Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising

Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising is something you don't see every day on consoles, and its uniqueness does offer a breath of fresh air amidst the myriad twitch and sci-fi shooters out there. This is one of the more realistic war games you'll find on Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3, with a sense of tension built out of life or death situations rather than over-the-top action. I had fun with Dragon Rising, despite the fact that it consistently showed a lack of polish through weak artificial intelligence, middle of the road presentation, and its fair share of bugs.

Dragon Rising has problems. However, and this is one very big however, it also does an awful lot right.

As a thoroughly realistic military shooter, it achieves everything it sets out to achieve. But next to the brash set-pieces of Infinity Ward's Modern Warfare, it feels sterile without the smoke and mirrors. Be assured though, if it's realism you seek, Operation Flashpoint will gratefully satisfy your military needs.

Involving, immersive and well-balanced, Dragon Rising is brutally challenging but seldom unfair. Despite occasional AI tics and the odd glitch, Codemasters’ tough military shooter will compel and entertain in equal measure. Oh, and frustrate at times too. Be forewarned that a great deal of patience is an essential prerequisite for Op Flash 2. Nonetheless, the authenticity and attention to detail in Dragon Rising is to be applauded.

The purpose of games has been a hotly debated topic in recent years. Some argue that they are created to provide fun times, whilst others argue they are created as an art form, or even to engage an emotional response. Operation Flashpoint falls somewhere in the grey area. A realistic shooter by trade, Codemasters’ latest addition to the popular franchise makes its way to consoles for the first time and it’s about to rape you... I mean seriously rape you. Lube up soldier.