Operation Flashpoint : Dragon Rising

[Aleister Black]

I wrote a review for the clan I'm in, and I figured I'd copy it here as well, on the off-chance anyone's interested in this kind of game

Operation Flashpoint : Dragon Rising



Screenshots in this review are NOT untouched in-game footage made by me; they are press-release images that are obviously shopped to look better.



I'm going to try and give a somewhat unbiased review of OFP.

At numerous points, I will compare OFP to ArmA2, because while their current gameplay differs substantially, the game developers were both striving to develop realistic military simulators. Also, everyone seems to want to compare them anyway, so I'm thinking 'why not'.


I can't start without saying something about OFP's graphics. In my opinion, the graphics are pretty good. They're not top notch, but it looks 'alive', more so than in ArmA. While ArmA's graphics aren't bad, the OFP world just feels better. I think this comes in a large part from the game's overall presentation, which also includes very good-looking dust clouds and smoke and such, making the world seem much more realistic. When comparing ArmA and OFP, such differences as the way smoke is presented really do make a difference, and OFP comes out on top in this area.


The feel of the game is pretty good in general. The game feels more gritty, while ArmA has a rather 'clean' feel to it, which creates distance. OFP kind of draws you in by simulating dirt and blood and hazed vision and such. Weapon handling in OFP is pretty good too. The weapons actually feel heavy and lumbersome and, above all, powerful, in stark contrast to most of ArmA's peashooters.


OFP's sounds is slightly better, largely due to the fact that the 'enemy-MAN, FAR behind... US!' phrases are presented better (still not perfect but way better than in ArmA). Overall voice-acting is better, too. Gun sounds, as stated, are better too, although I can't really say anything about the realism of those sounds as compared to ArmA.


However, I dislike most of the controls. While infantry controls are largely intuitive though sometimes lumbersome, vehicle controls are by and large absolute and utter crap. You thought ArmA's vehicles were bad? Well, I wouldn't suggest trying to drive in OFP then, because you're going to slit your wrists after one try. Vehicles feel heavier than ArmA's which would have been good, but they still slide all over the place, make random turns and cartwheels that show the weight you feel is really just the controls, and not the actual weight of the vehicle that would make it stand securely on the road.


Don't get me started on helicopter controls.


The multiplayer looks like it might be really restricted. I can't really say yet because I don't know what the editor is capable of, but I'm pretty sure we won't be able to make anything like we make in ArmA. The available gametypes much closer resemble CoD than anything else. While you may have a map of several dozen square miles, the effective playing area is usually only slightly larger than a CoD map. And as far as I have been able to find out, the games tend to become slugfests that are indeed much more like CoD's TDMs than anything else.


The coop campaign might be some fun until you've played every mission. After that, it'll get boring fast I imagine.




Also, I can't mention multiplayer without noting the widespread problems the community has with it. Many people are unable to create an online account, and those who can, can't join any games save for a few lucky people out there. Also, dedicated server files seem to be non-existent, so you need to rely on people with good connections as far as I can tell. Or Hamachi, of course. Also, there are no CD keys which may be fun for those of you who want to 'acquire' it, but this also means there is no server side checkups whatsoever as to changed files indicating aimbots or other hacks.


Also, while the graphics aren't bad, OFP has a very 'console' feel to it, as stated before by others. Not everyone will think this is a bad thing, but the menus are pretty annoying to me. Also, some of the controls seem forced onto the keyboard. Believe it or not, I really, REALLY prefer ArmA2's controls. Against all common sense, I find them to be simpler.


Also a point that just needs to be made is OFP's AI. It actually flanks, and suppressive fire works as well. This isn't to say they can't be REALLY stupid... I've seen them do loads of stupid things, but they've surprised me more in a few hours of playing it than ArmA's AI have done in weeks.


---The Comparison---

I've been making comparisons all over, of course. But this will be the actual showdown.


And in my opinion, ArmA2 still wins. It's a shame the graphics aren't better, and that the AI isn't as good as OFP's, but OFP just feels so much more restricted and limited. Especially with the new island, the missions we're making for ArmA and all the other addons we might include (including littlebirds, woo), OFP just won't be able to keep up. I will concede that OFP has a way better presentation than ArmA has. But if it came to it, I'd also reject the super beautiful chick with a super prestigious modelling contract but no appealing personality in favour of an only SLIGHTLY less beautiful chick with a modelling contract at a SLIGHTLY less prestigious modelling agency and who has a personality that actually fits me. [-- Original wording was more crass, I censored it out --]


I'm not saying OFP is bad, far from it. I've had lots of fun with it and probably will have more fun with it in the future, but as it stands, it just can't beat ArmA due to lumbersome controls and the completely bugged out multiplayer. Sure, its presentation is good, but its contents aren't up to par.


If I had to compare grades, ArmA2 would get an 8.5 and OFP would get either a 7 or a 7.5. I really came around as I just wanted to dislike OFP when it first came out, but now I'm rather fond of it. It just doesn't beat ArmA in my book.

[Fuyumine]

Ah, cool! I ain't too big on shooter games but L4D's got me pretty curious. I think I'll give this a shot whenever I get the chance. Great review, dude!

[Aleister Black]

I'll also try and review L4D2 and CoD:MW2 as they are released. Those are games I really want to get, despite the gaping hole it'll leave in my wallet.


Operation Flashpoint hasn't got any CD/copy protection on it though as far as I can see. I think a lot of people are 'saving money' on that.

[Fuyumine]

LOL Nice. My friend has his L4D2 copy pre-ordered, and the moment he gets it I am going to be at his house, imposing like a motherfucker without a single care. LOL I love the L4D games man.