ArmA II

 PC
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 639 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 427 out of 639
  2. Mixed: 103 out of 639
  3. Negative: 109 out of 639
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  1. Scuba
    Apr 20, 2013
    10
    This game is one of the few that I'll always remember playing. While there is obviously the army simulation of arma, this game's main feature is that it allowed the community to take the code and mold it to whatever they could imagine. This is a game with about 50 games inside of it.

    While Arma is a bit clunky, and it is slow paced at times (you can't play this game like battlefield 3    This game is one of the few that I'll always remember playing. While there is obviously the army simulation of arma, this game's main feature is that it allowed the community to take the code and mold it to whatever they could imagine. This is a game with about 50 games inside of it.

    While Arma is a bit clunky, and it is slow paced at times (you can't play this game like battlefield 3 or cod. You need to think and move smartly), the game is still beautiful to look at even today, in 2013. The graphics aren't the best, but I've found myself completely immersed and having to look twice since it looked so realistic (This is on full settings.).

    Now we have arma 3, with outstanding graphics, but issues with fps and such.    … Expand
  2. Grunt0311
    Dec 23, 2009
    10
    This is by far the best tactical sim out there it has something for every one. First person shooting, RTS and a modding community that brings anything and everything to the table. the graphics are top notch and the attention to detail on the smallest things really makes this game great. As a former marine grunt who served in Iraq this game is the closest you can get to real combat without This is by far the best tactical sim out there it has something for every one. First person shooting, RTS and a modding community that brings anything and everything to the table. the graphics are top notch and the attention to detail on the smallest things really makes this game great. As a former marine grunt who served in Iraq this game is the closest you can get to real combat without serving.… Expand
  3. KyleW.
    Nov 8, 2009
    10
    Best "game" I have played in a long time. Game has slight problems when it first came out but knowing how big of a game this is it's understandable also the developers have always updated the game to the point that it runs flawlessly on some lesser computers. Last thoughts are. Game isn't hard, because it's not entirely a game it's a simulation. Simulations are Best "game" I have played in a long time. Game has slight problems when it first came out but knowing how big of a game this is it's understandable also the developers have always updated the game to the point that it runs flawlessly on some lesser computers. Last thoughts are. Game isn't hard, because it's not entirely a game it's a simulation. Simulations are supposed to be hard...they are simulations.… Expand
  4. Incorruptible
    Apr 26, 2011
    10
    If you are looking for a COD clone, stay away. If you are looking for something similar to the travesties named "Dragon Rising" and "Red River," stay away (and kill yourself shortly afterwards, for shame). ArmA 2 is none of these, and will disappoint you immensely. The simplest way to review ArmA 2 for the PC is to look at its long and distinguished heritage.

    Bohemia Interactive Studios    If you are looking for a COD clone, stay away. If you are looking for something similar to the travesties named "Dragon Rising" and "Red River," stay away (and kill yourself shortly afterwards, for shame). ArmA 2 is none of these, and will disappoint you immensely. The simplest way to review ArmA 2 for the PC is to look at its long and distinguished heritage.

    Bohemia Interactive Studios (BIS), the designer, made a name for themselves in 2001 with the ground-breaking Operation Flashpoint: Cold War Crisis (hereafter referenced as "the original Flashpoint"). The original Flashpoint was a PC gaming triumph; it was a battlefield simulator of an unprecedented scale. No longer were players bounded by invisible walls and boundaries - if you saw it on the horizon, you could head there, if you saw a better position or approach to a target, you could use it. You could command or simply be a cog in the war machine. One enemy (or friendly, for that matter) bullet in the right place would end your brief career. Combined arms operations became a reality. You could fly, in fixed wing or rotary wing aircraft. You could drive tanks, cars, trucks, go-karts, mountain bikes and almost any conceivable type of vehicle. You could use an immense variety of weaponry. The revolutionary AI operated totally sans scripting, and would often prove (in the hands of a cunning mission designer) your undoing again and again. And this was simply the vanilla game.

    The Crown Jewel in the original Flashpoint's crown was its "modability." The game itself was ported with the most powerful mission editor seen at that point in gaming, allowing almost infinite replay value - want to create D-Day? Go for it. Paradrop yourself and your buddies behind enemy lines to whack some HVTs? Easy. Huge tank battle? No worries. This was compounded infinitely (again) with the advent of the Oxygen 3D tools, which allowed the burgeoning community to port their own models into the game.

