Armed Assault Single Player Campaign After Action Review and Q&A session

Mateo · 07-07-2006, 01:28 AM

By: Chuck “Magnum” Ankenbauer

Introduction

Since I got my copy of the much anticipated Armed Assault press release demo, I’ve shared many screens with you readers, a number of video clips, and a couple of after action reviews.

I’ve read your comments in the forums and comments from other readers from different web sites interested in the information. Most have been positive and uplifting, letting me know that my “work” has been appreciated, but there has been a few who demanded to know more, and complained that it was nothing new.

I agree it’s hard to make something new out of a small press release demo. A demo with a four mission single player campaign, and three multiplayer modes. Not to mention that the demo is only 75% complete and has a lot of place holders and missing sounds and textures.

In this final article, I will take you through the included single player campaign, I will attempt to use any and all available platforms and weapon systems, I will try and answer the many questions posted in the many forums I visit, and my hope is that you will know most of what I have learned with my time playing the Armed Assault press release demo.

The Included Campaign

The press release demo did not come with single player missions or the editor, it came with three multiplayer missions, (LAN support only), and a special press release campaign. I’ve done after action reviews of 2 of the 3 multiplayer modes, skipping the final mode due to it being a simple deathmatch.

I will now focus on the included single player campaign. It goes in mission order, where you start on the opening mission and unlock the other missions as you go.

The single player campaign is called “Armed Assault Promo”. You start the campaign with a nice cut scene showing the many troops, vehicles, and aircraft advancing towards the battlefield. There are fires burning in the distance, signs that you didn’t just walk here, but had to fight your way to this point.

I take a look at the situation map which gives you an overview the main friendly force army and enemy force army push and eventual collision.

It also gives you part of the story so you know why your there and what your army as a whole is doing. The situation report is more of a strategic map with a briefing. It shows the movements of Armies, and you can decide what battle to fight, or none for that matter. If you want to fight a battle you click on the cross swords, if not you click next to advance to the next stage.

Once you click a battle, you get a mission briefing/plan. It explains what going on and what your mission in this certain battle is. Click “start” and your off.

I start with the Battle of Somato. I take a look at the detailed briefing. This mission is a combined force mission, we have to attack, seize, and hold a town littered with enemy forces. All enemy forces must be killed.

I am a member of Alpha squad, and we are leading the assault, we have support from two other squads, Bravo and Charlie. We have to attack the town, enter and destroy the enemy anti air units, and then friendly choppers will come in to assist. After we take over Somato, we have orders to continue to another nearby town, Yoro, and take that one as well.

The notes, gear, and the group list remain the same. (My copy of the press release version has all the gear boxes white out, that’s why I’ve never tried other weapons and changed anything in the past.)

The Battle Begins

We step off of our choppers a safe distance away; all three squads form up and are ordered out towards there respected objectives.

We have some armor support, as we move towards the first town, Tomato, a friendly M1A1 Abrams rolls by at full speed. The battle begins and my squad, in the lead, takes fire, we go prone and our squad leader orders members of the squad to engage. I hear heavy machine gun fire to our right, and later learn that we had some armor support units, (A Stryker, M1A1, and an M113 Troop Transport) take out an enemy chopper which crashes on the battlefield in front of us.

I get my first kill as an enemy soldier runs over the ridgeline just 20 yards in front of me, no time to think, training pays off as I raise my weapon, take the shot and bring the enemy down, I move up and look for any goodies like grenades or a Rolex watch off the dead Russian. I find nothing but a couple of grenades, but I still have my own and take nothing. I fall back into my assigned fire position.

I pass a M113 troop transport, it has been destroyed, and I sure hope the troops in that transport were dismounted before the attack. I continue to move up as part of my squads wedge, we really should be in line formation as we crest each hill and battle closer to the city but I’m not the squad leader, it’s not my call.

I crest another hill and see the M1A1 engaging enemy positions in front of us. The smoke and the fire are beautiful, and the sound of the 120mm round exiting the big gun is awe inspiring. I can almost smell the burnt gunpowder.

We have successfully taken the first town and have received orders to take the second.
There have been new characters that have been unlocked due to my success, a hit of the K key shows the characters.

