Whirly

The alpha trial will be an awesome opportunity to experiment with the new improved command menu, I'm really looking forward to testing it out and reading all the community feedback.

This. I bought a new PC and cannot believe the difference it made to the AI, they now operate in a completely different manner, firefights last for ages and they find cover inside of houses.

The artist who designed the Arma3 helmets deserves a raise, they are stunning. The pilot helmet is magnificent.

What you utterly fail to comprehend is that the maps in all of the games you mentioned are mere flyspecks in comparison to ARMA maps.

Thanks mate.

Dwarden would it be possible for modders to add noise pattern and more 'depth' clutter into the scene?

Perhaps at intermediate range the lifeless dreary 'template' background should be replaced with a speckled background flecked with contrasting colors, it would add a lot more character (an illusion of distant clutter) to the scene and would make it far more difficult to spot units at those distances.

I don't understand why it is that at long range, http://wikiwiki.jp/arma2/?plugin=ref&page=ShackTac%20ArmA2%20TTP2%20Guide%2FCombined%20Arms%2FClose%20Air%20Support&src=i_cobra_at_altitude.jpg medium range, http://ultimateflashpoint.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/screen-6.jpg and close range http://static.gamesradar.com/images/mb/GamesRadar/us/Games/A/ArmA%20II/Bulk%20Viewers/PC_PS3_360/2009-05-06/2009.04.30.%20-%20ARMA%20II_chernarus_02_US--screenshot.jpg there is no difficulty processing the large amounts of contrasting colors that create the appearance of detail and depth, but soon as we view the environment through a scope there is no longer a sharp disparity of colors. http://i41.tinypic.com/33cltll.jpg

After veiwing this video 3AfDgCmhsyY&feature=related I have discovered that the mosaic of different colors is what produces the illusion of detail, the illusion of depth, high and low spots, nooks and crannies. This disruptive patterning of color makes distant units much harder to see even at medium zoom and helps them 'blend' into the background. Why is the environment suddenly blandly colored by comparison when on max zoom? The plain coloring is the root of the problem.

Having trouble getting my head around this draw distance conundrum, let me explain why. A recently released ARMA 3 screenshot shows a aircraft flying high above Lemnos, the veiw distance over the Island stretches for many square kilometres, yet the detail is amazing. Why is it that a similar effect cannot be acheived when veiwing through a scope?

The alpha trial could help draw plenty of attention to ARMA 3, people often become very enthusiastic about a game when they think their feedback might possibly help influence the final product. I intend on posting gameplay footage varying from long range drawn-out ammo dwindling firefights to tense vicious house to house skirmishes. It's important to show people who want to make a departure from the run-n-gun melee attack antics of other games that ARMA 3 is worth taking a look at.

Thank's mate.

Are you saying that the alpha will have all new features right from the start, for example features such as the new command menu?

Is this so that it will be easier to pinpoint bugs by testing the direct effects of each feature one feature at a time?

Very well put, your thoughts echo the thoughts of most people around here.

If you ever find that demonstration again I would very much appreciate it if you could post a link. If we can verify with absolute certainty that this has already been done with the RV engine then we can focus on the technicalities.

I noticed 'Team Mike' are using a quote made by Rock Paper Shotgun's Craig Pearson as inspiration - "Here's hoping they'll acheive a balance of complexity and accessibility".

It's apparent you don't often visit other gaming forums. Alpha build is generally 'invitation only', most gamers will relish the opportunity to partake in a alpha trial.

I think the community alpha will really help to elevate the popularity of ARMA 3, it's a perfect opportunity for curious COD/BF3 gamers to become acquainted with ARMA's distinct gameplay.

Has there been any mention of fully tracked amphibious landing vehicles? I would really like to create a detailed amphibious assault mission.

Optional 'AI squad command' tutorials would benefit newbies, Bohemia, and the community at large. It would be an effective and fun way to introduce the command interface to new players whilst teaching them how to organize and manage squads. The tutorials could increase in complexity as the player becomes more competent.

The screenshot of vehicles driving past a goat looks incredibly realistic, the lighting is amazing.

When the alpha becomes available I will be the first to click the download button. :D