The sequel to 2009's Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising is just weeks away and Codemasters is aiming to bring with it one of the potentially best FPS co-op experiences available. Operation Flashpoint: Red River features four player online co-op and its latest trailer sets the tone for what to expect from playing with friends online, taking on each one of the four different squad roles.

The trailer, titled  'Co-op Search and Rescue' offers gameplay footage presented from all four of the team member's perspectives while playing CSAR Fireteam Engagement mode. This particular mission follows Fireteam Bravo going behind enemy lines to rescue some pilots.

Operation Flashpoint: Red River offers co-op not just in these Fireteam Engagement standalone missions, but throughout its entire campaign. Co-op is only online but supports drop-in and drop-out gameplay. You and your fellow players each take one of the four team responsibilities: Rifleman, Automatic Rifleman, Scout and Grenadier.

If full 4-player co-operative gameplay isn't enough, this latest Operation Flashpoint game also offers an RPG element where players earn XP to unlock weapons, skills and gear to modify their equipment and customize their character.

Watch the 'Co-op Search and Rescue' video to see which class you'd want to pick:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpE2r6RVJ6g

Gameplay is solid but the voiceovers make my brain hurt. If it's 4-player co-op, there is no need for the character to shout out "reloading" or announce every event or action they take.

Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) is just one of the gametypes available in Fireteam Engagement mode. Other modes include:

  • Combat Sweep -Team must clear out all enemies in the area along with some other objectives (i.e. blowing stuff up).
  • Rolling Thunder - Escort a convoy through enemy lands.
  • Last Stand - Fight off waves of enemies and earn points before extracting.

I cannot wait to get my hands on Operation Flashpoint: Red River. This trailer alone offers 4-player co-op gameplay that I've not had since Ghost Recon 2 and Ghost Recon 2: Summit Strike on the original Xbox.

Are you looking for a solid 4-player co-op shooter experience?

Operation Flashpoint: Red River releases on April 26, 2011 for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

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