If you've never played an Operation Flashpoint game before, Red River's co-op is an experience unlike most modern day combat shooters. As with the game's predecessors the levels are epic - freeform, open-world environments packed with generously spaced mission objectives that must be traveled to either on foot or by vehicle.
Much of the combat takes place at range, with enemies often distant figures who bob in and out of cover as they attempt to pick you off. Or at best, who get near enough to bellow a shouted hello before you riddle their innards with a couple of well-placed salvos. Which kind depends on the class of soldier you choose to play as.
Scouts are masters of long range sniping, while Auto Riflemen can spray bullets all day long to suppress the enemy. Grenadiers are kings of demolition and regular Riflemen are the ones most likely to see the whites of the enemy's eyes.
An array of customisations allows you to upgrade your weapons, whether by trading in a handgun for a shotgun or adding an improved scope to your sniper rifle and so on. Battle modifications let you boost key attributes for the fight ahead, ranging from more accurate shooting to improved health. With upgrades linked to character class level progression, you always feel as though the way you play influences how quickly you advance. The game encourages you to press on into the thick of the action rather than take a backseat and let your team mates do all the dangerous stuff.
Red River is a class act. This game does not reward mindless charging about but whilst tough to master the sense of satisfaction is immense