x Flashpoint x
Jun 18 2005, 07:30
World War II Engineer Corps
Parker's E3 Coverage
Operation Flashpoint for the Xbox has shaped into a better game than even I expected. At first I had my doubts that a game with a command system as complex as Operation Flashpoint would even be doable on a console. But after a little hands on time, I believe Operation Flashpoint can be a hit for the console as it was for the PC.
The Xbox version will include the full campaigns of both Cold War Crisis and Resistance. And if that isn't enough play time, it also includes a mission editor and online play. The mission editor is slightly different from the PC version. Instead of giving the mission editor a blank map to begin with, the editor can now pick from a large number of template missions. These templates define objectives such as steal some documents or blow up something. Then the editor is given the from of deciding when, where, and how the objectives are handled. You will be able to add all the units that will be used. You can add the waypoints. You can define the time of day and where the objective will be located in a simple, yet comprenhensive editor.
Online play will take full advantage of Xbox Live. There will be full stat tracking. And there will be over 50 multiplayer missions to choose from. Players will even be able to make their own MP missions. So if you get bored with deathmatch or capture the flag or any of the many other game types, you can simply create you own MP objective. Multiplayer options will also allow for System Link play. Several human players controlling squads of A.I. soldiers should allow for some large and intense battles.
One of the most important things when putting a game on a console is getting the controls right. I had a chance to actually play it, and this is something Bohemia did very well. The control, while complex, are very easy to get the hang of. You have the traditional FPS two-thumb control to move you character. But then the command controls all come from the D-pad. To command you squad simply select the soldier (or group) by pressing up or down then issue them and order by pressing right and up or down to select a command. In practice this is very easy to do and you can easily control your 12-man squad in the heat of battle. Other controls include changing your stance, pulling up your iron sights, perform an action, and of course fire your weapon. All very standard FPS.
The Xbox version will also have several different gameplay modes. On the easiest setting there will be slight auto-aim and visible in-game markers to help the player along. In the higher difficulty settings players will find a much deeper simulation environment. Then game wont prove any help to those who don't want it. This along with the quick loading times, should please any Xbox gamer. From what I got a chance to play, it appears Bohemia put a lot of work into designing the Xbox version to cater to the console crowd, while not venturing away from the Operation Flashpoint experience. To those of you with an Xbox, I would say this game will definetly be worth picking up.
Parker's E3 Coverage
Operation Flashpoint for the Xbox has shaped into a better game than even I expected. At first I had my doubts that a game with a command system as complex as Operation Flashpoint would even be doable on a console. But after a little hands on time, I believe Operation Flashpoint can be a hit for the console as it was for the PC.
The Xbox version will include the full campaigns of both Cold War Crisis and Resistance. And if that isn't enough play time, it also includes a mission editor and online play. The mission editor is slightly different from the PC version. Instead of giving the mission editor a blank map to begin with, the editor can now pick from a large number of template missions. These templates define objectives such as steal some documents or blow up something. Then the editor is given the from of deciding when, where, and how the objectives are handled. You will be able to add all the units that will be used. You can add the waypoints. You can define the time of day and where the objective will be located in a simple, yet comprenhensive editor.
Online play will take full advantage of Xbox Live. There will be full stat tracking. And there will be over 50 multiplayer missions to choose from. Players will even be able to make their own MP missions. So if you get bored with deathmatch or capture the flag or any of the many other game types, you can simply create you own MP objective. Multiplayer options will also allow for System Link play. Several human players controlling squads of A.I. soldiers should allow for some large and intense battles.
One of the most important things when putting a game on a console is getting the controls right. I had a chance to actually play it, and this is something Bohemia did very well. The control, while complex, are very easy to get the hang of. You have the traditional FPS two-thumb control to move you character. But then the command controls all come from the D-pad. To command you squad simply select the soldier (or group) by pressing up or down then issue them and order by pressing right and up or down to select a command. In practice this is very easy to do and you can easily control your 12-man squad in the heat of battle. Other controls include changing your stance, pulling up your iron sights, perform an action, and of course fire your weapon. All very standard FPS.
The Xbox version will also have several different gameplay modes. On the easiest setting there will be slight auto-aim and visible in-game markers to help the player along. In the higher difficulty settings players will find a much deeper simulation environment. Then game wont prove any help to those who don't want it. This along with the quick loading times, should please any Xbox gamer. From what I got a chance to play, it appears Bohemia put a lot of work into designing the Xbox version to cater to the console crowd, while not venturing away from the Operation Flashpoint experience. To those of you with an Xbox, I would say this game will definetly be worth picking up.