    The community work was small scale at first - a retexture here, config change there. However, merely a blink of an eye later, with logarithmic speed, a burgeoning source of creative output was realised. The most appreciable thing about the modding of the original Flashpoint was that it was ACCESSIBLE to ANYONE. Tutorials sprung up on basic modeling and texturing, which allowed even new players to put their dreams into the game. New vehicles, new weapons, entire armies, never-before-seen islands and terrains, unique scenarios, both PvP and coop (and all mixtures of the two!) and no less than entire modifications were spawned out of the minds of the community. There was a goddamn Lego Wars mod, and a ROFLcopter, for Christ's sake. Cold War Crisis became THE benchmark of what a game imbued with a passionate community could become. Mods are still being produced for the venerable engine of 2001 even today.

    Apart from modding, another hallmark of the original Flashpoint (hah, there I go again) was the outstanding community support. BIS, an independent developer, maintain a professional stance with their products, and are renowned for supporting their games and listening to community suggestions. They do not suddenly fade away or abandon their works, unlike many a modern studio.

    ArmA 2 was released in 2009. It is the spiritual successor to the original Flashpoint, and I don't refer to the abortions produced by Codemasters, who own the Operation Flashpoint name and nothing more. I don't mean "spiritual successor" in the way that Bioshock was to System Shock, and how the continual intellectual depredations and hardware limitations of the console crowd have degraded that franchise. ArmA 2 is the essence of Operation Flashpoint: Cold War Crisis packaged for modern technology. The limitless potential remains potent; the mission editor more powerful than ever, the community immensely strong, still producing content of a quality that is second-to-none, the campaigns and scenarios fresh and engrossing. When PC Gamer stated that "Only boring people get bored with the ever-evolving ArmA 2", they told a truth more profound than ever.

    ArmA 2 is not a game - it is the latest iteration of a way of life. I bought the original Flashpoint when I was 14, and still played through the original campaign not a year ago. I am now 24, and the latest brainchild of BIS has yet to let me down.

    For God's sake, if you are not in one of the unfortunate categories listed at the beginning of this spiel, and are remotely interested in military operations, do yourself a favour, and download ArmA 2 and its DLC packs today.    … Expand
  5. Agera
    May 20, 2011
    10
    Ignore the people complaining its too much of a simulation and too complicated. This is not **** Call of Duty or **** Battlefield. This is a SIMULATION, bullet drops, gasoline, you need to play SMART and with TACTICS. Use a mic', join a squad. HAVE FUN! THIS GAME IS AWESOME, HELL YEAH!
  6. Chromium
    Aug 18, 2010
    10
    ArmA 2 -- let me put it this way. If you ever wanted to play a combat game that would be bigger, more involved, more dynamic and customizable than anything you've ever imagined, ArmA 2 is it. Having played the game for over three hundred hours at this point, I can safely say that there isn't a finer battlefield simulator around.

    The true gem to ArmA 2, however, lies not in the game    ArmA 2 -- let me put it this way. If you ever wanted to play a combat game that would be bigger, more involved, more dynamic and customizable than anything you've ever imagined, ArmA 2 is it. Having played the game for over three hundred hours at this point, I can safely say that there isn't a finer battlefield simulator around.

    The true gem to ArmA 2, however, lies not in the game itself, but in the community of modders and 'teams' of players who group up to do battle on a regular basis -- such as Shack Tactical. Even after the campaign and single missions are well over, you're a few forum posts away from finding a group of people who like the same multiplayer things you do and having hundreds of hours of fun.

