Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising

Tuesday 11th August/... Codemasters® today released the first in a series of videos featuring developer insight and explosive gameplay footage that takes gamers behind the scenes of the tactical shooter, available to view www.flashpointgame.com. Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising's Executive Producer Sion Lenton, Chief Games Designer Tim Browne and Chief Level Designer James Nicholls explain how 'Hardcore Mode' has been developed with fan feedback to deliver the ultimate challenge in the authentic sandbox shooter.

 “We take all of the HUD off, there's nothing there at all, no cross hair, no compass, you're all on your own other than a map. This is about as hardcore as it gets,” explains Executive Producer Sion Lenton. “I think the hardest thing that we set out to achieve, that I'm certainly most proud of, is putting the fear back into first person shooters, getting that element of tension as you're creeping through the woods, not knowing where the next shot's going to come from.“

“What makes an Operation Flashpoint mission special is that it's so open world in nature. In most games you're drawn through a very narrow corridor whereas in Operation Flashpoint you really are left open to translate your orders as you see fit,” says Chief Level Designer James Nicholls. “There's a lot of room for manoeuvre and to adapt your tactics on the fly.”

The video is available now at www.flashpointgame.com. Gamers can also receive the latest updates as they happen by signing up to Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/flashpointgame - or follow developments straight from the studio on Twitter - http://twitter.com/flashpointgame.

Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising is the complete antithesis of the on-rails, run-and-gun shooter. Players are empowered with the freedom to handle military crisis situations on their own initiative, deploying the weaponry, vehicles and equipment of a contemporary fighting force. Objectives are set, it's then up to the player to decide how they are achieved in exhilarating, unscripted missions. Armed with cutting-edge military hardware, players will need to balance brute force with intelligent use of tactics.

Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising will set the new standard for sandbox shooters when it arrives October 6th/8th/9th for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and PC. Go hardcore with the new developer video, now available online at www.flashpointgame.com.

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ABOUT OPERATION FLASHPOINT: DRAGON RISING

In Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising gamers play the decisive role in defusing a military flashpoint between two global superpowers that threatens the entire world. Players take the role of US Marines and Special Forces operatives dispatched to take back the oil-rich Russian island of Skira from an invading force of Chinese PLA.

The 220km island becomes the ultimate open-world battlefield as players are empowered to make their own choices, deploy their own tactics and fight war on their own terms. Objectives are set - how they are accomplished is always up to the player who has the full resources of the US Marine Corps at their disposal and the ability to attack from any direction. Intelligent squad and enemy AI, based on authentic military tactics, react in real-time to situations as they unfold to ensure that no two games will ever play out the same.

Players will become immersed in a stunningly realistic conflict with unprecedented levels of detail, freedom and authenticity. Every decision counts, every action has a consequence and every bullet can kill as Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising recreates the lethality, tension and adrenaline of real war like never before.

MEDIA INFORMATION:

Adrian Lawton Communications Manager

Adrian.lawton@codemasters.com

Codemasters (UK 01926 814 132)

Richard Eddy, Director, Communication

Rich.eddy@codemasters.com

Codemasters (UK 01926 814 132)

ABOUT CODEMASTERS

Codemasters is a leading developer and publisher of best-selling interactive entertainment products for a global audience across multiple gaming platforms and channels. Established in 1986, the company's dominant brands include Colin McRae DiRT, Race Driver GRID, Overlord and Operation Flashpoint; the company retains the exclusive worldwide video game rights to FORMULA 1. Codemasters is headquartered in Warwickshire UK, with North American operations based in Universal City, Calif. The company also maintains operations in Japan, Germany, France, Spain, Benelux and Malaysia.  Codemasters receives over two million visitors to its web site every month, discover why at www.codemasters.com

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