Operation Flashpoint: Resistance Preview
This upcoming add-on for the critically acclaimed 2001 tactical shooter will have lots of new features. Read all about them here.
Hailed by many as the consummate tactical action shooter, last year's Operation Flashpoint garnered mass acclaim, racking up numerous critical citations along the way. But trophy cases can take a game only so far, however, and it wasn't long before Red Hammer, an official expansion pack and upgrade package combo, was released. Still, many players expressed chagrin at its less-than-battle-hardened network play and what was rapidly becoming an archaic graphics engine. Enter Operation Flashpoint: Resistance, a gargantuan add-on that will attempt to address all these issues and more, and will hopefully reinvigorate the original product with a smorgasbord of new material to boot. We recently had some hands-on time with Resistance, and we're sure that Operation Flashpoint fans will undoubtedly find it to be a worthy add-on.
To move the franchise forward, Codemasters looked to the past. Set roughly four years before the events that took place in its predecessor, Resistance chronicles the saga of Victor Troska. An ex-military man gone civilian, he's been finding life on the island of Nogova relatively peaceful --until Russian troops invade, that is. "We wanted to finish this tale," explains game designer Andrew Wafer. "But the end of Operation Flashpoint brought the story to its logical conclusion. To stop and say 'Wait, there's more!' just wouldn't make sense. Going the prequel route just worked best." So did giving proceedings a more personal touch--rather than being dropped straight into the action as before, you're given a chance to get to know Troska and his daily routine. In fact, the first few minutes of play depict everyday events in Nogova, including routine acts such as casual conversation and a simple (or soon to be fateful, as it were) bus ride. All told, this sets the stage for greater identification with the star, an everyman who will soon be thrust into a scenario that he couldn't possibly be prepared for.
Naturally, the game has a knack for irony. While the story is basically linear, new branching campaign missions add variety early on. As a man confused and overwhelmed by what unfolds, one of the first choices that must be made is whether Victor should harbor a fugitive Resistance leader or give him up, thereby siding with the Russians. Such a decision actually determines which scenarios you'll face at the beginning of the game. But, as usual, evil never triumphs over good. Eventually, even staunch allies are betrayed by the Reds, ensuring that all roads lead to the Resistance. But you'll get the distinct impression that you were able to make important decisions of your own free will, an important feature that adds to the game's atmosphere considerably.
Speaking of believability, the game takes its cinematic inclinations seriously. Lengthy cutscenes currently depict exchanges between key characters, and during these vignettes, you can count on cameo appearances by familiar characters, though they'll sport a younger look than when last seen. Also, since warfare is engaged from the perspective of a grassroots revolution, greater emphasis has been placed on individuals as a whole. No longer are reinforcements readily accessible; you'll have to work for them. Therefore, you must take care of squad members, ensuring that they see a healthy tour of duty, with replacements recruited only as you progress through scripted mission goals. Troops and reserves carry across battles, prompting a more strategic and conservative gameplay approach. And the same rules apply to weapon stockpiles; it won't be long before you find yourself raiding a Soviet convoy for much-needed side arms and ammunition.
Operation Flashpoint: Resistance Quick Links
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- Codemasters
- Bohemia Int.
- Modern Tactical Shooter
- Release: Jul 10, 2002
- ESRB: Mature
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