    At least, I know that's how it went for me!    … Expand
  7. syscrash
    Dec 31, 2009
    10
    With the new 1.05 update. This game is insane! The graphics are better then Arma1, AI has finally improved! This game is like a BF series game on steriods. Has a huge learning curve and is not for ADHD kids who just want to run around and FPS all day. This game takes patience and time to learn. But once you learn it you will have a total blast. The best part is the modding community which With the new 1.05 update. This game is insane! The graphics are better then Arma1, AI has finally improved! This game is like a BF series game on steriods. Has a huge learning curve and is not for ADHD kids who just want to run around and FPS all day. This game takes patience and time to learn. But once you learn it you will have a total blast. The best part is the modding community which makes the game grow even more. This is not your typical military simulator where you play to your round ends. Arma2 has no rounds, it is just one massive war fought over a beatiful landscape. Take off from aircraft carriers and insert a sniper team up in the mountains or make an assault with armored tanks. You make the choice and the opitions are endless. You can't just run around and play this game BF style. You need to use tactics and think real life. You need to use cover and concealment constantly. You also need to play as a team.… Expand
  8. stigp
    Jan 4, 2010
    9
    You have to see it for what it is, the wast majority of people will not enjoy this game. But for those longing for its unforging, nervwrecking, realistic gameplay and teamwork, there is a goldpot at the end of the rainbow in this game.
  9. Dekko
    Feb 7, 2013
    9
    Arma II to me is the pinnacle of PC gaming. Enthralling, nerve-shredding militaristic game play in a huge, open, real-world environment. The modding community is massive and there are some terrific mods to tweak all aspects of the game. Really excels in multiplayer and the editor is very powerful. Has been patched by the developer, so no more excuses! Can't recommend it highly enough
  10. HF2
    Jun 5, 2011
    10
    This is a must for all who love war sims or ex servicemen who miss the old days. Completely believable war sim game, ideal for myself as the action is thought out and executed using tactics rather than running around in a linear corridor like most so called war games which propose to be realistic but never are. This game is great.
  11. NehJ
    Aug 1, 2009
    10
    One of the best games ever existed. Only for true hardcore players and Bohemia fans. This is probably the best game ever, almost as good as Operation Flashpoint. Don't always whine about the bugs, try to live with them. They are easily fixed. I know i know, not for all players, but those who really need an realistic game to play. Fantastic.
  12. NickD.
    Aug 4, 2009
    10
    Ignore the people complaining its too much of a simulation and too complicated. Its a simulation it's suppose to be complicated. Why would you buy a simulation if you wanted an FPS? 90% of the people voting low on this game are ignorant kids.
  13. JonH
    Dec 28, 2009
    10
    This game is unlimited,VBS2 and Arma2 are no different for tactical game players,the code and game play hs no competition! OFP2 tryed and failed,the RUN AND GUN COD not even close,real modern warfare ,real tactics MOS,SOP's the only clan that offers that and more is www.7thcavalry.us the yellow and black Tactical Realism Arma2
  14. Rcoop
    Mar 31, 2011
    10
    Simply, the best combat simulator out there. Much improved in latest patches and continually supported by the developers and community. Multi-core support added, improving the game immensely. Watch for the stand alone/add-on Operation Flashpoint and Reinforcements. They add new maps and units and also even more game improvements. An epic game!
  15. BrianLapor
    Jul 1, 2009
    10
    Holy **** was the first expression I got when I bought my copy of ArmA2. I can not explain in words of how fun this game is but I can tell you I have never played anything more realistic. This has gotten me amazed at how good a game Bohemia Interactive made. I will for sure be watching for more patches, updates, and games coming from Bohemia Interactive.
  16. Cyper
    Dec 23, 2012
    9
    At release, Arma II was in horrible condition. Very bad performance, loads of bugs and glitches. Keen point to stress though: Bohemia Interactive never abandone their games and their support is great. Arma 2s current state is very stable. However, this game is for those who enjoy realism and tactical combat. There is no progression system. This is not Battlefield nor Call of Duty. Try toAt release, Arma II was in horrible condition. Very bad performance, loads of bugs and glitches. Keen point to stress though: Bohemia Interactive never abandone their games and their support is great. Arma 2s current state is very stable. However, this game is for those who enjoy realism and tactical combat. There is no progression system. This is not Battlefield nor Call of Duty. Try to use any of the tactics you use in most arcade games and arma will shovel a boot up your ass. The enemy AI is designed to kill you - not to amuse you. Controls are very complex. The environment is HUGE - 220km2. Missions are not scripted til death; on the battlefield you'll often be confused in the heat of the combat because the battlefield is ever changing. With that said, the game isn't streamlined, its not a railshooter. Graphics is great on highest settings but the game requires a great computer. Mission editor is improved a lot. Huge of free user-made mods for this game. If you like games that actually CHALLANGE you, then arma is for you, because this game will for sure teach you a lesson! This is for the tactical gamer.… Expand
