Operation Flashpoint: Red River Announced for 2011, 'Built Around' Co-op

A new entry in the 'Operation Flashpoint' tactical shooter series is due in 2011, developer and publisher Codemasters announced today, "built around four player co-op online play."

Operation Flashpoint: Red River ventures into Tajikistan with an "epic campaign" pitting the US Marine Corps against the Chinese PLA.

"Operation Flashpoint: Red River is being built around four player co-op online play, complete with a strong narrative, new enemies and combat scenarios to deliver gameplay that immerses players in the reality of war like never before," creative director Sion Lenton said in the announcement.

Executive producer Adam Parsons assures that "we're building on our strengths whilst taking on board feedback from the community and focusing on key areas and enhancements to further refine the Flashpoint experience." Codemasters' Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising--developed internally after series creator Bohemia Interactive severed ties and moved on to create the ARMA series--received a lukewarm reception.

Codies promises "wide-ranging advancements including a deeper narrative-led campaign, streamlined inventory and control system, a refined enemy and squad AI system, player class roles including customisable XP upgrades and loadout choice, close-quarters combat, new air support options and comprehensive tutorials."

Operation Flashpoint: Red River is headed to PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in 2011.