[ArmA] Combat Episode 1 by mcnorth

Review by Schuler

Overview

The author could have added a bit more to the picture. Color could have been adjusted. All in all it is basic but does the job. If you like the mission add a comment, I think what he is getting at here is there might be a Combat Episode 2.

Intro

Time well spent on this introduction showing the courage of the soldiers in this battle. Gives the player an insight to what life has been like for him in this war prior to starting game play. Very nice camera work detailed to an author's touch of music.

Briefing

The author has a nice weapon selection and a good clean map for you to go by. There is enough information to give a good plot, but lacks what the war might be about. The intro helps in giving battlefield conditions, but some players might want to be informed a bit more. Early in the mission you are given an updated objective that adds to the game play. You have a medic on your team and also two soldiers both named Daniel Lee, twins perhaps. Sometimes the radio disappears but the player can still key pad 0-0-?

Mission

Pack your bags, feed the goldfish named Rambo, say by to mom, and get comfy in your computer chair we’re going on a mission.

Your helicopter has been shot down premature to a landing that would have extracted you and your men from this god forsaken Island. After a fairly short firefight with a relentless squad that has been pursuing you, it is time to make a decision. Head west to the shore so command can send chopper, or go deeper inland to pull out some troops that are hiding from the enemy.

On this adventure take advantage of the truck there in Carmen. Unless you are one of those players that needs to stop and smell the roses. Aboard the truck is ammo but no weapons, so get a good selection from the gear in your briefing.

As you make your way across the land there will be a few encounters with an enemy. If you play your cards right you might capture a Uaz with a machinegun. On your map you will see a marker with captured weapons by Eponia. I would not recommend going there yet. They will distract you from the troops you have to rescue.

At some point you will want to be evacuated. Make your way to one of three evac markers. There are various encounters along the way to each one. Some AI can be a bit slack at times but be careful they pack a power punch, and your mom won’t like feeding that goldfish.

Outro(s)

The outro is very basic but very effective at the same time. Here we have a riding out into the sunset ending with the authors’ original choice of music. Very nice touch for an ending.

Special

There might not be any “real cool” scenes in this mission, but the camera work on the intro is something to check out. The author would have spent a bit of time scripting with the camera and with positioning objects and men in the intro and the mission it’s self. The scripting in the mission plot works very well, showing the talent of the author. There are two different endings depending on how well you complete the mission.

The author gives you choices in this mission so you have some free-roaming of the map adding to the realism. Random patrols are spread throughout the countryside. Be sure to have your officer hat on when you play this mission.

Overall

Nice intro with music to set the mood for play. Starting out with some action, you have time to organize your team. Author gives you the ability to roam the land on your way back from the main objective. The main objective will be shown to you shortly after your first contact. The enemy AI will not only respond to you, he will chase you down. This gives it some replay ability. I would have liked to have seen more civilians on the Island.

In completing the main objective you will feel as if you have done a good job. You can then move toward the shore for evac. On the way you can take any path you want to follow. I suggest using some stealth and sneaking up on the enemy troops to give them payback. Aaah revenge is good.