"Wednesday 27th June 2001

Not Just A Flash In The Pan 17:35 Stuart Bishop

PC Zone has got hold of some top information from publisher Codemasters that outlines its planned commitment to release what it terms "episodic entertainment upgrade packs" for Bohemia Interactive Studios' fantastic war simulation game Operation Flashpoint.
The Operation Flashpoint upgrade packs [which will come straight from Bohemia Interactive itself] we be available to download free of charge from Codemasters' official site for the game. They will be released on a monthly basis, with the "show" kicking off in July and ending in September, and will add a considerable amount of content to the title that appears to be selling like hot cakes.

The first pack, to be released in July, will add a new weapon to the armoury, the Kozlice. This civilian hunting gun comes with two muzzles, one a shotgun and the other a rifle. Also included will be two new types of aircraft, a new US transport helicopter and the Soviet SU25.

August's upgrade pack will see the launch of the highly anticipated remote/dedicated server software for online multiplayer action. It will also contain two more vehicles, two new official single player missions and five new multiplayer co-op campaigns. On top of this it will enhance online security and peripheral support and will come with a multiplayer level auto-generator for the mission editor. As if this wasn't enough there will even be some special treats in the shape of US and Russian Rotational Grenade Launchers, a Vulcan US Anti-Aircraft gun and yet another attack helicopter. Phew!

The third entertainment pack, which will arrive in September [which incidentally will coincide with the US launch of the game], will have another two new vehicles, two new official single player missions and a further five new multiplayer missions.

Speaking about the episodic entertainment upgrade packs, Codemasters' MD, Michael Hayes said that, " Operation Flashpoint is an exceptional game and we're ecstatic with its success at launch. However, we're very aware that to build an ever-increasing fan base for Operation Flashpoint to make it a strong franchise, we need to support the community that grows with the game. The Upgrade Packs are not fixes or patches, but genuine exciting additions, expanding the scope of the game and adding longevity to its gameplay."

That scores Bohemia and Codemasters at least 10 Brownie points in my book!"

Note: This article was First published on the PCZone website.