I decide to take the sniper position, I select the unit in the small window that opens up, I click switch and then I’m moved into the new position.

I take a second to review that map, get my direction, bring up the compass, and make a small turn overlooking the new town we have to take.

I bring up my M24 sniper rifle scope, and begin thinning the town of the enemies. The infantry assault squads continue to move, along with the armor support. I prioritize all enemy AT infantry soldiers to keep the armor units safe.

The battle for the town continues, as I clear what I can from this distance the friendly armor units, move in and engage at will, they drive around knocking over small trees, knocking over fences, and exposing new enemies for me.

I decide it’s time for another switch, since I’ve spent most of my sniper ammo, and the battlefield lays red with the blood of so many of my enemies. I move into the gunner position of the M1A1.

I take a couple of shots with the big gun at fortified fighting positions, and buildings. I switch between the anti armor and the HEAT rounds to get a feel of the different rounds. Most of the time is spent with my turret mounted machine gun, laying waste to the last few enemy fighters as they go running by my limited view.

The “Mission Complete” message appears. The total time of the included single player campaign is less then thirty minutes. I need more.

I check out my debriefing and exit.

I exit with the feeling of seeing some fantastic potential for this game, but know that what I’ve seen is just the bare minimum and there is still a lot of work to be done. I am looking forward to Armed Assault more then any other game I’ve ever wanted. I can’t wait to have this baby in completed form, on the virtual battlefield, with members of my gaming group, playing the way it’s suppose to be played.

Added Information

I was not able to check everything in this limited press release demo, but do thank BI Studios and SimHQ for getting me a copy.

I will now try and answer some of the questions posted in the forums. Please remember, this press release demo is not complete, and there are just some things I can not answer. Also realize that things will change, maybe something will be added that I don’t see here, or removed due to gameplay issues.

And finally realize that I do not work for BI Studios, and I have no extra connections or information from BI Studios. I write for SimHQ and Tactical Gamer, and have been lucky enough to get a copy of the demo through these connections.

Finally: This morning I went to verify some final information for this final article, but found that my press release demo key had expired and I am no longer able to boot it up or play it.

Q. What's the mission editor like?
A. None included

Q. What is your impression of the game play is it just like OFP? How are the cities, are their any good street to street battles?
A. Similar to OFP, but not in the current state. Cities are a lot bigger and more detailed, but no building to building fighting in the press release demo. Street battles would be great in co-op, but the AI in this press release demo is worst then in OFP.

Q. What's the view distance like? Can you see infantry from miles away like they have said in some press releases?
A. The view distance is better then OFP IMO, you can see enemy infantry hiding (look at the sniper screenshots for reference.). I have it set on about half the capability.

Q. Have they made any changes to the squad command interface?
A. Not complete yet, few included in demo but runs basically the same way as OFP.

Q. How did the chopper handle? Did the Abrams have the commander .50 cal mounted yet? Is the clipping problem with buildings gone? How much of the island could you explore? Sizes of cities?
A. WOW, a lot of questions in that sentence. Chopper controls are not complete, and seemed more difficult to control then in OFP. Nope, didn’t notice a 50 cal on the M1A1 but may be wrong. Very little of the island was available, and just s few cities/towns.

Q. I know it's just beta, but what is performance like (and what are your specs)? And are the vehicle cockpits more interactive (working displays in choppers, hands moving with the steering wheel etc...)? Thanks!
A. See my specs, and it all ran good, I even accidentally had fraps recording video during the whole 30 minute campaign and never noticed. Vehicles are not done and very basic at this point.

Q. How’s the AI? Is it better then the AI in OFP?
A. Currently worst then OFP but has promised to be better by release.

Q. Magnum when you have time can you take some good shots of some of the cities? I was also wondering if you can go in most of the buildings.
A. Went to do just that, just for you Turbo, this morning, that’s when I discovered my key, has expired. Sorry.

Q. Magnum, do the optics selections include the TA31RCO by Trijicon? (I just want a decent magnifying optic.)
A. I don’t know, and my god are you a picky gamer!

Q. Ok, excuse me if I missed this, but is the 'mouse lag' that was in OFP still there? I don't see it in the videos at all. It was always a little disconcerting for me...Magnum?
A. Nope, no mouse lag here.

