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Next OpFlash "takes on board feedback"

"Target visuals" arrive.

Operation Flashpoint: Red River will deliver an "authentic and intensely personal US Marine Corps infantryman experience" and builds upon predecessor Dragon Rising by "taking on board feedback from the community", Codemasters has said.

The game, due out for PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 next year, is set "in the remote yet beautiful country of Tajikistan along the Vakhsh River".

Tajikistan is a real country in Central Asia. Afghanistan borders it to the south, Uzbekistan to the west, Kyrgyzstan to the north, and People's Republic of China to the east.

From the official blurb: "Taking a small step into the future, Red River depicts a fictional conflict with contemporary geopolitical themes, which will unfold over three distinct acts in both single player and drop-in-drop-out co-operative play for up to four players online.

"Faced with new counter-insurgency combat and the returning threat of the Chinese PLA, players will feel the tension, brutality and carnage of modern conflict from the perspective of a marine fireteam on deployment in a hostile country, thousands of miles from home."

Red River will improve on Dragon Rising with, according to Codemasters, 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.

Creative director Sion Lenton had this to say: "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.

"The new setting of Tajikistan is a diverse and exciting backdrop for the wide range of military challenges the US Marines face around the world in real life.

"We're excited to push the series in new directions while staying true to the core tactical combat that is the hallmark of Operation Flashpoint."

Executive producer Adam Parsons added: "In creating Operation Flashpoint: Red River, we're building on our strengths whilst taking on board feedback from the community and focussing on key areas and enhancements to further refine the Flashpoint experience.

"Whether playing solo or co-operatively, players will experience the tense and exhilarating tactical gameplay the series is famed for, expressed through a range of gameplay enhancements and an exciting new setting and narrative."

The game's first screenshots, or "target visuals", are below.