ArmA II screenshot from gameplay footage

As the ArmA II website beefs up with new content -- including gameplay footage -- Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising has been delayed from "Summer 2009" to "Fall 2009".

Both games have been competing for two titles since last year:
1. which game is the true Operation Flashpoint sequel, and
2. which game has the most ambiguous release window.

Bohemia Interactive is using the ArmA II website to showcase not only gameplay, but beautiful renders of the landscape, some of which we've gathered in a gallery after the "Read More" link, along with the press release. Currently, the game is slated for release "in 2009". That's it.

Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising is expected to hit store shelves sometime in September 2009, if Joystiq's sleuthing is accurate.

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ArmA 2 screenshot - PC version

“Since Codemasters has no right to use the Bohemia Interactive game engine or any other component of the Bohemia-developed game, how can it rightfully claim to produce a ‘sequel’?”

This is what CEO Marek Spanel of Bohemia Interactive -- the original Operation Flashpoint developer -- had to say about Codemasters' recent claim that a "sequel" is in the works. Indeed, Operation Flashpoint 2: Dragon Rising is slated for "Summer 2009" according to the official website (and is rumored to feature 4-player co-op throughout the campaign), but Spanel will have none of it.

You see, Bohemia and Codemasters split up after the success of Operation Flashpoint. And while the former kept the in-game assets...the latter kept the rights to the name.

Click "Read More" to continue...

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Screenshot from ArmA 2, PC version

PC shooter games and patience don't generally mix, but fans of semi-realistic games like Operation Flashpoint, America's Army, and the SWAT series will attest that there are a couple of titles out there that make Rainbow Six Vegas look like Unreal Tournament, especially when considering user-created mods.

ArmA 2 by Bohemia Interactive looks to top the first ArmA, which was the spiritual continuation of the Operation Flashpoint series. Bohemia created and developed Operation Flashpoint, but due to legal issues between the developer and Codemasters (as publisher), the series was disjointed.

Operation Flashpoint 2: Dragon Rising is the next official stint in the series, although loyal fans are generally dismissive of its status as a contender in the realistic shooter market. Codemasters is taking the dual roles of developer and publisher.

Despite a lack of official information from either developer, both games are aiming for a huge amount of player interaction and immersion; this screams "co-op", of course. Click "Read More" to see what is being said about each, and leave a comment.

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For those of us who are Americans, today is Labor Day, marking the official end of summer.  However, here at Co-Optimus, such is our devotion to co-op gaming that we bring you news up a few recent announcements even when we are resting from our labor.  (Actually, I'm just putting off mowing the lawn.)

First up is the title DeathSmiles, which certainly is an interesting name.  DeathSmiles is a  horizontally scrolling shooter from developer Cave.  1Up has more information, and here's a nice little snippet:

Details are still short on the 360 version's new features, but one very big one has already been confirmed: full two-player co-op via Xbox Live. There'll be the usual online high-score lists and replay sharing, of course, but that co-op could be worth the price of admission all by itself to lonely shooter nuts.

Coming soon for the PlayStation Network and the PC is Sky Gods.  Little is known about the title yet, and I had google SOF HALO to figure out what this part of the announcement meant:

Using the Unreal Engine 3, BlackFoot Studios' Sky Gods will focus on a complete Co-Op game experience centering on SOF HALO and helicopter insertion operations. Once on the ground, you and your team mates will engage various targets and be presented with missions of ever expanding scope and complexity.

If you already knew what SOF HALO meant, this title is likely right up your alley.  Sky Gods will NOT be hitting XBLA due to the size restrictions on that platform.

Lastly, a sequel to "2007’s most realistic PC tactical shooter" is coming for the PC, XBLA, and PSN in Q1 2009.  ArmA (Armed Assault) II is being developed by Bohemia Interactive, and will feature "some of teh most realistic warfare ever".  The press release can be found at sister site Evil Avatar, and screens from the game are available at Shacknews.