tpw 2315 Posted October 30, 2009 Hi all. I just thought I’d say gday and pass on a few of my comments about this amazing game. You've probably heard them all before but I just need to vent some of my enthusiasm :) (mods, please move this to where you think is appropriate) I‘m a fan of PC FPS and open world/sandbox FPS games (esp Crysis, Far Cry 2) in particular, and like many people was intrigued by the concept of OFP DR and its promise of a massive open world, graphical fidelity and gameplay realism. Several weeks ago I ordered it on Steam and while waiting for it to download I started reading various threads on various forums which showed it deviating radically from the initial promises, and which tended to compare it unfavourably to a game I’d never heard about before - Arma 2. Out of curiosity I clicked a few links and ended up here on this forum, and after reading a bit and looking at a few pix and videos was so impressed that I went straight out and bought it. Having no real preconceptions I just started playing both games, and in the 3 weeks since I’ve probably racked up a sum total of about 2 hours on OFP DR (unlikely to increase much further) and at least 100 hours on Arma 2. Basically, I’m completely hooked. Not really being interested in MP, I’ve played most of the way through the SP campaign, and spent a lot of time playing around in the editor and trying out various mods and performance tweaks. The (long) single sentence summary of Arma 2 for me so far: an incredibly ambitious, immersive, intelligent and flexible game, far more realistic than anything I’ve ever played before, graphically and sonically stunning, and with amazing developer and community support to fully realise its potential and ensure its longevity. But also, as noted by just about everyone here: I find Arma 2 somewhat buggy and unoptimised, and compromised by framerate and texture issues and substandard voice acting which detracts from the immersion. Some of the issues are addressable/being addressed by BIS, some by the community, none of them will stop me from enjoying the freedom of having my own world to play in. Although it’s a milsim, I get just as much of a buzz using the editor and just going bushwalking, driving or flying in an empty Chernarus, admiring the beautiful scenery and the obvious artistry and skill that went into crafting and coding it. I’ve only ever used the 1.04 version and haven’t encountered a lot of the earlier frustrations regarding AI, logic, mouse, stability etc. I think there’s a lot to look forward to in this game: further patches from BIS to improve performance and gameplay; checking out more mods and user missions; developing skills in the game and the editor; maybe taking the plunge online; and hopefully having something useful to contribute to this forum. My wife will NOT thank BIS. PS My system P5K/E6750/8800GT/2Gb/WinXP32. Getting 30-35fps at 1440x900, 2000m view distance, most settings very high except for no AA. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr.Pulp 0 Posted October 30, 2009 Welcome to the greatest gaming community ever! :D i can absolutley understand you opinion...was exact the same for me 2001 when OFP was released! ;-) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtec 0 Posted October 30, 2009 Its still quite nuts that people have never heard of Arma2 before. Welcome to the community Tpw! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Demiurge 10 Posted October 30, 2009 When you do take the plunge online I strongly recommend you find an organised group and play with them on an admined server. The public servers can have their moments, but generally can just devolve into huge, rambling messes of frustration, tking and glitchiness... or just dull inactivity. Find a group who run an organised approach to missions however, and that budding love you have for ArmA will bloom tenfold... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lockjaw-65- 0 Posted October 30, 2009 Welcome, I got the same feeling when I bought Flashpoint 7 years ago and still love this series. I dont play anything else, yeah ive tried others but not for long they just dont have the immersion .. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
call_911 10 Posted October 30, 2009 (edited) Suugest u visit www.tacticalgamer.com for 100fold gamin exp. Welcome to ArmA Edited October 30, 2009 by Call_911 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
doogerie 10 Posted October 30, 2009 yeah dude i am new too and I found to Arma2 so so good I tryed the demo and read the forums of both OFDR and ARMA2 i remeber when OF (the orignal came out) I was about 14 my brother had to opinion if he found somthing too hard it obviously sucked i tryed it and loved the demo but my brother covinced me not to get it.any way rectofide my mistake with Arma2 but yeah so glad that i chose ARMA2 over OFDR if you look at the OFDR forum it's full of people complaning about it on the PC so yeah welcome to the right side. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hachiman 10 Posted October 30, 2009 I waited impatiently for OFPDR to be released since Clive Lindop's E3 2008 presentation, what a severe letdown that game turned out to be...... All the talk about Arma2 in the Codemasters forum aroused my curiosity so I decided to purchase Arma2 on Wednesday, it was the best decision I ever made! The realistic gameplay and superb graphics are absolutely marvellous, I've fallen in love with this game already and I've barely scratched it's surface. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tpw 2315 Posted October 30, 2009 Wow, thanks for the quick replies gents, much appreciated. