Arma 3

Arma 3 is the definite game in the military simulation series from Bohemia Interactive. From massive and highly-detailed environments to expansive collections of weapons and vehicles, Arma 3 is a modern military sandbox for both players and modders. Arma...

While shipping with a small amount of actual content, that is not what Arma 3 is all about. The huge influx of Steam Workshop content, multiplayer and editor make this a full package for the most serious of combat simulator nuts. While still a steep...

Right now, Arma III is at a stage reserved for convention booths. You can come in, see what they intend to do, and maybe be interested in where they might take it. As it is, it's big and expansive, but it's not filled with anything interesting. There's...

Arma III’s complexity is a double-edged sword. It takes a long time to comprehend, but once you’re comfortable enough with its mechanics to take advantage of them under pressure, you’re able to engage in a kind of large-scale tactical combat that’s simply not offered elsewhere.

With that uniqueness comes a dedicated community willing to overlook the flaws because they crave a kind of tension and large-scale teamwork unavailable anywhere else. You should consider joining that crowd. ARMA III is a beast. It occasionally flails and moans, but once you learn how to balance yourself upon it, it gives you a marvelous, turbulent, and memorable ride.

This game is perfect for hardcore military sim enthusiasts, so if Uncle Jerry just got back from Afghanistan and wants to relive the glory days in real time for like 5 straight hours, get him a copy, too. Arma III clearly has some charm, and I do have a soft spot for all the realistic modeling and massively open-world dynamic, but unless this is right up your alley...

For now, I think it means you're better off sticking with Arma II. Underwater missions, accomplished vehicle physics, an impressive array of player stances and fantastic visuals can't make up for a too-big map full of nothing and a handful of missions most computers and servers can't fully handle. I'll tell you what though, Arma III is going to be a great game in 2015.

As a simulation it's excellent; as a game, not quite as good. Not exactly inaccessible, but certainly not an...