Seeing an Early Access game in its infancy stages already exuding an essence of greatness is an amazing experience. Yes, there are very great games on Steam Early Access that show just how great the game can be once it finally goes to full release, but Arma Reforger does it a bit differently. Being a solid foundation for games to come, Reforger is the next step for mil-sim games of the future.

Gameplay

Being somewhat of a research study, Bohemia Interactive’s latest title is what they are using to lay Arma 4’s foundation. But how does this title really do as it currently stands? I’d be a liar if I said that this game isn’t kind of in a rough patch. Players are consistently being booted from matches due to server errors, game crashes, and even an occasional in-game glitch that ruins a mechanic or two.

Behind its rough-around-the-edges facade, Arma Reforger is nothing less than amazing! Its gunplay has that iconic Arma feel, providing players with intense moments that feel adrenaline-filled. Having the camaraderie of your fellow soldiers around you really makes you care about them. This is further driven by the fact that the game’s player-base is extremely friendly and helpful to newcomers.

There are also some extremely exciting new simulation mechanics at play in this title which makes immersion even deeper. Having the ability to move your head around your jeep and switching on/off its headlights, hazards, or turning it off completely in order to stay hidden from a nearby enemy is really engaging.

Currently, there are two mode available, each offering great gameplay. There’s Conflict which focuses on taking over command points with boots on the ground combat and the Game Master mode which focuses on the Game Master creating scenarios in real-time for players to complete. Both offerings are extremely fun to play, over and over for hours at a time.

Expectations

Going off of the passion that the devs have for this title as well as Arma 4, I’m holding this game to some really high expectations. If the servers can get fixed relatively quickly, this game will thrive. I expect the gameplay to be tightened up further with even more military equipment, jobs, and vehicles to be implemented over its lifespan. I’m also hopeful for even more implementation of its immersive, simulation type of gameplay.

Verdict

Even in its current state, I truly love this game. I’ve spent hours playing a day and just get wrapped into its gameplay so easily. Though Arma 3 is a solid title, with this game’s better controls and more immersive gameplay overall, this really is the title that all Arma players should move over to, eventually. If you have $30 and want a fun and immersive military sim with a welcoming community, this is what you need to check out.