[OFP] Marine Expeditionary Force by Kendo J

Review by Schuler

Overview

Although the author did not place a picture in the overview he is straight to the point of what this mission is about, behind enemy lines assault. After playing I found that with no picture to promote this mission he did not really need one. Leaving a photo shot out, there is no tainting to the mind of what this mission might be about. Let your mind do the wondering in this extremely realistic type mission. An image would have made the overview more attractive.

Briefing

The briefing is extremely well done. Gear selection had the essentials you will need and is not loaded with heaps of unnecessary equipment. With details of the mission and well placed links the author lets you know your objectives very clearly. Making a link in the briefing to a page with military lingo that you will be seeing in the mission was a plus. Included also is the hints and tips section and a very descriptive INTEL report. You will have all the info you need to carry out your objectives. Added is a map with real time showing your position, friendly positions and updates on enemy’s positions by radio and map.

Mission

This nice piece of work is for those who like strategy and realistic values in a mission. Starting out at 0800 hours the sun is at your back to take out one of the first radio towers you must destroy. This tower is in a no-fly zone and must be taken out by extreme stealth or a good shot with a LAW. Don't worry about your highly trained team of three to get in the way, this marine pack is a well made addon. The use of Snyper's support pack gives it the realism with calls for re-supply of ammo, medics and evac by helicopter. There is well planned use of General Baron’s scripts and that always adds to a mission. There is also a choice of a napalm airstrike for times when you are combating a fighting force that really wants you and your team of experts dead. Works well on the secondary objective destroying the OPFOR Company ammo storage.

Most important is the precision guided bomb that you will need in the objective to take out targets behind enemy lines. You will be using a map-click for this so sit back and enjoy the fireworks. There is no cheating in this realistic mission. The map does not give you the exact position of your targets. You will also be supported by spotters informing you of enemy locations. If you are spotted beware, they will give you everything they have in their arsenal.

You have unlimited save games in the radio. But be careful where you save, make sure you're in a safe place at the time to do so.

Special

With the realistic aspect of this I am throwing it up as a must play. One of the author's key touches is the mortars you will receive if you are spotted. Everyone loves the sound of incoming mortars on their position. Kendo also put this into a desert mission. Beware this one is harder do to the lack of tree and brush cover. You can find it in the beta post, for a link check the bottom of the review.

Overall

This is a very realistic and fun mission leaving you fearful of the enemy. If you're spotted you are in trouble. The only flaw that I can see is in the briefing you're left thinking you might want to choose silenced weapons. But what you really want to do is, stay undetected but yet have the fire power of non silenced weapons when you need them.

Even though there is not movie type Intro or Outro in this mission it is still a thrill to play. I have found that the enemy in this mission is very unpredictable, thus making it re-playable especially with random patrols in deeper enemy territory.