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Master gamawa 0 Posted October 30, 2009 Although it’s a milsim, I get just as much of a buzz using the editor and just going bushwalking, driving or flying in an empty Chernarus, admiring the beautiful scenery and the obvious artistry and skill that went into crafting and coding it. Ηey you are me! I do the same. Trying to fly under the train bridge in Namalsk with a C130 upside down, riding bikes down mountains, hunting civilians or animals, burning forests... It's like lucid dreaming really... Buggy lucid dreaming. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mrcash2009 0 Posted October 30, 2009 Great to hear, especial from the OFP:DR perspective, I had it pre-ordered and then 3 days before shipment I canceled due to concerns, and I glad I did. One thing id say is not focus the whole view of Arma2 on its campaign, that will and has put people off due to issues. Just get stuck into the editor and grab those lovely mods and have a blast (literally). Thats the way to go, and then hit on MP but via a clan Id say. It does what you want it too, simple as that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hachiman 10 Posted October 30, 2009 Just get stuck into the editor and grab those lovely mods and have a blast (literally). Could you please suggest some good mods. :) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EricM 0 Posted October 30, 2009 (edited) My experience in Arma must be maybe only 50% mil-sim, the rest being sightseeing, mountainbike, rabbit chasing and all sorts of weird stuff in the editor... that's what I love about it... : freedom... Realism and military simulation is just a side bonus. Edited October 30, 2009 by EricM Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
katipo66 94 Posted October 30, 2009 Haha... yep, hook line and sinker, like you, im always in the editor, ive only played about 10% of the campaign, its crazy... ill set something up and start playing it and then ten minutes in i start thinking things like it would be cool if i can do this or it would be cool if i could do that, then bang!... i alt tab out and up with the browser searching this forum for what ever it is i want to try. The best thing is theres some awesome mods still to come :bounce3: I recommend you try the CAA1 mod and play some of the arma1 maps, they run a lot smoother, shes a big download but its worth it Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nettrucker 144 Posted October 30, 2009 Hello tpw First of all welcome in the BIS community or should I say ArmA community? Anyway . . . BIS games are really unique and I got hooked the same way as you in 2001 when the first Operation Flashpoint hit the market. It was something completely new, especially the open world and the absolute free approach to use tactics without being forced to follow a predetermined path as with most of the other FPS at that time. I’ve tried a lot of other FPS but nothing really stand the comparison to the BIS series and I always came back very quickly to what is the most amazing game developed so far. Playing for 8 years straight now with endless hours of pure fun. The longevity is mostly due to the outstanding efforts the BIS modding community has put up over the years. There is constantly new content being released and the quality is mostly Top notch due to the high standards in modding reached by community members over all these years. A lot of talented people are constantly working on something which enhances the game to a point that you never going to get bored that easily and it will keep you playing for years . It’s true that at release dates there were still a lot of flaws to be fixed and the games had issues when hitting the market, but considering the magnitude of this outstanding game I’m not wondering at all. But this is something that most people understand over the time, playing ArmA they become aware of the real potential and what a great game this is. OFP:DR has been a disappointment to all the old OFP Veterans here. I haven’t purchased it and never played it but I was following the feedback given by the ArmA community members reading throughout the CM Forums and BIS as well. No way that OFP:DR can stand a comparison to the original OFP released back in 2001 Anyway once again welcome to the best and most creative community in the Universe. Stay tuned. nettrucker:D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hachiman 10 Posted October 30, 2009 I recommend you try the CAA1 mod and play some of the arma1 maps What is the CAA1 mod? Can it also be played on the Arma2 maps? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Master gamawa 0 Posted October 30, 2009 Could you please suggest some good mods. :) Oh man... Start here http://www.armaholic.com/list.php?c=Arma2_files The first thing you have to do is to download a Launcher. It organizes your addons and specific gaming profiles. You can have a clean game for playing on the internet and as many tweaked out games for you own pleasure with different mods loaded. It makes using addons so easy. You don't need to modify shortcuts and shit. http://www.armaholic.com/page.php?id=6109 Then go and get all Arma 2 maps. You can get Maps from Operation Flashpoint and Armed Assault, that play really good with graphics maxed out like a mofo! (ex: Sahrani 10km viewdistance, 50 fps) You need all the maps you can get. Get them all. Maps are good! Namalsk kicks ass and Panthera is very diverse and interesting. http://www.armaholic.com/list.php?c=a2_addon_island Then download a good sound mod. Sound of War is fine. Sometimes I prefer Vopsound. Get both. When you get bored with one, pick the other. http://www.armaholic.com/list.php?c=a2_addon_sound I always use the following tweaks too: JTD Fire and Smoke (and birds) http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?t=86237 Minimal Crosshair http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?t=80358 Dynamic Weather http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?t=87521 Also a couple of mods that reduce grass clutter and improve ground texture but you don't need those. And of course download as many weapon addons as you can. Then go in there and explore the studio space. