Operation Flashpoint 2 Returns In 2008

I thought this would be the end of Codies' press assault for the day, but the Brits have unleashed another wave of media for their upcoming games, after the recent Code '07 event. You can see the new images now, in our screenshots section (browse until you get to April 19, if needed), or you can do yourself a favor and finish reading this story first. Which, as the title implies, is about the sequel to Operation Flashpoint, Bohemia Interactive's outstanding military simulation game from 2001.

Operation Flashpoint 2 was of course known to be in (pre-)production for a couple of years already, without any more input from the series' Czech developers. The team currently in charge of the sequel is the largest one ever assembled by Codemasters Studios, and as today's communique reveals, Operation Flashpoint 2 is being built using a modified, "FPS variant" of their proprietary Neon technology - also employed in Colin McRae: DIRT and the freshly announced Race Driver One.

Codemasters is still keeping a pretty tight lip about it, revealing only that Operation Flashpoint 2 is coming in 2008, for the PC and "major consoles" (PS3, Xbox 360?). They promise to offer more details this summer (you can sign up for updates on the official website), but until then we'll have to settle for the following brief description:

"Building on the original game's heritage, Operation Flashpoint 2 will see the most realistic modelling of conflict scenarios in a new contemporary theatre of war. By offering a multitude of military disciplines, gameplay will deliver warfare more realistic and intense then ever before, while an extensive multiplayer component will create battles on an incredible scale."

And to whet your appetite, behold this single new Operation Flashpoint 2 screenshot! Umm... I think it's a screenshot, anyway. Looking too good to be true?

(N.B. Archive text, links removed)