(Updated December 26, 2003)
On March 22, several OFP veterans noticed the existence for OFP2's WEB site. Back then, the site consisted of nothing but a large picture of an old black and white TV set, showing a broadcast test pattern screen with the letters "VTV". Many players had speculated that this stands for "Vietnam Television" and that OFP2 will be based on the Vietnamese war.
Soon the TV set has been replaced with a slightly newer 1960's TV model and BIS has been toying around with the screen.
At the time, it looked like those who guessed Vietnam were right, at least according to the picture, below, the site was flashing at viewers:
In addition to BIS' OFP2's WEB site, there is also a Codemasters' OFP2 WEB site.
Here is Codemasters' official press release on the announcement of OFP2:
Operation Flashpoint 2 confirmed for PC - first details to be revealed at E3 - 16/04/2003
Codemasters today confirms that Operation Flashpoint 2, a true sequel to the million-selling military simulator, has been commissioned. The setting and theme for the game will be revealed at E3, the global games expo (Los Angeles Convention Centre, May 14-16).
Operation Flashpoint 2 is in design and development at Bohemia Interactive Studio, the Prague-based creators of the original title, and will launch late in 2004 for PC.
Focusing on another theatre of modern-historical warfare, Operation Flashpoint 2 will continue the title’s reputation as the ultimate military gaming experience.
Marek Spanel, Operation Flashpoint’s Project Leader at Bohemia Interactive Studio says: “We have great plans and massive ambition for Operation Flashpoint 2 but, for the moment, we are not revealing specific details of its content and gameplay. Following the success of the original game, it’s great to be working with Codemasters on the sequel and we are confident it’ll become another major landmark in PC gaming.”
Codemasters will trail Operation Flashpoint 2 at its E3 booth (#746, South Hall). Until then, gamers can register their interest in the project and sign-up for development updates online at: www.codemasters.com/flashpoint2.
Operation Flashpoint 2 confirmed for PC - first details to be revealed at E3.
Indeed, when E3 came along in May 2003, Codemasters announced that OFP2 would be set in the 70's and involve scenarios in Africa, Asia and Central Europe.
However, on December 24, 2003, BIS did an about-face and totally revamped the OFP2 WEB site. Out went the old TV motif and Vietnam era pictures. In is a new flat panle TV design and modern era weapons pics and story lines. Africa is no longer mentioned. It's just Europe and Asia now.
So, will we be fighting terrorists? Rebels? The Russians (again)? Will Independence Lost fill in the Asian side of OFP2's story line? It's too early to tell. No details have been given out to date. You'll just have to stay tuned.