Gallery: Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising Co-Op Screens

With its October 6, 2009 release date rapidly approaching, Codemasters has unveiled a new set of screenshots as well as a game trailer for Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising's Co-op mode. Lifelike visuals and animation? Check. Impressive audio effects? Check. Die-hard military simulation fans waiting with bated breath for the game's launch? Check. Unlike other first-person shooters that rely more on the 'one-man army' approach to combat, Dragon Rising is (like the original game), a highly detailed simulation where trying to play Rambo will leave you and/or your team members dead in no time flat. The unforgiving nature of the game should weed out lazier players more used to regenerating health (not happening here), bulletproof AI allies (nope) and dumb enemies (don't count on it). Scope out the press release below the box art for a bit more detail.

In Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising, the entire single player campaign is fully playable co-operatively for up to four players online. Teamwork and communication are key as gamers take on USMC infantry and spec ops roles battling the might of the Chinese PLA as the war plays out across Skira island.

“There’s no better FPS experience than playing together with friends in a fire team and four-player co-op is the sweet spot; I’d say it’s the ultimate Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising experience,” said Sion Lenton, Executive Producer for Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising. “The nature and freedom of the game lends itself perfectly to the spirit of co-op play – especially as human players explore avenues that the AI won’t always.”

During a co-op game, the host assumes the role of fire team leader and the remaining players choose their role, including medic, rifleman, engineer or anti-tank specialist, via the load out screen. The fire team leader is responsible for issuing specific commands, such as directing suppressing fire, setting way points and instigating flanking manoeuvres. Similarly, if players take control of a vehicle during a mission, roles specific to that vehicle become available, such as driver, commander, gunner or co-pilot in a helicopter.

“Good communication between fire team members is hugely important, especially when mission objectives can be handled in multiple ways. The successful co-op team will learn authentic USMC tactics via the command radial and gameplay encourages the discussion of those tactics; that’s the key to winning the battle and ultimately the war,” continued Lenton.

“It’s a thoroughly immersive co-op experience; the tense atmosphere becomes especially apparent in the spec ops missions, where players will find themselves whispering commands to each other as they become gripped by the fear of being discovered by the enemy.”

In addition to the campaign, the game’s individual single missions, once completed, can be set up as self contained co-op games. This enables players to jump straight to their favorite missions and have up to 3 players to join as part of their unit. Co-op play also offers re-spawn points at checkpoints that encourages the fire team to stick together.

Sounds as if this one's going to be quite intense as a co-op experience. While you're here, you may as well check out the screens below while you're checking off the days (and planning to check a few days off of work to dive into this awesome-looking tactical experience):