Basically it's mostly PvP, there's no zombies (although there is AI killing missions), weapons and vehicles are easier to get. You either join BLUFOR, OPFOR or be independent. It's less frustrating if you die in Wasteland since good weapons are faster to get and this is why I find it better. Less running around exploring and looting tincans, more shootin people.
I meant port Wasteland to Altis.
Yep, you can join a team where you should cooperate (though you don't necessarily have to, you should if you join Blue or Red). If some jerk is constantly team killing, they get switched to Green (independent) which is a team also, which can cooperate, but doesn't have to do so and can backstab a "teammate" at any time.
For people who need an objective, it can be a little confusing maybe. "What am I supposed to do?"
Well, survive and kill other people is pretty much it. "But if it is just team death match, why do it on such a HUGE freaking map?"
Sure, if you are looking for a game where you can just hop in for 20 minutes, shoot some guys and be shot at, then this isn't what you are looking for. For me, the best fun to be had in Wasteland is to get together with some buddies, gather up resources, establish a base to resupply in case you do get killed, then go raising hell across the map ruining everyone else's day.
"So if everyone is off in a corner building a base somewhere secret, how does combat take place?"
The game encourages conflict in a few ways.
First, you spawn with very little. A pistol with only a few rounds or so and a couple other non-offensive tools. You will need food and water, so have to go scavenge for those items.
Second, the game has cash in it. You can earn it by claiming territory for your team, or killing other players and taking it.
Third, there are gun stores around the map where you can buy upgraded weapons and other items using that cash. There are very few of them and all teams must go there to spend that cash. That means you will be coming into contact with them while at gun stores.
Fourth, missions appear randomly around the map that can give you weapons/gear/cash. It may be a downed helicopter crash, or a sunken wreck (where you need scuba gear to retrieve it), or other events. When they spawn, you then have a decision to make because everyone sees it and can be racing to it. Are you fairly close? Do you have nothing to lose if killed? Do you have enough firepower and men to take out anyone else who might be there looting or arrive after you get there?
On bases, you can find moveable objects like walls that you can transport to somewhere in the middle of nowhere and build a base. Commandeer trucks, four wheelers, an armored personnel carrier (with an AWESOME gun) or even a helicopter if you can find one to keep there along with spare weapons and ammo. Then plan and execute raids around the map from there. You can setup a radar to warn you if any enemy gets near the place so you can hightail back and defend it if need be. Plus, it is a nice safe regroup spot if you happen to die while out raising hell.
Hope that is a good description.