Q. I would know your feelings about "sound"... (I'm not much concerned with graphics)?
A. Sounds are OK in press release demo, but still very Alpha IMO, also a lot of placeholders I thought.

Q. Has there been any improvement on way building interiors are modeled?
A. currently worst then OFP, I didn’t see how to get into any building but I may have been wrong.

Q. When will the game be released?
A. Sorry, don’t know… FYI I don’t work for BI Studios.

Q. Any word on when a Demo, SP or MP, will be released?
A. See above answer

There, sorry I can’t answer everyone’s questions. Mostly due to the limits of the press release demo.

IMO: They say it’s 75% complete, I’d say 50%, and then I’d say the press release demo is only 10%.

Coridon · 07-07-2006, 02:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnum

I am looking forward to Armed Assault more then any other game I’ve ever wanted. I can’t wait to have this baby in completed form, on the virtual battlefield, with members of my gaming group, playing the way it’s suppose to be played.

No kidding! Nice writeup. Some of those screenshots look outstanding...

Evo<^|SiNz|^> · 07-07-2006, 09:54 AM

I'll definately be getting this upon its release.

**loyalguard** · 07-07-2006, 10:04 AM

Mag-

Awesome AAR. Thanks for all the time and effort you have put into these re/previews. Above and beyond my friend!

Obi · 07-07-2006, 11:24 AM

Excellent work buddy. I plan on getting into this game in a big way when it arrives.

AMosely · 07-12-2006, 11:04 AM

Fantastic. Thanks for the continuing updates, excellent work Magnum.

OFP was a revolutionary, even if AA is merely a continuation, this is by far the most realistic battlefield simulation one could hope for.

DarkOmen · 08-19-2006, 08:10 PM

Great AAR.

And I swear the guy on the right in this shot ..

..looks real..