  17. ZacharyH
    Dec 24, 2009
    10
    Amazing! What other game allows ya to build a military force and buildings. This game is amazing in MP
  18. JoeS
    Aug 4, 2009
    9
    I purchased this AFTER the patches, so I never experienced the bugginess everyone else has complained about. Instead, I have enjoyed it more intensely than any other shooter/simulator yet. With a good group of players, you can experience a shooter/flight sim/ all out war that is just pure tactical fun. Gorgeous gaming, precision tactics, ingame communcations are geniously laid out, flying I purchased this AFTER the patches, so I never experienced the bugginess everyone else has complained about. Instead, I have enjoyed it more intensely than any other shooter/simulator yet. With a good group of players, you can experience a shooter/flight sim/ all out war that is just pure tactical fun. Gorgeous gaming, precision tactics, ingame communcations are geniously laid out, flying and driving are a blast with a joystick, shooting and running are great with a mouse/keyboard (so keep both handy to switch between). Expect to practice with various vehicles for an hour or so in single player mode, then go online and find some fun. Just an awesome experience. I wish I could give it a 10, but occasional connectivity issues need to be ironed out, but so close to perfect now.… Expand
  19. JamesN.
    Oct 17, 2009
    10
    Unique atmosphere, realistic, good graphics, wide modding support. It has a really steep learning curve, but once you get over that, it's like a mafia family, you just don't leave it for no reason.
  20. DaceB
    Dec 29, 2009
    8
    ArmA 2 is a great military simulator. The only main problem is that the game runs very sluggish, you must have a great system to run this game correctly.
  21. MrFuzzy
    Jul 25, 2009
    10
    While ArmA 2 Is not the best Fps ever of the best stratagy game ever a combination of the two and an incredibly large and detailed enviroment make it one of the best games I've ever played.
  22. JohnM
    Jul 28, 2009
    10
    Without a doubt, ARMA II is the most accurate modern warfare game I have ever played. And the accuracy draws you in and makes you feel like the solider. You have real ballistics, the world is destroyable (you can run over trees in a tank, break fences with an APC, blow up buildings), you drag your wounded allies out of fire and then you can perform field medicine on them to get your guys Without a doubt, ARMA II is the most accurate modern warfare game I have ever played. And the accuracy draws you in and makes you feel like the solider. You have real ballistics, the world is destroyable (you can run over trees in a tank, break fences with an APC, blow up buildings), you drag your wounded allies out of fire and then you can perform field medicine on them to get your guys back into the battle, you can hop over fences, dive into bushes, look around the battle with out changing where you aim and many other amazing thing I have always want to do in a game but I have never been given the option. On top of the wonderful infantry control system, you also have an enormous arsenal of vehicles to fly and drive. The controls on all these vehicles feel very authentic and they allow you to fly with relative ease or meticulously tweet all the detailed controls (From Farcry II to WWII fight simulator). In the tank you have your driver, gunner, and tank commander. As a tank commander you can issue orders to the ai drivers or your team mates. The AI driver and gunners are a great addition because you can set wave points for the driver to follow, targets for the gunner to shoot at and in the meantime you can continue to survey the battle field. As in games like Red Orchestra, you can pop your head out of the tank or stand safe inside.… Expand
  23. ChristianO
    Sep 16, 2009
    10
    Your patience is required. But once you get over the fact that this isnt a arcade shooter you start to appreciate the gameplay that is Arma. Its all about the hunt, the strategy, the placement of your squad holding off a intersection in a small town. This is the real deal people. (Well almost it as real as it gets for now) I have always been an enthusiast of Arma and anyone thats been Your patience is required. But once you get over the fact that this isnt a arcade shooter you start to appreciate the gameplay that is Arma. Its all about the hunt, the strategy, the placement of your squad holding off a intersection in a small town. This is the real deal people. (Well almost it as real as it gets for now) I have always been an enthusiast of Arma and anyone thats been caught saying "roger roger" "tango's insight" or "copy that, shot over" SHOULD BUY THIS FRIKKIN GAME!. -End.… Expand
