks and...well everything else sounds great.
So...it's a first person military sim. Does it play well while it's destroying your patience? Yes. Aside from the bugs, the gunplay is good and is overall different from most other games.
Arma 2 is recommended for armchair generals, sim fans, and people with a lot of patience. And a decent computer.