07-07-2006, 01:28 AM	#1 (permalink)
Mateo Join Date: Aug 2004 Age: 37 Posts: 6,483	Armed Assault Single Player Campaign After Action Review and Q&A session By: Chuck “Magnum” Ankenbauer Introduction Since I got my copy of the much anticipated Armed Assault press release demo, I’ve shared many screens with you readers, a number of video clips, and a couple of after action reviews. I’ve read your comments in the forums and comments from other readers from different web sites interested in the information. Most have been positive and uplifting, letting me know that my “work” has been appreciated, but there has been a few who demanded to know more, and complained that it was nothing new. I agree it’s hard to make something new out of a small press release demo. A demo with a four mission single player campaign, and three multiplayer modes. Not to mention that the demo is only 75% complete and has a lot of place holders and missing sounds and textures. In this final article, I will take you through the included single player campaign, I will attempt to use any and all available platforms and weapon systems, I will try and answer the many questions posted in the many forums I visit, and my hope is that you will know most of what I have learned with my time playing the Armed Assault press release demo. The Included Campaign The press release demo did not come with single player missions or the editor, it came with three multiplayer missions, (LAN support only), and a special press release campaign. I’ve done after action reviews of 2 of the 3 multiplayer modes, skipping the final mode due to it being a simple deathmatch. I will now focus on the included single player campaign. It goes in mission order, where you start on the opening mission and unlock the other missions as you go. The single player campaign is called “Armed Assault Promo”. You start the campaign with a nice cut scene showing the many troops, vehicles, and aircraft advancing towards the battlefield. There are fires burning in the distance, signs that you didn’t just walk here, but had to fight your way to this point. I take a look at the situation map which gives you an overview the main friendly force army and enemy force army push and eventual collision. It also gives you part of the story so you know why your there and what your army as a whole is doing. The situation report is more of a strategic map with a briefing. It shows the movements of Armies, and you can decide what battle to fight, or none for that matter. If you want to fight a battle you click on the cross swords, if not you click next to advance to the next stage. Once you click a battle, you get a mission briefing/plan. It explains what going on and what your mission in this certain battle is. Click “start” and your off. I start with the Battle of Somato. I take a look at the detailed briefing. This mission is a combined force mission, we have to attack, seize, and hold a town littered with enemy forces. All enemy forces must be killed. I am a member of Alpha squad, and we are leading the assault, we have support from two other squads, Bravo and Charlie. We have to attack the town, enter and destroy the enemy anti air units, and then friendly choppers will come in to assist. After we take over Somato, we have orders to continue to another nearby town, Yoro, and take that one as well. The notes, gear, and the group list remain the same. (My copy of the press release version has all the gear boxes white out, that’s why I’ve never tried other weapons and changed anything in the past.) The Battle Begins We step off of our choppers a safe distance away; all three squads form up and are ordered out towards there respected objectives. We have some armor support, as we move towards the first town, Tomato, a friendly M1A1 Abrams rolls by at full speed. The battle begins and my squad, in the lead, takes fire, we go prone and our squad leader orders members of the squad to engage. I hear heavy machine gun fire to our right, and later learn that we had some armor support units, (A Stryker, M1A1, and an M113 Troop Transport) take out an enemy chopper which crashes on the battlefield in front of us. I get my first kill as an enemy soldier runs over the ridgeline just 20 yards in front of me, no time to think, training pays off as I raise my weapon, take the shot and bring the enemy down, I move up and look for any goodies like grenades or a Rolex watch off the dead Russian. I find nothing but a couple of grenades, but I still have my own and take nothing. I fall back into my assigned fire position. I pass a M113 troop transport, it has been destroyed, and I sure hope the troops in that transport were dismounted before the attack. I continue to move up as part of my squads wedge, we really should be in line formation as we crest each hill and battle closer to the city but I’m not the squad leader, it’s not my call. I crest another hill and see the M1A1 engaging enemy positions in front of us. The smoke and the fire are beautiful, and the sound of the 120mm round exiting the big gun is awe inspiring. I can almost smell the burnt gunpowder. We have successfully taken the first town and have received orders to take the second. There have been new characters that have been unlocked due to my success, a hit of the K key shows the characters. I decide to take the sniper position, I select the unit in the small window that opens up, I click switch and then I’m moved into the new position. I take a second to review that map, get my direction, bring up the compass, and make a small turn overlooking the new town we have to take. I bring up my M24 sniper rifle scope, and begin thinning the town of the enemies. The infantry assault squads continue to move, along with the armor support. I prioritize all enemy AT infantry soldiers to keep the armor units safe. The battle for the town continues, as I clear what I can from this distance the friendly armor units, move in and engage at will, they drive around knocking over small trees, knocking over fences, and exposing new enemies for me. I decide it’s time for another switch, since I’ve spent most of my sniper ammo, and the battlefield lays red with the blood of so many of my enemies. I move into the gunner position of the M1A1. I take a couple of shots with the big gun at fortified fighting positions, and buildings. I switch between the anti armor and the HEAT rounds to get a feel of the different rounds. Most of the time is spent with my turret mounted machine gun, laying waste to the last few enemy fighters as they go running by my limited view. The “Mission Complete” message appears. The total time of the included single player campaign is less then thirty minutes. I need more. I check out my debriefing and exit. I exit with the feeling of seeing some fantastic potential for this game, but know that what I’ve seen is just the bare minimum and there is still a lot of work to be done. I am looking forward to Armed Assault more then any other game I’ve ever wanted. I can’t wait to have this baby in completed form, on the virtual battlefield, with members of my gaming group, playing the way it’s suppose to be played. Added Information I was not able to check everything in this limited press release demo, but do thank BI Studios and SimHQ for getting me a copy. I will now try and answer some of the questions posted in the forums. Please remember, this press release demo is not complete, and there are just some things I can not answer. Also realize that things will change, maybe something will be added that I don’t see here, or removed due to gameplay issues. And finally realize that I do not work for BI Studios, and I have no extra connections or information from BI Studios. I write for SimHQ and Tactical Gamer, and have been lucky enough to get a copy of the demo through these connections. Finally: This morning I went to verify some final information for this final article, but found that my press release demo key had expired and I am no longer able to boot it up or play it. Q. What's the mission editor like? A. None included Q. What is your impression of the game play is it just like OFP? How are the cities, are their any good street to street battles? A. Similar to OFP, but not in the current state. Cities are a lot bigger and more detailed, but no building to building fighting in the press release demo. Street battles would be great in co-op, but the AI in this press release demo is worst then in OFP. Q. What's the view distance like? Can you see infantry from miles away like they have said in some press releases? A. The view distance is better then OFP IMO, you can see enemy infantry hiding (look at the sniper screenshots for reference.). I have it set on about half the capability. Q. Have they made any changes to the squad command interface? A. Not complete yet, few included in demo but runs basically the same way as OFP. Q. How did the chopper handle? Did the Abrams have the commander .50 cal mounted yet? Is the clipping problem with buildings gone? How much of the island could you explore? Sizes of cities? A. WOW, a lot of questions in that sentence. Chopper controls are not complete, and seemed more difficult to control then in OFP. Nope, didn’t notice a 50 cal on the M1A1 but may be wrong. Very little of the island was available, and just s few cities/towns. Q. I know it's just beta, but what is performance like (and what are your specs)? And are the vehicle cockpits more interactive (working displays in choppers, hands moving with the steering wheel etc...)? Thanks! A. See my specs, and it all ran good, I even accidentally had fraps recording video during the whole 30 minute campaign and never noticed. Vehicles are not done and very basic at this point. Q. How’s the AI? Is it better then the AI in OFP? A. Currently worst then OFP but has promised to be better by release. Q. Magnum when you have time can you take some good shots of some of the cities? I was also wondering if you can go in most of the buildings. A. Went to do just that, just for you Turbo, this morning, that’s when I discovered my key, has expired. Sorry. Q. Magnum, do the optics selections include the TA31RCO by Trijicon? (I just want a decent magnifying optic.) A. I don’t know, and my god are you a picky gamer! Q. Ok, excuse me if I missed this, but is the 'mouse lag' that was in OFP still there? I don't see it in the videos at all. It was always a little disconcerting for me...Magnum? A. Nope, no mouse lag here. Q. I would know your feelings about "sound"... (I'm not much concerned with graphics)? A. Sounds are OK in press release demo, but still very Alpha IMO, also a lot of placeholders I thought. Q. Has there been any improvement on way building interiors are modeled? A. currently worst then OFP, I didn’t see how to get into any building but I may have been wrong. Q. When will the game be released? A. Sorry, don’t know… FYI I don’t work for BI Studios. Q. Any word on when a Demo, SP or MP, will be released? A. See above answer There, sorry I can’t answer everyone’s questions. Mostly due to the limits of the press release demo. IMO: They say it’s 75% complete, I’d say 50%, and then I’d say the press release demo is only 10%.

