Operation Flashpoint: Red River

Taking a small step into the future, Red River depicts a fictional conflict with contemporary geopolitical themes, in both single player and drop-in-drop-out co-operative play for up to four players online. Faced with new counter-insurgency combat and the returning threat of the Chinese PLA, players feel the tension, brutality and carnage of modern conflict from the perspective of a marine fireteam on deployment in a hostile country, thousands of miles from home.

Building extensively on the successes of Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising, Red River brings wide-ranging advancements including a deeper narrative-led campaign, streamlined inventory and control system, a refined enemy and squad AI system, player class roles including customisable XP upgrades and loadout choice, close-quarters combat, new air support options and comprehensive tutorials.

Review by IGN

“…All told, Red River just about achieves its objective – an engaging halfway house between soldier simulation and improbable heroics, and a slick, smart co-op modern warfare experience. If only it had trimmed down the flabby downtime and the reams of prattling fratboy dialogue which dominate its campaign, and instead pursued more tactical variety, we'd perhaps be looking at something exceptional. As it is it's merely capable, with occasional flashpoints of brilliance.”

IGN RATINGS FOR OPERATION FLASHPOINT: RED RIVER (PC)
6.0 Presentation
The co-op emphasis bleeds through even to singleplayer, meaning the menus are essentially a glorified lobby system – far fussier than it needs to be.
8.5 Graphics
The choice of setting means there's only so much it can do, but the sheer scale of the mountainous backdrops is regularly remarkable.
5.5 Sound
So. Much. Prattle. Do shut up, Knox.
7.5 Gameplay
Annoyingly uneven flow, but the Fireteam missions ably demonstrate just how solid the combat model can be.
8.0 Lasting Appeal
With an impressively long campaign, four classes, a weapon unlock system, levelling up and the bonus Fireteam missions there's plenty to keep you going.
7.5
OVERALL
Good
(out of 10)