Operation Flashpoint: Red River

 PC
Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 25
  3. Negative: 2 out of 25
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  1. PC Format
    May 13, 2011
    85
    Just as serving a delicious cheesecake on a bed of rotten mackerel kills the appetite, so OpFlash: Red River turns the stomach with its nauseating intro. No matter how appealing the main event might be, you just can't get that image out of your head.
  2. Gamers.at
    Apr 21, 2011
    83
    Red River may not be as hardcore as its predecessors, while still being not nearly as "cool" and "mass market compatible" as the CoDs and MoHs out there, but it's still is a pretty good game. Especially, if you manage to grab yourself three friends for some intense Coop-Multiplayer-Action.
  3. PC Gamer
    May 18, 2011
    80
    Whack-a-mole warfare done right with terrific weapon handling, but the missions keep you on too short a leash. [July 2011, p.66]
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  5. GameWatcher
    Apr 26, 2011
    80
    We think it's better than Dragon Rising, and the fact they've taken the "less is more" approach and focused on a couple of key features has been to their credit. It's got some good moments in it, but playing with friends is key and we question the longevity of this title, so the post-release DLC better be good and regular.
  6. Meristation
    Apr 22, 2011
    80
    Red River greatly improves Dragon Rising, with a few tweaks in the gameplay, better combat and better management of the orders we can give to our squad. But due to a few visual issues and several problems with the AI, this game doesn't reach the level of ARMA. The co-op modes are the best of the game.
  7. Pelit (Finland)
    Oct 20, 2011
    78
    Neither Flashpoint nor as bad as some say. It is fairly entertaining but surprisingly unambitious milsim light. [May 2011]
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  8. GameStar
    May 28, 2011
    78
    Codemasters couldn't deliver a decent military simulation, so it just created a gane that's meant to be funny and entertaining. Don't expect an alternative to games like ARMA, but it's still a good game, just not a very good one.
  9. Vandal
    May 1, 2011
    75
    It is better than Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising, so those who liked that one will like this new installment. But those unconvinced by the previous game won't change their opinion with this new entry, as it improves on it, but doesn't evolve or change much.
  10. XGN
    Apr 21, 2011
    75
    Operation Flashpoint: Red River is at its best when you play the cooperative mode. The gameplay is realistic and you really have to work together if you want to survive. When you play the game alone there isn't much fun to be had, partly due to the weak AI.
  11. IGN
    Apr 21, 2011
    75
    It's merely capable, with occasional flashpoints of brilliance.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
4.9

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 115 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 115
  2. Mixed: 29 out of 115
  3. Negative: 54 out of 115
  1. Gibsmoker
    Apr 26, 2011
    2
    Red River gives the illusion of a sandbox environment, but is no more than a corridoor shooter...You are channeled on a set path to completeRed River gives the illusion of a sandbox environment, but is no more than a corridoor shooter...You are channeled on a set path to complete the mission, step outside the invisible circle of death and your history...With Vehicles being completely removed, you do get to ride in the back of a jeep but have no controll over your character...These taxi journeys do run for a very long time, combine that with the awefull voice acting and OTT foul language, by the end of the journey the first bullet you fire is the one you aim at your own head...Totally linear and very generic gameplay, average looking graphics and a healing system that comprises of you holding a school satchel infront of your face...Pretty much impossible to die, even headshots that explode your brain are fixable by the magic bag of tricks...Realistic NO, simulation NO, sandbox NO, Freedom absolutely NOT...All these attributes that made the original fantastic have been stripped to the bare bones, so what your left with is a totaly linear shooter with vast backdrops and a pretty skybox... very dissapointing… Full Review »
  2. Incorruptible
    Apr 29, 2011
    0
    Not only have Codemasters failed to address the evils of Dragon Rising, they have added in new problems - friendly AI on castor wheels whoNot only have Codemasters failed to address the evils of Dragon Rising, they have added in new problems - friendly AI on castor wheels who don't stay where you want them (and have a habit of shimmying through your firelane); terribly long, expletive ridden and highly boring diatribes by your Staff Sgt (who seems to mysteriously wield the same kind of authority as a platoon commander without the commission); and graphics that were last seem in UT '04.

    Not only this, but the lack of PvP and cookie-cutter scenarios will wear out quickly, and with little to no ability to mod the game, Codemasters has aimed lower and still failed to hit the mark. Avoid like the bubonic plague.    … Full Review »
  3. j4xkc
    Apr 26, 2011
    6
    Unlike some, I have no affiliation or bias to any developer, I tried this game at a friends house, playing for 6 hours which I consider fairUnlike some, I have no affiliation or bias to any developer, I tried this game at a friends house, playing for 6 hours which I consider fair to post comment. (PC version). It's got elements that make other games rethink their approach and it's got elements that are totally wrong. Cm claim open world, squad based coop play, also this is available on all platforms unlike other games that are not cross platform.

    Over complex? NO in fact it's too simple, the game modes are restricted to coop only NO PvP, the control is good but the AI are average on both your side & the enemies. Cm focused on authenticity & look (as claimed by themselves in YT videos), but this is flawed because the mechanics of the game has problems, primarily due to the game engine itself restricting key elements that are needed for this type of game (tether free & long draw distances). The players are still locked into a prehistoric distance tether which means your squad are limited to the distance they can move from each other (game engine restriction). The look is good and scores well but games are not all about looks, Cm seem to think they are but they forget, games are about function, the ability to do what they claim and RR falls down on many occasions with this problem.

    Overall I rated RR 6/10 simply because it was entertaining/ fun, it looked good and it does function well most of the time, but it is also frustrating with average/poor AI (no replacement for real players), bugs in some basic controls and restrictive play (funnelled) although Cm claim open world by their definition.

    OFP 3 RR is worth a buy when it hits bargain bucket but not at full price.

    They need to focus on throwing out the restrictive play and make the game feel more open. Cm don't listen to their community much as they have been saying for along time, make it open world, make it tether free, make it PvP, Cm did the exact opposite, still on console there is nothing close.    … Full Review »
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