Armed Assault - Hands On
Developer: Bohemia Interactive Studios; Publisher: 505 Games
Preview by Yossarian (24 March 2007)
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CZECH DEVELOPERS BOHEMIA INTERACTIVE burst onto the scene in 2001 with the universally acclaimed Operation Flashpoint, which introduced a generation of gamers to the idea that first-person combat didn't have to be a Quake-style frag-fest and that realism can be fun.
The title was a runaway success, earning BI numerous awards and spawning two add on packs; Red Hammer and Resistance. Not only did Operation Flashpoint offer unprecedented levels of realism, it also let you control numerous vehicles - tanks, jeeps, APCs, even helicopters and jet aircraft - it did all of this while wrapping the entire package in an engrossing and believable storyline, as well as some of the nicest graphics of the time.
With such an impressive debut showing, all eyes were justifiably turned toward the next offering from BI. Six long years later we at last have their response, in the form of a sequel-of-sorts: Armed Assault (the Operation Flashpoint series title went out the window; the publishers of the original, Codemasters, still own the rights to the name). So – does it live up to its pedigree?
In our short amount of time with the game, several things become apparent: Armed Assault feels *very* much like an updated Operation Flashpoint. The voiceover work is very similar, as is the general 'feel' of the game. Again, realism hasn't been compromised, but again, neither has fun. The graphics are stunning, as are the sound effects.
The vehicles, while seemingly smaller in number than the range available in Operation Flashpoint, are extremely well done. Special note should be paid to the revised flight dynamics for helicopters and the increased view distance which together make using choppers such as the littlebird a joy. The increased object count really gives the environment life: cities look and feel like cities, forests like forests. The internal crew sounds for the ground vehicles leave somewhat to be desired, as in the original Operation Flashpoint, but the vehicle controls have been revised, and feel more definite.
Overall, we came away with a very favourable impression from our time with Armed Assault, but some minor niggles were apparent. The frame rate, while acceptable, was not spectacular and the AI seemed to need a little work. Time and a few patches may well solve these issues.
Game features:
- Story driven singleplayer campaign: by choosing the right mission order when playing the 20+ mission campaign you write your own history. Play it differently next time and find new ways to victory.
- Large scale multiplayer: battles where tanks supported by infantry and helicopters take control of an enemy city can be played with 100+ living opponents in the role of both friendly and enemy forces.
- More than 30 weapons: a new and improved recoil system gives unique firing characteristics to every weapon.
- Vast environment to explore: an area over 400 square kilometres in size, full of flora and fauna is ready to be explored at your command.
- More than 30 modern vehicles: all vehicles in the game can be controlled - tanks, armoured vehicles, helicopters, airplanes, civilian cars or even boats.
- Multiple gunners: utilise the multiple gunner positions on tanks and helicopters to rain death on your enemies both in multiplayer missions and singleplayer campaign.
- HDR Lighting effects: ambushing an enemy with the sun in your eyes leaves you at the disadvantage. Think smart, fight better.
- Real constellations and tides: ArmA's great depth even includes such features as fully simulated star maps, lunar cycles and tides. Watch where you park your vehicle, soldier!
- Built-in mission editor: create your own scenarios using the easy-to-use mission wizard, advanced built-in mission editor, scripting language or BI tools available online and share your creation with the game community.
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Check out the Official Site.
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