Began a test run of this yesterday. Attempted in recruit mode first with no mods. I've only just begun but have a few things to mention before I continue.
OverviewAn overview image would have been a nice addition to that mission summary.
IntroIt's disappointing to play a story driven mission without some sort of cinema to improve it's immersion.
BriefingYou're sending in an operative who is committing his life to the operation and you refuse to inform him of potential details that would certainly aid his efforts in successfully accomplishing the tasks ahead? I understand the withholding of info but you don't have to tell the operative these things, it makes the player feel expendable. Just say you don't much with the exception that the resistance has something they need to share and it must be done in secret.
A link to Balota would be nice. I couldn't find it.
MissionThe approach to the first objective was shrouded in suspense, mainly due to the lack of intel regarding area movement and numbers. Most of the immersion was created by the Arma2 engine (we've come a long way), while your patrols seemed appropriate and inducing the proper amount of maneuvering challenge.
The wolf howl near the objective sounded first like a tripped alarm. It also seemed to be cut short. It would help immersion if rather than play the sound, you created a logic, set it somewhere around the player and had it say the sound. Then follow that up with repeats of it by setting the logic somewhere else to represent other wolves answering their pack mate. That way it seems less like an alarm and more like a natural pack call.
The flare seems to be spawned around the player regardless of how much distance is placed between him and any incoming patrols capable of firing a flare. This ruins immersion some. The flare should be spawned around the responding troops to provide a better sense of realism. This will allow the player to determine his path better by steering clear of flares.
I couldn't tell for sure but if you have the helo flying to the player's position without actually detecting him first, it is unfair and unreal. Again, not certain but it seemed to fly over me regardless of which direction I took.
I attempted to recall the information from the meeting and when the dialogue appeared, it froze everything. I had to close the game through the task manager and restart. This happened twice. It worked fine on my third attempt.
I decided to avoid urban areas altogether which included roads. I adhered to forests and steep slopes as much as possible and approached the second objective(Light House) on foot. It took some time but I wanted to remain unknown for as long as possible. I spotted an apc setting quietly and was able to flank it. I then spotted a motorcycle with two civilians sitting on it but going no where...they were near a forest edge away from the road at 078 102 (South west of Polana). I then spotted a foot patrol (10 men) moving northeast. Later I spotted a ural, stuck off the edge of the road at 106 098(southwest of Staroye).
Lighthouse worked out good but when I arrived to Skalista Island, I could not get anyone to talk to me. I stood right in each units' face, checked the action menus got into the pleasure craft but nothing happened.
Care to share what I must do?