I'd like to get into this but wanted to start with a standalone and get the hang of the controls and stuff.

So thinking I'd try Arma 2 for a bit. Is there a downloadable version I can buy?

Thanks!
Jeff

STEAM had it. 2 and 2: Arrowhead. Around ~10$.

I get in the last summer sales to try the Unsung Vietnam mod.

I'd just throw out a warning: Arma 3 is roughly 900% improved over Arma 2 in every metric except sheer amount of content. The older games are good for figuring out arma's byzantine controls, how the editor works, and getting a feel for the general game mechanics. However the way your character moves, the way the AI behave, the way your character handles a weapon; all of these things and more have changed drastically for the better in Arma 3.

I wouldn't discourage you from picking up Arma 2, it's still a great game. Just be aware that it is not a 1:1 reflection for how Arma 3 handles.

The other thing I would say is that Arma is 100% better as a multiplayer game. If you're just playing singleplayer you'll quickly find yourself bored with the clunky campaign. It's not awful but it's definitely not great.

We don't run Arma 2 anymore. So if you truly want to get a feel for Arma, you should grab A3 and get online with us ASAP.

Don't ever feel that being a newbie will be a problem among us. By far, the best way to learn is to jump in with both feet. If you're not sure what to do, jump into a server with us and we'll run you through the basics.

If you want to learn vanilla, I'm sure a few of us could run together a small server to help out with that.

Definitely get Arma II if you can... the sheer size and scope of content for it is immense
I have all the arma series and still go back to Arma II, in fact I've integrated it into steam now as well, and it's pretty easy to mod (there is still loads of mods available that expand it even further)...

Just get BOTH already!

Don't wait for a Steam sale, purchase them now!!!



The Jedi Master

Incidentally, Arma2 is available in the latest humble bundle here

All playing Arma 2 will do is make you appreciate everything in 3 more

That said even the original Flashpoint is on Steam if you're bored.

Absolute rubbish... I have them both, play them both and it certainly doesn't make me appreciate the 'future soldier' antics of arma 3 more.

They are both great fun to play.