[ArmA] Hog's Breath by HailStorm

Review by savedbygrace

Overview

The overview does exactly what it is supposed to do. It provides a visual confirmation of what to expect when you play the mission and text that outlines the primary goal.

Intro

The intro cinema does a fabulous job of preparing the player for the coming operation. The creativity used while selecting camera angles, produced a memorable cinematic that left a lasting impression. In addition, each scene was visually relevant in setting up the briefing.

Briefing

Ever seen a real preflight briefing? Me neither but this briefing is probably as close to one as I will ever see. The intelligence provided for pilot awareness covers everything from wind attributes to aircraft tire pressure. Well...not really the tire pressure but you get the idea. It will take a proper amount of time to familiarize yourself with the anticipated flight conditions during your operation.

Some of the intelligence is provided for immersion and has no real bearing on game physics but it does a tremendous job of making it feel real. Take your time digesting the information and allow it to soak in, because much of it provides the secret to success. There are further details and definitions located in the author's readme that go far in explaining certain acronyms that one would only be familiar with if one were a professional.

Aside from the intel, there are plenty of links and markers to provide visual confirmation. There are contingency plans for emergency bailout implemented and even logistical support back at the hangar in the case you are a rookie like myself and expend your rockets or take too much damage during your sweeps.

Mission

The preflight communication between control tower and pilots fills the airwaves with ambience while incoming and outgoing aircraft provide that "small piece of the puzzle" feel. It definitely broadens the life beyond your operation. But be warned that air traffic holds no mercy for the inexperienced...if you're issued clearance for takeoff, you better clear the runway as quick as you can or you'll be swapping paint with others.

The approach can be very demanding of your concentration and your ability to monitor the plane's flight systems. The penalty for slackness in this area will be the enemy's knowing of your presence long before you see land and a dispatching of highly trained dogfighters to welcome you with merciless bombardment. Adhere to the flight plan and you'll start out with a great advantage.

Once you've achieved infiltration into the AO, you will quickly discover that you are not wanted there. It's challenging but optionally easy, depending on your aggressiveness and greed for destruction. Be quick but be accurate.

The secondary ops were a fabulous cool-down process but were just as demanding of your concentration and accuracy. You become the hunter in this portion and can relax your peripheral alertness a little more while over the water.

There is much more to this mission than your initial task, so conserve ammo as much as possible and be ready to wake the water when needed.

Emergency rescue plans are also implemented if you need to bail out, but just know that "boots on the ground" is not a good situation for those trained to fly above it, and that you are equipped to evade, not engage.

Outro(s)

The outro provides some closure to your efforts and reminds you that you were the fast reaction force to the escalating events of the region. Enjoy the show.

Special

I can't say enough about the air traffic in and around the airfield that forms such a foundation for your operation. The radio chatter was also great to propel your motivation.

Overall

If you enjoy flying through showers of hateful tracers to shove a point down the enemy's arrogant throat, then this mission will do nicely for you.

If you fear that your flight skills are inadequate, this one is well worth the practice to play.

If you simply hate ArmA flight mechanics altogether, then play the beginning of the mission anyways just to feel the immersion of takeoff. Perhaps it will even spur you to greater creations in the future.