Following the reveal that Codemasters is indeed working on a new Operation Flashpoint tactical military shooter, the publisher has formally unveiled the game’s existence, announcing that Operation Flashpoint: Red River is set to release on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC sometime in 2011.

Red River will be set in an all-new theatre of war, as a band of US Marine Corps infantryman head off to the “remote yet beautiful country” of Tajikistan along the Vakhsh River, and will deliver an “authentic and intensely personal” experience while depicting a fictional conflict with contemporary geopolitical subject matter.

The game will take place over three distinct acts, as the story sees players enduring new counter-insurgency combat and the returning threat of the Chinese PLA. While in the thick of combat, players will feel “the tension, brutality and carnage of modern conflict from the perspective of a marine fireteam on deployment in a hostile country, thousands of miles from home.”

Operation Flashpoint: Red River will feature both singleplayer and drop-in/drop-out cooperative multiplayer, allowing players to team up with friends to play through additional co-op game modes.

Red River also boasts a range of improvements and additions over the previous game, Dragon Rising, and now includes a deeper narrative-lead campaign, as well as a streamlined inventory and control system, refined enemy and squad AI system, player class roles including customisable XP upgrades and loadout choice, close-quarters combat, new air support options and comprehensive tutorials:

“New player class roles mean that gamers can play the way they want, honing skills in their chosen fields as they rank up through the new XP reward system and customise their equipment with numerous upgrades.”

Creative Director on Operation Flashpoint: Red River, Sion Lenton, said in a statement:

“Operation Flashpoint: Red River is being built around four player co-op online play, complete with a strong narrative, new enemies and combat scenarios to deliver gameplay that immerses players in the reality of war like never before.

“The new setting of Tajikistan is a diverse and exciting backdrop for the wide range of military challenges the US Marines face around the world in real life. We’re excited to push the series in new directions while staying true to the core tactical combat that is the hallmark of Operation Flashpoint.”

If Codemasters is able to deliver the improvements being promised, then Operation Flashpoint: Red River is one to look out for in 2011.