ARMA 2: Operation Arrowhead
Encyclopedia
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.
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 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.
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has been replaced by the SCAR-L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.
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.
named British Armed Forces (BAF) was released worldwide which added the British Army
faction to the game, including units and new vehicles. 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.
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.
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." 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." 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.." Critics also point out that the game engine it uses still has AI glitches like its predecessor. Many critics also said that the game was too computer-intensive, causing many "hiccups" in performance.
Expansion pack
An expansion pack, expansion set, or supplement is an addition to an existing role-playing game, tabletop game or video game. These add-ons usually add new game areas, weapons, objects, and/or an extended storyline to a complete and already released game...
of the tactical shooter
Tactical shooter
A tactical shooter is a subgenre of shooter game that includes both first-person shooters and third-person shooters. These games typically simulate realistic combat, thus making tactics and caution more important than quick reflexes in other action games...
MilSim
MilSim
MilSim is an abbreviation of Military Simulation, and refers to military simulations conducted by civilians for entertainment purposes. There are several forms of MilSim: airsoft games, paintball games, and video games simulating military scenarios and tactics.Weapons used in MilSim are commonly...
(as differentiated from a video game) developed by Bohemia Interactive, ARMA 2
ArmA 2
ARMA 2 is a tactical shooter video game for the PC developed by Bohemia Interactive Studio. It is considered the spiritual successor in the Operation Flashpoint-series following its predecessor, ArmA: Armed Assault . ARMA 2 was released in June and July 2009...
. The game includes three new multiplayer maps, new vehicles, new factions and a new campaign.
Gameplay
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 strategyReal-time strategy
Real-time strategy is a sub-genre of strategy video game which does not progress incrementally in turns. Brett Sperry is credited with coining the term to market Dune II....
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.
Plot
The game takes place three years after the Chernarus conflict depicted in ARMA 2 and is set in the fictitious country of Takistan. American forces are sent to Takistan to overthrow the current dictatorial government. Players have the ability to perform optional tasks throughout the game, allowing for multiple endings.Development
ARMA II: Operation Arrowhead uses a customized version of Bohemia Interactive's own Real Virtuality 3 engineReal Virtuality (engine)
Real Virtuality is a computer game engine developed by Bohemia Interactive Studio , originally called Poseidon. It is used in the video game Operation Flashpoint and its expansions, as well as Arma, Arma 2 and Arma 3...
. 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.
New Features
The expansion is based partially on current-day United States ArmyUnited States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
military equipment. The standard M4
M4 carbine
The M4 carbine is a family of firearms tracing its lineage back to earlier carbine versions of the M16, all based on the original AR-15 designed by Eugene Stoner and made by ArmaLite. It is a shorter and lighter variant of the M16A2 assault rifle, with 80% parts commonality.It is a gas-operated,...
has been replaced by the SCAR-L
FN SCAR
The Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle, or SCAR, is a modular rifle made by FN Herstal for the United States Special Operations Command to satisfy the requirements of the SCAR competition. This family of rifles consist of two main types...
and SCAR-H
FN SCAR
The Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle, or SCAR, is a modular rifle made by FN Herstal for the United States Special Operations Command to satisfy the requirements of the SCAR competition. This family of rifles consist of two main types...
. New armored vehicles include the Stryker
Stryker
The IAV Stryker is a family of eight-wheeled, 4-wheel-drive , armored fighting vehicles derived from the Canadian LAV III and produced by General Dynamics Land Systems, in use by the United States Army. The vehicle is named for two American servicemen who posthumously received the Medal of Honor:...
ICV and the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The US Marine characters are replaced with US Army soldiers wearing ACU Camouflage
Universal Camouflage Pattern
The Universal Camouflage Pattern , also referred to as ACUPAT or Digital Camouflage is the military camouflage pattern currently in use in the United States Army's Army Combat Uniform. The pattern was chosen after several laboratory and field tests that occurred from 2003 to 2004...
. In addition, three new factions are included: NATO, the United Nations Peacekeeping Force, and the Takistani Army. NATO forces includes Czech special forces
Special forces
Special forces, or special operations forces are terms used to describe elite military tactical teams trained to perform high-risk dangerous missions that conventional units cannot perform...
and German Kommando Spezialkräfte
Kommando Spezialkräfte
The KSK Kommando Spezialkräfte is an elite military unit composed of Special Operations soldiers from the ranks of Germany’s Bundeswehr and organized as such under the Division Spezielle Operationen . The unit has received many decorations and awards from both NATO and its affiliates...
operatives.
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.
Downloadable content
On August 29, 2010 a downloadable content packDownloadable content
Downloadable content is official additional content for a video game distributed through the Internet. Downloadable content can be of several types, ranging from a single in-game outfit to an entirely new, extensive storyline, similarly to an expansion pack. As such, DLC may add new game modes,...
named British Armed Forces (BAF) was released worldwide which added the British Army
British Army
The British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...
faction to the game, including units and new vehicles. 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
Private military company
A private military company or provides military and security services. These combatants are commonly known as mercenaries, though modern-day PMCs refer to their staff as security contractors, private military contractors or private security contractors, and refer to themselves as private military...
. It also includes a new campaign and additional vehicles and challenges.
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.
Reception
The game has received warm reviews from critics. GameSpotGameSpot
GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
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." 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
PC Gamer
PC Gamer is a magazine founded in Britain in 1993 devoted to PC gaming and published monthly by Future Publishing. The magazine has several regional editions, with the UK and US editions becoming the best selling PC games magazines in their respective countries...
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." IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
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.." Critics also point out that the game engine it uses still has AI glitches like its predecessor. Many critics also said that the game was too computer-intensive, causing many "hiccups" in performance.