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alex72 1 Posted October 30, 2009 Could you please suggest some good mods. :) Just go through the addons/mods on armaholic.com (first page is news. Link is to ARMA2 news). The addons are explained and usually have images or videos to show them. Also look at the comments - they are usually a dead give away if its an addon people like. Also check under the download tab - ARMA2 and then choose if its vehicles, islands, units or whatever you want. ;) Remember that this site is updated during the days, and basically everyday with new addons/missions and all: Link: www.armaholic.com/ARMA2 News And to OP: Good to here man. ARMA2 is a fantastic game once you "get it". People getting stuck in one official mission or the campaign and then think the whole product is bad is... not correct. Far from it - as you know. ;) Like mrcrash stated, when your ready try find some team of likeminded to go MP with. Look in the squad section for a nice team or post in there that you seek a team and explain your preferences on how you want to play. MP gaming with the right people is an unbeatable experience in ARMA! Regards Alex Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hachiman 10 Posted October 30, 2009 Wow, thanks Master gamawa I truly appreciate your help. :) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
katipo66 94 Posted October 30, 2009 What is the CAA1 mod? Can it also be played on the Arma2 maps? Look here http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?t=84782&highlight=caa1 its a port of armed assault maps into arma2... more worlds to shoot and blow things up in:D and as mentioned earlier go to armaholic.com but be warned its like a drunk going to a bar that has free beer, i just figured out why its called armaholic:D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alex72 1 Posted October 30, 2009 Another thing to OP: Im really glad you took the time to read through the forum also. It really shows as you mention old problems we had with the mouse and all. Really good work as many tend to not read anything and answer the same questions over and over. With that said you might already seen these addons. But if not then i link them here for you. Its about getting draw distance further and also to get more performance with the low visual addon. Both made by Kju. Link: Low Visuals (does not make the game look bad at all. It lowers the vegetations look slightly. Hardly noticeable but gives more FPS). Recommended if FPS is needed. Link: Draw Distance (Scroll down to the download and get all 4 addons) Will make you see objects like tanks and units etc further than stock ARMA2. Have fun! Alex Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
markushaze 10 Posted October 30, 2009 Oh man, great first post man!! that's exactly how i feel. This game ( should we call it game? ) no.. this Mil-Sim is really astonishing. I am playing every day, mostly single player and coop with some of my buddy's ( i suggest you check out the mission: CIPHER 1.40 by Wiper posted in the user missions forum ) Its very very impressive, and demonstrates well the re playability and surprising outcomes of encounters in in the game world. For me, this Mil-Sim symbolizes the Holy grail! ( oh.. that sounds stupid!) Yea it has some flaws, and bugs, but considering the scope of this sandbox sim, i can live with the bugs, in knowing BIS is workin on them. I will buy the next BIS title as well, even if its buggy! They produce a game, need money, ( hey we are talking about a relatively small developer having the balls to push boundaries, and go where no game developer has been before :-) decide to release it to gett again some cash flow... and fix it up, its ok for me ,i support them, and have yet to be disappointed. ( damn, i sound like a fanboy again ) :-) glad you guys like it as i do :-) game on ( i should sys SIM on... but that might get misunderstood :-) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
myshaak 0 Posted October 30, 2009 Welcome, man, welcome! Everyone before me said pretty much what I had in mind, so I'll just say I liked your post and if you keep it up this way, you are going to end up a really high quality member! Looking forward to your future posts, they will nostalgically remind me the first time I started playing the original Operation Flashpoint... :) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tpw 2315 Posted October 30, 2009 (edited) Great to know so many people are on the same wavelength. For the record, I've given up on the campaign for the time being, basically totally sidetracked by the editor! Thanks all for the tips on mods etc. I'm currently using: Proper: low visuals, increased raw distance. Kju seems like bit of a magician! DFS_FPScounter: to help keep track of fps when tweaking. Vopsounds 2.1: Vanilla sounds are good, but these are great! Landtex: Great improvement visually when flying Aussie SAS (aardvarkdb): Important to look like an Aussie when playing. Just need a sound mod so I sound like one. Japahto island: Small/fast/pretty Playing Cipher 1.40 currently - very impressive. I've tried creating a few infantry based missions in the editor (not really into the vehicle stuff yet) and it's incredibly impressive how easy it is to set yourself up a for a few hours of fun. I know it's been done before but I'm also vibed about the idea of going pig shooting. Have no idea how to trigger anything when I drop one though. OK, back to the game/sim/world for a while! Edited October 30, 2009 by tpw Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mrcash2009 0 Posted October 30, 2009 Could you please suggest some good mods. :) A thread already exists posting this very question this in the addons discussion section .... http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?t=89061 Have a look at that thread I posted my list in that one already :) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
