Operation Flashpoint

Recently we were invited to get a hands on with Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising by Codemasters. Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising is the newest iteration in the popular pc series. Now heading to Xbox 360, PC, and Playstation 3, Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising has new features that will appeal to new and old fans.

The game itself is tactical squad based. Gamers can go through the entire campaign as single player controlling three other players and giving commands or team up with three other friends.

The maps they showed us were huge. Codemasters has set the goal for Operation Flashpoint to be the “largest sandbox shooter” out there.

The game takes place in 2011 on an island off of Russia that is rich with oil. China had previously attacked Russia and has taken control of the island so Russia turns to the United States for help.

There are over 60 weapons in the game and they’ll sound real in the game. Codemasters recorded all the shots from firing ranges to make sure they got the exact sounds.

There are three modes to the game: assisted, normal, and hardcore. Assisted has cues and a full HUD and as you pick tougher levels, the HUD goes away. The video released today showcases the developers talking about the hardcore mode.

After the demo we got to play through a level. Honestly, I had them put me on God status so I couldn’t die. For those looking for a challenge, this game is it. It’s pretty difficult. There is no waiting for your HUD to clear up to regain health. Once you are hurt you have to use the medic or that’s it. A headshot can and will get you down as well.

Operation Flashpoint is a title for gamers looking for hardcore strategy and combat. Gamers will need skill and patience to not just run in. Because there will be consequences for that. Operation Flashpoint heads to retails stores on October 6.

Here is Executive Producer Sion Lenton talking about Hardcore mode:
“We take all of the HUD off, there’s nothing there at all, no cross hair, no compass, you’re all on your own other than a map. This is about as hardcore as it gets,” explains Executive Producer Sion Lenton. “I think the hardest thing that we set out to achieve, that I’m certainly most proud of, is putting the fear back into first person shooters, getting that element of tension as you’re creeping through the woods, not knowing where the next shot’s going to come from.“