Straight & True: ARMA II: Op Arrowhead
AH-64 Apache gunship, M2A3 Bradley IFV, MH-6 Little Bird... I confess I know as much about these things as I do about the mating habits of giant grasshoppers, but many people are greatly enamoured of them. The tanks and aircraft I mean, not the rutting insects. Such enthusiasts will be duly pleased by this really very pretty trailer for Operation Arrowhead, the upcoming standalone expansion for ARMA 2. Interesting that it's standalone, given ARMA's audience is something of a fixed one and thus surely most potential purchasers of this will own ARMA 2 anyway, but I guess it's a sensible way to try and reach beyond its niche.
Here's what it's all about, too:
Three years after the conflict in Chernarus, portrayed in the original ARMA 2, a new flashpoint in the Green Sea region heats up and coalition forces led by the US Army are sent to Takistan to quickly restore peace and prevent further civilian casualties.
The video showcases a selection of US Army content featured in ARMA 2: Operation Arrowhead and created in stunning detail. Near future American troops are equipped with the best weapon platforms, including modernized Abrams main battle tanks, AH-64 Apache gunships, fully playable M2A3 Bradley IFV which is a superb modern armored fighting vehicle that can transport troops whilst also offer effective covering fire, the versatile light attack helicopter MH-6 Little Bird as well as the eight wheel armored infantry vehicle Stryker in numerous variations. The video also contains the first official sneak-peek at the very popular and much anticipated modern FLIR system created with Bohemia's precision to every detail including the full vehicle heating phase.
Soldiers carry an assortment of newly introduced Mk16 and Mk17 assault rifles, fitted with various optics and laser markers. The in-game American hardware is taking the signature ArmA 2 gameplay to new levels by offering the latest military technology: night-vision and most anticipated thermal imaging simulation, threat indication for crews and additional anti-missile countermeasures for aircraft. The player is also capable of controlling much improved UAV drones, including experimental AH-6X remotely controlled reconnaissance helicopter. On top of this, Alliance forces consisting of a brave Czech contingent of paratroopers and special forces (vehicles included) and German Special Force Commandos are ready to protect civilians and ruin the bad guys' day.
Set in the new, visually attractive environment of hilly central Asia, Operation Arrowhead will offer a realistic combat simulation experience in a modern day setting with unprecedented freedom of movement, actions and tactics. Players will enlist into various roles within the US Army, from basic infantrymen, through special operatives, to pilots and tank crew in this new installment in the award winning line of military simulators for PC from Bohemia Interactive.
Featuring top hi-end military equipment, new units modeled with love and desire for stunning precision and realism ARMA 2: Operation Arrowhead will blur the lines between your comfortable chair and a first line war experience!
ARMA 2: Operation Arrowhead will be available in Q2 2010.