So i've been thinking about downloading, but first there are a few queries I'd like answered:

What sort of missions would there be for someone like me who has 4-5 freinds playing multiplayer, and what actually happends when you get shot? And what sort of level editor is it got, if any?

Also what sort of custom content can I get into it?

Thanks,

sv

That's not exactly true. If you intend to play online, servers use content from both ARMA 2 and Arrowhead.

Some do, some are Arrowhead only. The only thing not having Arma 2 would prevent sv from doing is playing Arma 2-dependent missions.

Mission vary from coop to pvp and scenarios are really diverse though the most popular (unfortunately) is domination type games.
Domination is basically your team against the AI on a whole map with random missions, it's not really that interesting.
I personally play ARMA 2 with a french team and we do mostly coops missions.
When you get shot it depends on how the mission was made. Sometimes you can be revived (with a limit to the numbers of time you can be revived) and sometimes it's permanent death. It can also be a mix of both: if you aren't treated in a limited time you die.

And if you decide to buy ArmA 2 or Arrowhead, don't forget to buy it at their own store (Bohemia Interactive):
http://www.sprocketidea.com/joomla/

Support the developer.

The price is slightly cheaper compared to other popular DD services.

This ^

I have ArmA 2 original totally free when GMG decided to give away it last year :)

The downloader is a huge pain in the ass, though. It will not allow you to pause the download, nor will it tell you what the current speed is. It's a temporary pain, but just be ready for it.

When it has finished downloading, remember to back up the installation files. Put them on a DVD or something.

Yeah.

I prefer retail too if it's available. Hassle free and faster. Basically you already supporting the developer whenever you buy a legit copy. It just they get most of the money if you buy through their own store.

But if i want to buy Bohemia Interactive games online, i prefer to use their own store rather than 3rd party DD. Another thing, you might be interested on ArmA III which supposed to be release late this year. Only problem is ArmA 3 might require fairly modern system. I'm not sure if the game can run well with my 5 years old rig.