Should next ARMA series go to full sci-fi?

[mr_centipede 31]

Hello all,

I'm just trying to create a discussion on whether next ARMA series go full-blown sci-fi. I put it in the offtopic section because it's not really about ARMA2 or ARMA3, just ARMA in general.

Anyway, since the Greece incident, I've been thinking maybe BIS should make a fictional island just like in OFP and ARMA1. Maybe they could use real world topography just like in Chernarus, but fictional building placements/roads etc. Recreation of real world places probably should be left with the VBS.

So, if they make a fictional island, isn't better if it's not place on earth, as in real-world? Maybe in the far future humans have colonized distant stars and make their own countries and have their own conflicts? Or the settings is in neo-earth (planet like earth but not our earth), something like in the 18th century our earth but with current day world tactics and equipments.

The whole point I'm trying to make is, create another whole world as a background setting, so that we could probably avoid another Greece like incident and/or avoid the is ARMA authentic or not... but then again, it should probably not be called ARMA

I guess that's it. Will it work? will ARMA in sci-fi settings appeal to the public, as long it its made by ARMA team? even if it's not called ARMA? Or would it be a failure because it doesnt have the familiar US vs Russia?

[Tonci87 163]

[jblackrupert 14]

Battlefield 2142 style I'd go for, no pew pew lasers stuff.

Sci-fi but still grounded in the real world.

[spooky lynx 73]

I wonder why noone bothers about real-world user-made locations such as Fallujah, Vietnam regions, Afghan provinces? IMHO devs shouldn't pay any attention on some morons like Lemnos govt and make whatever they want, including real-world locations.

[Tonci87 163]

Why is Chernaruss such an outstanding map?

Because it´s based on RL Data. The hills, valley and plains, even the roads and villages, feel very natural. You can´t achieve that if you make a fictional terrain

[mr_centipede 31]

Some examples that I can think to visualize my point is something like Mount & Blade... The whole world is fictional, the background/story settings, but the weapons are bound to some degree of real world.

So maybe ARMAverse could be more expansive, and make a bit of sense. Since currently the Green Sea region is not on the real world, but the backstory is it's somewhere near the black sea or the caucasus. For me it doesnt make much sense...

I hope I make a bit of sense, telling and idea is not my good point

[maddogx 13]

Why is Chernaruss such an outstanding map?

Because it´s based on RL Data. The hills, valley and plains, even the roads and villages, feel very natural. You can´t achieve that if you make a fictional terrain

Fictional terrain can easily be based on real world data. In fact this is was even done with Takistan, if I recall correctly.

[GRS 10]

I say no, go back to the hot version of the cold war! :D

[gossamersolid 155]

I say no, go back to the hot version of the cold war! :D

This x 10

Cold war era is the best, especially in a alternative universe "gone hot" scenario.

[onlyrazor 11]

No! This obviously means Arma must go in a new direction - back! I still eagerly await a proper trench digging and getting bayonetted or blown up by artillery simulator.

But yeah, the Hot War sounds good too. It's always lovely revisiting a scenario.

[slatts 1978]

What about late 1950-early 1960? I'd love me some even older Cold war toys :D

[kireta21 13]

Indeed, 50's-60's I say, when technology was much simplier then it is now. Less tinkering with shiny toys, more good old fashion soldiering. European setting, or even Middle East featuring good old fashion WarPact/NATO clash. I would love to play as British, back when they were using FALs and Centurions. Or leading a platoon of T-62's aganist enemy armor. Or strafing M48's with Su-7.

This timeline is unexplored territory and could be very fresh if done properly. ArmA engine seem much more suitable for such low-tech combat anyway.

[onlyrazor 11]

Indeed, 50's-60's I say, when technology was much simplier then it is now. Less tinkering with shiny toys, more good old fashion soldiering. European setting, or even Middle East featuring good old fashion WarPact/NATO clash. I would love to play as British, back when they were using FALs and Centurions. Or leading a platoon of T-62's aganist enemy armor. Or strafing M48's with Su-7.

This timeline is unexplored territory and could be very fresh if done properly. ArmA engine seem much more suitable for such low-tech combat anyway.

Actually, a Cuban Missile Crisis-type setting sounds cool. Tropical landscape, U-2 reconnaissance and Vietnam war-era equipment.

[slatts 1978]

Yay! Finally one of my suggestions was liked :p

[katipo66 94]

arent most if not all those eras are already covered by numerous mods... As an arma fan any era bi produce would be great but maybe not good for their business?

I wouldn't like to see arma go full sci-fi but something in the stalker/madmax/post apocalypse survival vein would be an interesting change.

[onlyrazor 11]

I wouldn't like to see arma go full sci-fi but something in the stalker/madmax/post apocalypse survival vein would be an interesting change.

That's also covered by mods and isn't exactly in the vein of a military simulator/tactical shooter.

[jakerod 254]

I would also go for the Cold War scenario. Early to mid 80s would be preferred but I am flexible on the time period. Sci-Fi wouldn't be terrible but I would strongly prefer Cold War.

[Flash Thunder 10]

I think Arma 3's time is perfect 2025-2050.

Think that's the sweet spot.

Pew pew lasers would get annoying quickly.

[Smurf 12]

World in Conflict: The FPS

SAID!

[Maio 293]

I personally see no benefits of going back completely to the cold war era as a full game. The atmosphere would be great for a SP campaign, but what about MP , could someone outline some benefits a technological step back would bring in terms of mission scenarios?

[Smurf 12]

Less "hacky" gadgets that nowadays weapons have, more ironsights and stuff. Personal taste only :p

[metalcraze 290]

But high-tech gadgets are fun (as long as they are real and not fairy-tale like in blops2).

Cold war era is cool for atmosphere but not cool for variety.

Besides seeing the same BMP and Abrams all the time gets boring.

[[aps]gnat 28]

BI / ArmA series are about simulation and being a (non arcade, RL relate-able) real challenge.

Even CC.

A full sci-fi version would hardly be a challenge as I see it.

When players can't relate content and dynamics to RL, then it doesn't generate the same deep technical interest. Community content then also becomes a free-for-all.

"No, I really believe the 30KW Maiser should not penetrate the BM80's side Bi-Hyber armour! Its not realistic for proper gameplay." wtf!

ArmA3 is not really Sci-Fi, its really current (or under development) technology, set in a few years time.

[katipo66 94]

That's also covered by mods and isn't exactly in the vein of a military simulator/tactical shooter.

Unlike sci-fi?

Anyway maybe it wouldn't hurt them to try something else after A3 wether it's in a pure milsim aspect or something where they can get a bit loose.. Unless arma turns out like the COD templates but just every 3-4 years instead of one?

[NoRailgunner 0]

Of course it would be nice if BIS could make a sci-fi open-world game like Arma with a dystopian background. A game with different factions, different philosophy/fundamental believes on each side and not somekind of superbalanced pew-pew content/features....