Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #15480 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Codemasters
• Released on: 2002-11-15
• Platforms: Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows 95

Amazon.co.uk Review
If you thought that Operation Flashpoint--a cross between Hidden and Dangerous and Delta Force: Land Warrior--was packed full of realistic military action then think again. With Operation Flashpoint Gold you get 20 brand new single-player plot-linked missions, new vehicles and even an modest increase to your arsenal.

Based in the first/third person viewpoint, you start as a Private in the Allied forces in 1985, sent on a number of missions against the imposing Russian forces. From here, following a campaign that takes you across many villages, forests and enemy bases, the idea is simple: stay sharp, stay alive and follow orders.

But Operation Flashpoint Gold doesn't stop at being a first-person shooter in an army simulated world, for all the vehicles, whether it be a jeep or an Apache helicopter, can also be controlled by you. Set across luscious landscapes and rolling valleys, you'll soon start to think you're in a Chris Ryan book or army film as you and your platoon sweep a valley in extended file.

In addition to the great eye candy, the AI for both your fellow soldiers and the enemy is very impressive, and at times you can soon be left behind in the battlefield if you don't pay close attention to what's going on. And the added bonus of a mission editor will allow you to continue with more assignments after you've finished the testing campaign and single mission levels.

As with most games of this ilk, there's a heavy emphasis on multiplayer (there are 12 new multiplayer maps in the edition), without it hindering the single player game--and therefore the usual array of deathmatch, capture the flag and domination options are all here, with online communities around the globe already growing in vast numbers day by day.

Make no mistake, Codemasters have come up with one of those games that'll be hard to beat in terms of sheer playability and open-ended gameplay, and if you've ever thought of donning that 58 pattern webbing then here's your chance to do so without getting too dirty. --Jason Denwood

Customer Reviews

The best war simulator
Operation Flashpoint, is simply the best war simulator available. It boasts huge maps which you can easily get lost in, indeed you can often ignore the mission given and explore these areas at your leisure. Flashpoint's missions are also non-linear and can be completed in many different ways. The infantry levels are certainly the best in the game, and I agree that the tank and helicopter missions are poor in comparison but that is excusable, I think the developers overstretched themselves needlessly by including too many vehicles. The overall quality of the game in general is so high, this isn't really a problem.
You can pick fallen comrades or enemies weapons up and arm yourself with anything available. When in charge of your own squad you can order squad members to pick up ammunition from fallen bodies or supply trucks, or heal at medics if injured. You can enter machine gun emplacements and use these. I especially like the special ops missions in a morning, the sound of wildlife and the graphics in the forest are just perfect, this also helps to keep the atmosphere tense.
I cannot understand comparisons being made with Delta Force. Delta Force 2 and 3(land warrior) are used almost exclusively for multiplayer, since the AI on single player is so poor.
Operation Flashpoint has room for improvement, but it achieves so much that its minor failings can be put aside for now. It is a realistic and (for that reason) sometimes sickening war game. It is also the best squad based strategy/action/shooter available today.

Operation Flashpoint
Someone once said to me 'if Operation Flashpoint isn't realistic enough for you, then you should join the army.' Not quite true anymore - Bohemia have co-developed combat software that is now in use by the military - but you get the idea.
The graphics are excellent, especially the vehicles, and the sound is extremely satisfying, particularly the explosions when you destroy a tank with a salvo of FFARs.
Where OFP really excels though is in the sheer scope of the game. The scale, depth and attention to detail are unprecedented. The ability to go anywhere on the islands (which are up 100km2) and drive or fly any vehicle is very refreshing.
Although there are some flaws in the AI - particularly at close ranges - it is generally very good, and makes for a very challenging game. Ballistics is also all present and correct, and takes into account velocity and range precisely, as well as wind velocity (I believe) in one of the later patches (included with this edition).
Overall, this has to be one of the finest games I've ever played, and as all three campaigns are included in this box, combined with the stand-alone and multiplayer missions, you'll be playing this for some time to come.

A must have part deux
I cannot believe the previous review re this game not being very good. You do have to spend time understanding the controls and the game. The quality of the graphics will depend on the graphics card and PC you own. Other than that the graphics are up to expectation. The game has so many levels in terms of being a single soldier or a commander of a group of soldiers. The Artificial Intelligence is pretty much spot on - even though things all seem to start from the same place each time you play it. It is a hard game but then why buy a game if it is not a challenge. Ignore the last review is my advice.