VIDEO: ArmA II trailer released

Posted at: 5:25pm 24th November 2008 by Ben Hardwidge

Sequel to military FPS promises unique AI, dynamic weather and 225km² of real-world terrain

Here’s a treat for those who like their first person shooters to reflect real-life combat rather than fantasy fire-fights. Bohemia Interactive’s unofficial sequel to Operation Flashpoint, ArmA, has already made an impact in the combat-sim world, to the point where the British army has used it as the basis of its VBS2 training simulator, and it looks as though the sequel, ArmA II, is shaping up nicely.

The developer has just released a video of the game in action, which you can see below. Refreshingly, the trailer is packed with plenty of in-game footage, rather than the usual cutscenes, and the vehicles look great. Impressively, the new game will feature no fewer than 167 land, sea and air vehicles, along with 73 weapons with realistic simulation of different types of ammo, plus material penetration and realistic ballistics.

ArmA II is also promising a massive multiplayer experience, with a huge expanse of 225km² of real-world terrain, complete with night and day cycles and dynamic weather. Meanwhile, the co-operative campaign mode looks like it’s also set to offer a tough challenge with its adaptable AI system. According to the developer, the AI has no predefined scripts and paths, and will adapt according to the environment, while sharing information between other virtual players.

Bohemia Interactive says that the in-game characters will take advantage of sophisticated ‘flanking and taking cover to surprise and outsmart players.’ The campaign will also feature a variety of branches, rather than a standard linear path, which the developer says is ‘full of twists and surprises.’ ArmA II is scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2009. You can check out the game’s official website here.