07-07-2006, 09:54 AM	#3 (permalink)
Evo<^\|SiNz\|^> Join Date: May 2006 Location: Alexandria, VA Age: 28 Posts: 1,237	Re: Armed Assault Single Player Campaign After Action Review and Q&A session I'll definately be getting this upon its release. __________________ "No bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country." - Attributed to General George Patton, Jr.

07-07-2006, 10:04 AM	#4 (permalink)
loyalguard Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Reykjavik, Iceland Age: 36 Posts: 1,333	Re: Armed Assault Single Player Campaign After Action Review and Q&A session Mag- Awesome AAR. Thanks for all the time and effort you have put into these re/previews. Above and beyond my friend! __________________ \|TG\| LoyalGuard Armed Assault Admin ArmA - Announcements & SOPs \| Coop Server Mission List Question/Complaint about ArmA? PM me!

07-07-2006, 11:24 AM	#5 (permalink)
Obi Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Scotland Age: 20 Posts: 2,084	Re: Armed Assault Single Player Campaign After Action Review and Q&A session Excellent work buddy. I plan on getting into this game in a big way when it arrives. Last edited by Obi; 07-07-2006 at 02:58 PM.

07-12-2006, 11:04 AM	#6 (permalink)
AMosely Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Maine Age: 34 Posts: 2,793	Re: Armed Assault Single Player Campaign After Action Review and Q&A session Fantastic. Thanks for the continuing updates, excellent work Magnum. OFP was a revolutionary, even if AA is merely a continuation, this is by far the most realistic battlefield simulation one could hope for.

08-19-2006, 08:10 PM	#7 (permalink)
DarkOmen Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: USA, Maryland Age: 17 Posts: 23	Re: Armed Assault Single Player Campaign After Action Review and Q&A session Great AAR. And I swear the guy on the right in this shot .. ..looks real.. __________________ -----

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