[OFP] RAH-66 Support by NightJay0044

Review by Walter_E_Kurtz

Overview

The Overview is commendably brief and to the point, but is let down by the poor quality picture.

Intro

In a slight mistake, the curtain opens before the actors are in position and ready. The whole is sufficient as an introduction to the mission: between Alpha squad getting caught and orders being given for a response, we get to see Russian activity in Tyrone, which is the first target. The voices used are computer-generated.

Briefing

Like the Overview, this is suitably short. Only the first objective is shown, more will be uncovered in due course. Links to the map work (though I can't say the same for the later objectives) and there are sensible markers already placed on the map. Some helpful advice can be found on the Notes page, including a description of your support options, though this could be better explained. There is no gear selection, but it would not be expected for a chopper mission. The single team-mate is already aboard in the gunner's seat. Disappointingly, he is only a recruit.

Mission

The author has put some effort into giving the base you start in the appearance of activity. Your CO and ground crew have some throwaway lines before you climb into your warm pilot's seat.

If you are unfamiliar with the Comanche, I suggest you take a few moments to get some practice in: rise into a hover and try the options in the Action Menu. The weapons are very much the same as those of an AH-64 Apache: a chaingun which can fire in Air-to-Ground (AG) and Air-to-Air (AA) modes, Hellfire missiles and FFAR rockets (available once you open the weapons bay).

Don't take too long, though, as your first objective is to render useless the Russian armour defending Tyrone so that Echo convoy, an infantry section, can take the town. Once accomplished, further tasks will be given to you. These instructions are usually clear, being explained in text and audio, and normally with a hint also. If you miss something, check your updated briefing.

In what is meant as a short, fun mission there is time for a couple of surprises. It's also worth remembering that unless you are in the middle of an objective, you do have time to rearm or repair. If you need to refuel, you must be doing something wrong!

I feel I must highlight the one bug that may prevent you from completing the mission and which also precludes me from giving a higher score.
Important: One objective is to clear Entre Deux of enemy threats. Even if the objective is marked as done, you must destroy the enemy armoured units to be able to finish the mission.

Outro(s)

Shorter than the Intro, but similarly scripted, we see Alpha squad receiving care and preparing for repatriation. No voices this time, however.

Overall

Overall, the mission presents a fair challenge. However, once it has lost its power to surprise you, it will also lose its interest. The bug, coupled with a lack of polish, means I do not consider a higher score warranted. Also, my feeling is that this mission was intended to be played in Cadet mode, thereby making it more suitable for novices.