Very realistic war game
In MW2, and even GRAW 2, you're on a pre-determined path in which to follow. Operation Flashpoint 2 is totally the opposite. Each mission you go on you can choose ANY which way you want to execute an objective. I read one official review of the game in which the island that you're fighting on, Skira, is so massive that it will take you nine (9) hours to walk across - I think it's the first game for 360 to have such massive space to explore. You can easily give your squad mates orders (WIHTOUT HAVING TO USE THE MAP - which comes up when you press the "back" button) by using the RB (right button), and scroll through orders. For example, you can order your squad to cease fire, fire on your lead, return fire, or fire at will. I absolutely LOVE having those choices. I'm not sure why some of these reviewers are saying that giving orders to your squad members is so difficult to do - it's not difficult at all. Just explore all the commands, try to remember them and you're good to go. Once an order is given, they have NO trouble at all following it. Tell them to engage a specific target and they will concentrate fire at that specific target. You can even all in Artillery/mortar/air strikes when allowed!!
Some have also talked about having to hit your enemy multiple times in chest or belly to actually kill them. Well duh, they're wearing body armor just like you! To kill your enemies with one shot, aim for the head!! It's worked for me throughout the game and I'm almost done with it. That goes for all FPS shooters really, aim for the head and they'll die. The military emphasizes two to the chest and one to the head; I'd rather get it over and just aim for the head. I like the challenge, personally.
Graphically speaking, this game is AMAZING. Weapons are realisitc; you have both a flashlight and a laser attached to your rifle, which the laser is also switched on or off and can only be seen through your night vision. The terrain, the smoke, the explosions, are all photo-realisitc.
Overall, I think most of the reviewers who said they're frustrated with the game or that the game was no fun at all are either looking for something easy to play or don't really know how to play an actual war game in the first place. I'm a military buff and I personally would recommend this game to other military buffs who want a realistic, make-you-think kind of game, and not some typical run-and-gun arcadey game like MW2 (though I do like the COD series.) I bought it for $60 and I believe I got my money's worth.