| ARMA 2: Operation Arrowhead | |
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European cover art for ARMA 2: Operation Arrowhead |
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| Developer(s) | Bohemia Interactive Studio |
| Publisher(s) | 505 Games[1](Europe) Meridian 4 [2] (North America) |
| Series | ARMA 2 |
| Engine | Real Virtuality 3 |
| Version | 1.60 (December 22, 2011) [3] |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows |
| Release date(s) | June 29, 2010 |
| Genre(s) | Tactical Shooter, First-Person Shooter, Military Simulation |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, Multiplayer |
| Rating(s) | |
| Media/distribution | Optical disc, download |
| System requirements
See Development |
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ARMA 2: Operation Arrowhead (often abbreviated to ARMA 2: OA) is a stand-alone expansion pack of the tactical shooter MilSim (as differentiated from a video game) developed by Bohemia Interactive, ARMA 2. The game includes three new multiplayer maps, new vehicles, new factions and a new campaign.[6][7]
Contents |
In ARMA II: Operation Arrowhead the player can assume the role of various military duties from simple infantry man to tank commander or pilot of a combat helicopter. Also in some scenarios the users is allowed to command units like a real-time strategy game. Players are allowed to perform duties that real soldiers would perform during combat. In addition to campaigns, players are allowed to play mini-missions and participate in a simulated training program.
The game takes place three years after the Chernarus conflict depicted in ARMA 2 and is set in the fictitious country of Takistan.[8] American forces are sent to Takistan to overthrow the current dictatorial government.[9] Players have the ability to perform optional tasks throughout the game, allowing for multiple endings.[10]
ARMA II: Operation Arrowhead uses a customized version of Bohemia Interactive's own Real Virtuality 3 engine.[11] The game allows the user to include original ARMA II content to the game. Alternatively both games can be bought together in a package called ARMA II: Combined Operations. Several patches has been released for ARMA II: Operation Arrowhead, including public beta patches.[12]
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The expansion is based partially on current-day United States Army military equipment. The standard M4 has been replaced by the SCAR-L and SCAR-H. New armored vehicles include the Stryker ICV and the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The US Marine characters are replaced with US Army soldiers wearing ACU Camouflage. In addition, three new factions are included: NATO, the United Nations Peacekeeping Force, and the Takistani Army. NATO forces includes Czech special forces and German Kommando Spezialkräfte operatives.[13] One large addition includes the ability to have FLIR thermal imaging technology included on units such as the AH-64D Apache and weapon scopes. Vehicles and humans will glow when viewed using FLIR.
On August 29, 2010 a downloadable content pack named British Armed Forces (BAF) was released worldwide which added the British Army faction to the game, including units and new vehicles.[14] The second downloadable content pack, Private Military Company (PMC), adds the ability for the player to play as a contractor for a private military company. It also includes a new campaign and additional vehicles and challenges.[15] British Armed Forces and Private Military Company DLC's will be bundled to DVD and released as an expansion called Arma 2: Reinforcements on April 1, 2011.[16]
| Reception | |
|---|---|
| Aggregate scores | |
| Aggregator | Score |
| Metacritic | 74/100[17] |
| Review scores | |
| Publication | Score |
| GameSpot | 8.5/10[18] |
| GameZone | 8[19] |
| IGN | 8.0/10[20] |
| PC Gamer US | 82/100[21] |
The game has received warm reviews from critics. GameSpot says "Arma II: Operation Arrowhead, its stand-alone expansion, boasts all the beauty, realism, and action of the original and none of the game-breaking bugs. Improving upon its predecessor in almost every way.[18]" Although the maps and weapons received praise from reviewers, they go on to say that its steep learning curve might deter people from playing. PC Gamer goes on to say "If you aren't open to the idea of spending days getting accustomed to a control scheme, understanding the layout and functionality of complex communication menus, and partaking in a style of gameplay that rewards patience, planning, and perseverance, then it's not very likely you're going to enjoy the intricate product Bohemia's created.[21]" IGN elaborates saying "It's a game only for the dedicated, but if you've got the desire and the attention span, it's absolutely worth checking out.."[20] Critics also point out that the game engine it uses still has AI glitches like its predecessor.[18][19][21] Many critics also said that the game was too computer-intensive, causing many "hiccups" in performance.[21][22]
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