Don't assume this is your average military FPS. Arma 3 (and entire Arma series) is the ultimate military sandbox. Arma gives back the time you want to put into it. If you're just looking for some quick thrills, you're probably going to get frustrated and rage quit. However, if you want to take the time to learn the game, then the sky is the limit.

There is a fairly steep learning curve; and while the game isn't a true simulation, it still has simulation elements. Don't expect to install and jump into a 60+player mp server and do good; you will need patience and a little knowledge. There's plenty of showcases and training missions in the game; as well as some very well made tutorials\guides on the www.

In sp, you need to learn how to command AI teammates efficiently and effectively. There's nothing worse than moving to an ambush point and not being able to get everyone in position before the enemy sees you, the element of surprise is key.

If you're looking for the mp experience, I'd suggest finding a group and server that plays what you're into. There's a metric ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ of different game modes, styles, missions, etc. that can be overwhelming at first. Take the time to search for "let's plays" or streams to see what game modes are for you.

Finding a good server(s) will help with performance and gameplay i.e. active\competent moderators, streamlined missions\mods, nice community, etc. Most public servers run like trash and have a lot of jamokes not ptfo, and\or they aren't optimized\managed correctly as well, which leads to poor performance and a terrible experience. So choose wisely.

Mods are what really make this game shine. Similar to TES\Fallout series', the mods can completely change how you play the game, and how the game performs). However, similar to those aformentioned games; it can have it's fair share of flaws. Mods can drastically change gameplay i.e. introduce bugs, conflicts, performance issues, incompatibility, etc. It's best to focus on just a few at a time or you will be dl'ing another 50gb+ of mods that you might play a few times.

My main con for the game is how some parts of the interface can be clunky (i.e. the action menu). However, the actual game menus, map, and gear screen areall fairly straightforward and simple to use.

People love to complain about performance issues; but know that Arma is NOT a console port and does NOT have it's gfx settings nerfed to run on ~5 yr old hardware. Most of the presets are still well above the equivilent console port settings (mainly view\object distances). Then add in AI, 50+ players, 3rd party mods\missions, and servers used to run console ports; then of course there's going to be issues. There's a ton of options, and some can go well above what most average systems can handle (mainly CPU). Take the time to tweak your settings; don't just click !!!ULTRA!!! and expect 100+fps in most missions.

For value, this is one of the top games I've ever owned. It's one of the only permanant games I leave installed simply because I can always load it up and do a multitude of different things if I choose, and there's no limit to replay value with the variety of mods\missions; and finding a good group to play mp with will give hundreds of hours of play.

8.5/10 - If you like sandbox type games and have a little patience, you will be handsomely rewarded with the Arma series.

Don't assume this is your average military FPS. Arma 3 (and entire Arma series) is the ultimate military sandbox. Arma gives back the time you want to put into it. If you're just looking for some quick thrills, you're probably going to get frustrated and rage quit. However, if you want to take the time to learn the game, then the sky is the limit. There is a fairly steep learning curve; and while the game isn't a true simulation, it still has simulation elements. Don't expect to install and jump into a 60+player mp server and do good; you will need patience and a little knowledge. There's plenty of showcases and training missions in the game; as well as some very well made tutorials\guides on the www. In sp, you need to learn how to command AI teammates efficiently and effectively. There's nothing worse than moving to an ambush point and not being able to get everyone in position before the enemy sees you, the element of surprise is key. If you're looking for the mp experience, I'd suggest finding a group and server that plays what you're into. There's a metric shitton of different game modes, styles, missions, etc. that can be overwhelming at first. Take the time to search for "let's plays" or streams to see what game modes are for you. Finding a good server(s) will help with performance and gameplay i.e. active\competent moderators, streamlined missions\mods, nice community, etc. Most public servers run like trash and have a lot of jamokes not ptfo, and\or they aren't optimized\managed correctly as well, which leads to poor performance and a terrible experience. So choose wisely. Mods are what really make this game shine. Similar to TES\Fallout series', the mods can completely change how you play the game, and how the game performs). However, similar to those aformentioned games; it can have it's fair share of flaws. Mods can drastically change gameplay i.e. introduce bugs, conflicts, performance issues, incompatibility, etc. It's best to focus on just a few at a time or you will be dl'ing another 50gb+ of mods that you might play a few times. My main con for the game is how some parts of the interface can be clunky (i.e. the action menu). However, the actual game menus, map, and gear screen areall fairly straightforward and simple to use. People love to complain about performance issues; but know that Arma is NOT a console port and does NOT have it's gfx settings nerfed to run on ~5 yr old hardware. Most of the presets are still well above the equivilent console port settings (mainly view\object distances). Then add in AI, 50+ players, 3rd party mods\missions, and servers used to run console ports; then of course there's going to be issues. There's a ton of options, and some can go well above what most average systems can handle (mainly CPU). Take the time to tweak your settings; don't just click !!!ULTRA!!! and expect 100+fps in most missions. For value, this is one of the top games I've ever owned. It's one of the only permanant games I leave installed simply because I can always load it up and do a multitude of different things if I choose, and there's no limit to replay value with the variety of mods\missions; and finding a good group to play mp with will give hundreds of hours of play. 8.5/10 - If you like sandbox type games and have a little patience, you will be handsomely rewarded with the Arma series.