In a way this was a precursor to the GTA series. A vast (especially for the time) open world that had near realistic size, filled with friendly, civilian, and enemy AI people and vehicles, and a plethora of military equipment. Back in the 2000's, I would play a single mission for more than an hour, just wandering around the area looking for helicopters, tanks, or exotic weapons to liberate. I still have my Operation Flashpoint GOTY CD's in the basement and they are among my most prized gaming posessions.