  24. GLYDESIDEWAYS
    Mar 11, 2012
    10
    1. if it lags your computer is **** 2. if you think its complicated go **** yourself because its a SIMULATOR. 3. its all about realism, DO NOT criticize it if you are coming from COD or BF or OF, about its complexity.
  25. russ-angel
    Aug 20, 2012
    8
    Its a flawed masterpiece.With such a big order to take on,Bohemia has done a grand job.Still buggy in places but lets forgive and forget this is such a huge game and it deserves a high rating for sheer guts to take this type of game on.Hard learning curve,demanding specs,but worth every penny if you have a high end gaming rig and the patience.I bought the Anniversary pack even though IIts a flawed masterpiece.With such a big order to take on,Bohemia has done a grand job.Still buggy in places but lets forgive and forget this is such a huge game and it deserves a high rating for sheer guts to take this type of game on.Hard learning curve,demanding specs,but worth every penny if you have a high end gaming rig and the patience.I bought the Anniversary pack even though I already had 1&2.A couple of idiots on the multiplayer can be annoying but find a good server with players who want to play seriously and its just ace.looking forward to Arma 3.… Expand
  26. TravisBomboro
    Jul 1, 2009
    10
    ArmA2 has given me a great experience, it's the perfect game for those war simulator players. This game you can just simply throw AI around and you got yourself an intense battle, now thats just the Vanilla part, this game is easy to mod and edit, its amazing. Cant find a game around like it 10/10
  27. FaustoJ
    Jun 27, 2009
    10
    Realism at its best. it's a very dense and tactical game. I was waiting for a game like this for ages. If you like Project Reality, Insurency, Operation Flashpoint, Rainbow Six series, Ghost Recon series... buying this is a no-brainer. The only problem is the FPS. It's very playable at 25-35 FPS, but most people buy huge gaming machines to see their FPS near 100 and will be Realism at its best. it's a very dense and tactical game. I was waiting for a game like this for ages. If you like Project Reality, Insurency, Operation Flashpoint, Rainbow Six series, Ghost Recon series... buying this is a no-brainer. The only problem is the FPS. It's very playable at 25-35 FPS, but most people buy huge gaming machines to see their FPS near 100 and will be annoyed of how this game consumes hardware. Thankfully, it's very escalable. So even in the minium spec the game can be played, just don't try to do some epic 100-tanks battle! 10/10.… Expand
  28. PaulK
    Jun 28, 2009
    8
    this game is a great game everything is near perfect but the problem is that you need to have a nasa computer to play this game with no lag/a little lag and the bugs are quite troublesome but bohemia is making patches soo i would give this a 10 if they fixed like everything.
  29. MikeL
    Jun 28, 2009
    9
    Has it's problems, but Arma2 more than makes it up with some great experiences both online and off. Huge running battles, critical strikes, massive bombardment. Great team play. Gave it a 9. Fix the bugs BIS and I'll give you a 10.
  30. JasonE.
    Jun 30, 2009
    9
    The only let down is progressive power on aircraft all you get is ON or Off no happy medium. very little local transport if you end up in the middle of know where miles from your objective. Chinnoks or Sea Stallion would have been nice too.
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Awards & Rankings

61
#61 Best PC Game of 2009
14
#14 Most Discussed PC Game of 2009
45
#45 Most Shared PC Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. Gamers.at
    72
    It's a shame the developers obviously didn't have enough time to finish ArmA II properly before they shipped it: There are many bugs in the game and the AI's actions mostly just don't make sense at all. One piece of advice: Get patch 1.01 – with it the game is at least moderate fun. Still, we hope that some further patches will follow and fix ArmA II's major flaws so that it will finally become the great game it could be – next time, however, we'd like to see the game finished by the time of its release!
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  2. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    70
    The vast and open world of ArmA II offers an incomparable army experience. You only need to accept its slow pace and batch of unpleasant bugs. Still ArmA is the only matchless war toy.
  3. GameStar
    66
    ARMA 2 doesn't seem to be a finished game. The AI is cheating, physics and controls are out of date and the game is full of annoying bugs. That the game manages to look great from time to time doesn't help much. Hopefully Bohemia Interactive will release some patches soon. The game still has a lot of potential.
    Read full review
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