If it weren't for Codemasters' logo closing their “Think You're Ready?” trailer, hyping the publisher's new FPS Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising, you might mistake the clip for an armed forces recruitment campaign. But I'm guessing the marketing strategy is intentional, as the latest entry in the cerebral war sim is as close as you'll ever want to get to the real thing.
Sure, you've seen the words “realistic”, “authentic” and “accurate” included in back-of-the-box bullet point descriptions for countless modern military shooters. But Operation Flashpoint really means it. This is not the summer movie-like experience, supported by carefully scripted moments and slick set pieces, of the Call of Duty franchise. Don't misunderstand, you still get highly produced screen-stretching explosions, bullet-whizzing firefights, and ear-rattling audio cues; it's just that in this game, you're called to act rather than react.
The gameplay, which encourages thoughtful strategy as much as sharp reflexes, incorporates a free-form style that affords the player unprecedented liberty in terms of how they choose to tackle objectives. The amount of tactical options and squad commands, selected through intuitive radial menus, allows you to plan and execute missions with a depth rarely seen in this genre. It's definitely more mentally taxing than blowing-up fuel barrels or scrambling for a cover spot so your magic shield can regenerate,but putting some evil-doer down because your brain was on the same page as your trigger finger is enormously rewarding. Your sharp-as-a-tack AI squad mates (and enemies), strategy-influencing smoke and fire effects, and real-world arsenal that'd turn Tom Clancy greener than Gumby with envy, also aid in cranking the adrenaline beyond any doctor recommended levels.
My only complaint is that ultra-realism, while intense and addictive, isn't always as much fun as just popping head-shots. You 'll definitely need to be in the proper mindset to truly appreciate Operation Flashpoint's decidedly non-run-and-gun approach. Of course, if you want a break from the psychological pressure, you can always have a buddy take point in the excellent full-campaign co-op mode.
score 8.5 out of ten
verdict As real as it gets in the modern military shooter genre, Operation Flashpoint demands your mind be as sharp as your aim. Those seeking an FPS experience that's evolved passed Hollywood's version of war should definitely enlist, but anyone annoyed by one-shot deaths should probably stick to Call of Duty's frontlines.
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