Xbox 360 Critic Reviews

Operation Flashpoint: Red River isn't the most accessible military FPS game out there, but it certainly is one of the most realistic you'll find on the console if you're up for the challenge. Obviously, sim purists will want to play on the PC where sharper graphics and finer mouse controls will prevail, but mission for mission, and for overall gameplay, both solo and co-op, Red River is a great ride for those with the tactical precision and patience to play.

Red River may not be as hardcore as its predecessors, while still being not nearly as "cool" and "mass market compatible" as the CoDs and MoHs out there, but it's still is a pretty good game. Especially, if you manage to grab yourself three friends for some intense Coop-Multiplayer-Action.

In the end, Operation Flashpoint is an ambitious game that tries its best to compensate for its various shortcomings, and Codemasters deserves a lot of credit for not mimicking Call of Duty or coping out to make a mediocre title.

At its best, Red River surpasses Ubisoft's original Ghost Recons for squad-based tactical play. But it's the presentation of the story – not the broad-canvas story, but the story of four marines and their staff sergeant – that marks it out as something new.

Operation Flashpoint: Red River is a big step ahead for the console version of this popular franchise. The co-op multiplayer is really entertaining and the new squad control system works in a great way.

After an average Dragon Rising episode, Codemasters corrects a lot of shortcomings and delivers, this time around, a more convincing tactical FPS. If the basics remain the same, with a similar technical side and order system, large and open environments, etc. the AI behaviors have been enhanced. This makes Red River a game that is still difficult, but less frustrating, and more immersive. It's also an experience you'll want to share online. A title that's not for everyone, but one that will appeal to virtual soldiers thanks to a unique design.

Red River greatly improves Dragon Rising, with a few tweaks in the gameplay, better combat and better management of the orders we can give to our squad. But due to a few visual issues and several problems with the AI, this game doesn't reach the level of ARMA. The co-op modes are the best of the game.

Despite a few misjudged attempts at creating a realistic atmosphere, and not to mention some ropey A.I., Operation Flashpoint: Red River is a very good videogame, as long as you're willing to accept it on its own terms.

The game does play much better when there are four human players using mics and who are equally disgusted by the prominent offensive language. It's in these moments that Gameplay is tight, engaging and well worth the entrance fee for an unrivalled experience this generation.

We think it's better than Dragon Rising, and the fact they've taken the "less is more" approach and focused on a couple of key features has been to their credit. It's got some good moments in it, but playing with friends is key and we question the longevity of this title, so the post-release DLC better be good and regular.