Cert: 18+
Platform: Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC
Genre: Tactical Shooter
The first Operation Flashpoint was lauded as the most realistic shooter ever with the engine supposedly even been apadpted by the US military to train soldiers, Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising isn't the official sequel - being made by a different developer - but it is the latest offering for fans of the series.
It takes place on an island off the coast of Russia during a 2011 global economic crisis which sees Russia and China vie for oil. The game is a tactical shooter where players command a squad, drive military vehicles, work out combat strategies and generally avoid running and gunning i.e. it's not Call of Duty.
Dragon Rising is not an easy game to love. The environments are incredibly sparse and the buildings little more than empty shells with barely a table inside. The interface too is clunky requiring gamers to navigate a radial wheel filled with sub-menus during firefights. And the learning curve is very high.
Still, those bored by run of the mill shooters, with some patience, will be treated to a rewarding tactical shooter. Others may just find the latest Flashpoint game ugly and slow.
Buy or Rent: Rent
Graphics: 2/5
Gameplay: 3/5
Replay Value: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
Reviewed By: Bryan Collins
