Okay, I tried out the ArmA 1 game before the ArmA 2 came out, but I am having a similar experience.

The controls seem loose/sloppy and cumbersome. I've tried adjusting the controls, but have not, so far, found a solution. There seems to be too many buttons to push to function. My muscle memory for this game is definitely not developed and I will need more practice and more key configuration adjustments. For example, there are numerous buttons for the functions of the BF2 "E" and "Space bar." All the buttons makes the gaming experience very confusing. Simple tasks take way too long to figure out.

There are a number of visual degraders: peripheral fuzz, muzzle flash, vegetation, etc. Some of visual difficulties are more realistic when compared with the real soldiers on the ground with not being able to see their surrounds, but I want to know what is going on. The weapon accuracy is similar to PR v0.85. Laying in the prone, calm, and aiming through the sights will take 4 to 5 rounds to hit an immobile target that is just 15 feet (5 meters) away. The civilians are an interesting addition, but are all found standing like pillars of salt. And if you approach them for the rear, they will still stand there like a pillar of salt with their back to you while they have a long conversation with themselves.

The AI for your computer team mates in single player is aggravating. They will move out in front of you, move away from you while you try to heal them, and they can crawl through buildings and fences. It gets very frustrating when they initiate fire on the enemy and destroy the element of surprise. And, they talk too much. They talk in Russian and you're supposed to read the translations while you're conducting tactical movement.

When I tried out the single player in ArmA 1, I did the ambush scenario where you drive a pick-up truck to establish a one-man ambush for an APC (BMP) and a truck full of infantry. Those are not very realistic odds, but if they gave you two Anti-tank rounds you may be able to pull it off. I guess you are supposed to use the C4 and AT-4 at the same time on moving targets while you hide behind a huge bush, because if you see them, they see you, and you die. I tried different positions and techniques and was never able to survive. I did get some interesting kill/captures in the multiplayer mode, but did a lot of dying. I took out a "Little Bird" helicopter as it was trying to takeoff with an RPG and captured a computer controlled scout.

With ArmA 2, it has been a little better, but I am still dying right off the bat. I tried the single player helicopter assault the first time and I don't think I was able to kill anyone. I would make enemy contact and die. I have registered some kills, but the most I have been able to accomplish so far is TWO and then I die. Looks like a secret to success may be stand-off (distance between your forces and the target) and ordering your computer teammates to "STAY." So, they don't f**k things up.

More recently, I have been fighting the night dismounted operation near a village with a mission to destroy a BRDM (APC) and kill an enemy leader. I have touched the BRDM several times, but have been unable to blow it up with the provided satchel charge. I get killed before I can figure out how to place the charge. I will have to practice the charge placement and detonation before re-attempting. The AK-47 is very similar to the AK in PR v0.85. It would be better to throw it at the enemy than to try and shoot anything. One of my computer teammates has a sniper rifle and I would love to switch with him, if I could. If it is possible to switch to a sniper rifle, I would be interested finding out how to do it. Please, let me know. I might actually start enjoying the fighting experience.

Alright, what about some positive aspects? This game does have a lot of potential. The larger maps would allow for more planning and movement formations. It also appears to be more open than BF2 to mods and running servers. The number of fighters could be greater than 64 and I will say that the chickens and rabbits are nice additions.

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Alright, I am to the point where I can recommend this game.

What do I like about this game? The TEAMWORK!!!

The bigger maps greatly reduce the chance of being spawn killed. ArmA 2 fighters can not jump. The avenue of approach to the objective can be varied. Communications are critical. In most cases, there is time to detect, manuever, and engage enemies. I like the strategic and tactical ascepects of the game.

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I was re-reading some of the ArmA 2 posts in this thread as well as the "ArmA 2 War Story & Gaming" thread. This game would be a lot of FUN with 12 SPARTANS.

Auscam & Milk, what do you think?

BTTF, did you ever get your ArmA 2 game functioning?

One of the external fourms I was viewing recommended the ArmA 2 (Advanced Combat Environment 2 [A.C.E 2] mod). I looked into it.

http://www.armaholic.com/page.php?id=8602

http://dev-heaven.net/wiki/ace-mod2

Result: IMO - Not very impressive

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I up for having another try at this. Tried to have a go the other day, having trouble remembering all the controls. But I am willing

Cop-u-later

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