The graphics are reminiscent of games released years ago, sporting only better textures that are still below today’s graphics standard. Comrades talk to each other robotically, with each word seemingly recorded separately and strung together-not unlike an answering machine. These things, coupled with sub-par presentation featuring an ugly user interface and low budget cut-scenes really brings the game down.

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The sound, on the other hand, is an excellent component of the game. Although generally quiet while not in combat, music will start to play when the player engages in a firefight, which really gets the blood going. Rattling gunfire and the boom of tank cannons actually serve a purpose hinting at where they might be, allowing the player to decide whether or not to engage or evade. One welcome addition to the game is a single save point at which players can overwrite as many times as they wish, which is a great improvement over Operation Flashpoint.

Vehicles can also play a role in victory on the battlefield. Players can choose from many different vehicles with differing speed and armor attributes. Helicopters, humvees, APC’s, tanks, motor bikes and other aircraft are all at the player’s disposal. Although fun to use, most vehicles are better suited for joyrides rather than killing machines due to the complex controls, especially for aircraft.

A full-featured multiplayer also made its way into the game and is an excellent addition. Several game types are included such as capture the flag, dog fight, flag fight, sector control, seize the area and survivor along with the fact that most of these can be played either cooperatively against the computer or against real human players. A map editor is also included that allows players to make and customize missions that only add to the replay value found in this game.

What ArmA Combat Operations really does best is provide an immersive tactical military shooter that has players engaging at real life distances with enemies that, just like in real life, are unforgiving when the opposition makes mistakes. And although the game deserves brutally hard knocks for not improving upon the core gameplay over the last six years, it still is a fun and addicting military shooter that really makes players work for every kill and every victory.

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