[OFP] Operation Red Storm by Teifiterror

Review by Wisp

Overview

I appreciated the illustrated overview.

Intro

The intro cinematic is a nice idea (sweeping close-ups of your squad with credits, as if it were the leader of an action series), but a little long-winded in practice. I don't think you'll watch it more than once - no story, no explanation, just scene-setting.

Briefing

The extensive briefing seems to have a non-working picture and a layout that is slightly confusing. Minor niggles aside, the content of the briefing is great, giving you all the information you need on objectives and enemy forces. Being able to choose your own gear is a plus, considering the long length of the mission (extra ammo)!

Mission

The mission concept is well executed if not terribly original. NATO expects you to lead a small squad in a multi-stage assault on three key Soviet positions. The way the author builds up the action is nicely done and suggests good playtesting. The first objective is a push-over, the second requires a little more tactical thinking, and the third is a headache (especially when the enemy pulls a surprise rabbit out of its hat.)

Even so, you never feel it's hopeless, because NATO sends more reinforcements your way after every achievement. The final combined assault includes armor and helicopters flying close air support. If you don't mind a mission which taxes lower-end computers, the final battle is quite spectacular and fun to watch.

There is radio chatter and hint text throughout, so you never feel lost, although it's sometimes a pain to wait at the form-up points for the rest of the NATO forces to arrive.

One thing that struck me is the clever placement of enemy units. Sometimes you can almost imagine the wicked grin on the author's face as he puts a sniper in a position where he can almost single-handedly stop one of the NATO assault waves.

Although the enemy placement is great, its movement leaves something to be desired. There aren't many enemy patrols moving around, which causes most of your enemies to remain stationary until you engage them. Consequently, the initial stages are a little too predictable for my taste. Fortunately, there is more fluidity in the final battle.

Outro(s)

The victory cinematic is simple but effective and foreshadows Teifiterror's next effort, Operation Firestorm. After playing Operation Red Storm, I'm certainly looking forward to it.

Special

This mission is well polished and balanced, with a some nice scripting touches, like an in-game save and the ability to choose your own music on the fly.

Overall

(Review Date: Mar 2002) The mission's title gave me the hope that someone had taken the old Tom Clancy novel Red Storm Rising as his inspiration, but this is not the case. Fortunately, Teifiterror's effort can hold its own even without Clancy's storytelling.

Pros: Long; in-game save; clever enemy placement.

Cons: Could have benefited from a little more AI-scripting; final phase of mission is processor-intensive.