Operation Flashpoint: Red River

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.

In the end, Operation Flashpoint is an ambitious game that tries its best to compensate for its various shortcomings, and Codemasters deserves a lot of credit for not mimicking Call of Duty or coping out to make a mediocre title.

Fortunately, checkpoints are doled out steadily -- which is good, since missions can last over an hour. Along the same lines, you have to reconcile your play style with what the mission calls for in your loadout: In an escort mission, say, would you rather stay close to the front lines, or provide more backup? You can only carry two guns, and the default pair never felt ideal for me. Here's where you're encouraged to truly experiment, because your performance affects how much you can upgrade stats like combat-readiness or how long you can run without getting winded. It's just too bad that your performance will suffer because you had to babysit your wingmen.

A very distinct FPS, meant for living a realistic co-op war experience in open environments. It isn't perfect however, mainly in single player due to the lacking allied AI.

Impressively executed, infinitely slicker than its predecessors, and reveals the horror interspersed with periods of tedium that characterises modern warfare in a startlingly believable manner. Which will surely earn it cult status in the future.

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.

The game does play much better when there are four human players using mics and who are equally disgusted by the prominent offensive language. It's in these moments that Gameplay is tight, engaging and well worth the entrance fee for an unrivalled experience this generation.

Despite a few misjudged attempts at creating a realistic atmosphere, and not to mention some ropey A.I., Operation Flashpoint: Red River is a very good videogame, as long as you're willing to accept it on its own terms.

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.

After an average Dragon Rising episode, Codemasters corrects a lot of shortcomings and delivers, this time around, a more convincing tactical FPS. If the basics remain the same, with a similar technical side and order system, large and open environments, etc. the AI behaviors have been enhanced. This makes Red River a game that is still difficult, but less frustrating, and more immersive. It's also an experience you'll want to share online. A title that's not for everyone, but one that will appeal to virtual soldiers thanks to a unique design.

Operation Flashpoint: Red River is a big step ahead for the console version of this popular franchise. The co-op multiplayer is really entertaining and the new squad control system works in a great way.

At its best, Red River surpasses Ubisoft's original Ghost Recons for squad-based tactical play. But it's the presentation of the story – not the broad-canvas story, but the story of four marines and their staff sergeant – that marks it out as something new.

Red River succefully manages to offer something different from the typical FPS. The game is at its best when you play the cooperative mode.

In conclusion, Operation Flashpoint: Red River is an interesting game that fits somewhere between Call of Duty: Black Ops and ArmA II. The game has been consoled down which is not a bad thing because the control system works quite well on the XBox 360. The single-player game is a little lacklustre but the developers should be commended on the realism incorporated into the game. However where it does shine is by playing online and with more DLC coming soon, this game might keep quite a few busy in the coming months.

Following the trend set by other popular franchises Red River bridges the gap that was its predecessors missed.

Due to the horrible AI, I can't bring myself to grant a higher score, but don't let that scare you. Even if you're stuck playing offline, you can still have a great time conducting a nighttime ambush or calling in airstrikes while perched atop a craggy vista, and if possible, the co-op is something that shouldn't be missed.

A good game, but one that requires tactical patience and some skill. A very hard game to play solo, but certainly with a partner or a whole squad of mates it's far more enjoyable, and in some ways more doable.

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.

Red River succefully manages to offer something different from the typical FPS of these days, but its structure and the quite shallow level design makes it difficult to appeal to everyone.

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.