Operator 112 is the sequel to the popular and award-winning Operator 911. However, this beefy new kid on the block is bigger and more demanding in practically every way. It has retained many of the original mechanics though. Consequently, you’ll feel right at home if you have played its predecessor.
This real-life simulation title was developed by Jutsu Games and published by Ultimate Games. Moreover, it is a single-player experience that offers a career mode, a scenario selector, and a sandbox option. As such, you can stick to the rigid path set by the developers or experiment and make each run as simple or challenging as you like.
Operator 112 is tense and dramatic.
I’ve long thought that being a forces call handler would be a tough job. There is pressure, time restraints, and ridiculous prank calls to deal with. On top of this, they must organise crews from large areas to overcome any issues that arise. I was amazed that Operator 112 captures this tense and dramatic feeling in its gameplay.
You play the role of a call operator. In front of you is a 2D map of your region. This map can be huge and the number of forces at your disposal varies. However, what remains the same is the never-ending problems you must solve. Fires, trapped individuals, drug deals, robbery, and more must be handled correctly. Alongside this, you are peppered with emergency calls and the issues they create.
Surprisingly challenging.
The developer has done a great job of building you up before knocking you down! The opening elements are complicated but manageable. Furthermore, you have basic units to contend with and no weather fronts to avoid. However, this quickly changes as wind, rain, and traffic play a major part in your demise.
As incidents come to your attention, you must select the relevant emergency service to attend. Occasionally, a large fire, RTC, or robbery will require multiple units. Alongside this, your vehicles must navigate winding roads filled with traffic. Accordingly, you must select the nearest units without reducing coverage across the region. This tactical element was great, but there was a sense of luck as well.
Weather and emergency calls.
The RNG approach may drive you insane, but the weather issues will push you over the edge. When bad weather hits, certain vehicles cannot be used. This paralyses your workforce and spreads your resources even thinner. This idea makes a tough situation a little bit harder. If you then consider high winds and sprawling fires, each emergency can evolve at an alarming pace. This dynamic system makes Operator 112 a tough but moreish experience.
My favourite aspect of this game was the emergency calls. The voice acting was occasionally poor, but the content was fantastic. As the discussion unfolds, you are responsible for deciding if it is a prank or if the person needs assistance. Additionally, you need to use correct questioning to prise information out of any non-compliant callers. It wasn’t complicated, but it added a spectacular and interesting layer of depth.
Operator 112 has a refined style.
Mainly, the action plays out from a 2D map. This may seem like a boring decision, but it wasn’t. This approach made it easier to navigate the upcoming incidents. Furthermore, as your regions expand, you can keep on top of your units and the action that unfolds. The use of vivid colours and familiar tones was helpful as you send the police to a job, a blue line indicates their path. Alternatively, red is for fire, and white is for ambulance. This was brilliantly simple and helped manage the madness that unfolded.
The audio complements the visuals. The design is refined, but it boosts tension and the dramatic atmosphere. Each siren and crackle of a radio has an authentic edge that keeps you hooked. What’s more, the excellent emergency calls are brilliantly paced and great to listen to. Though Operator 112 doesn’t do anything spectacular, aesthetically, it is very pleasing.
The controls were frustrating.
The developers had done their best with the control system. The opening chapters act as a tutorial and there is a gentle learning curve. Yet, I believe that this would be better with a mouse and keyboard. Trying to flit between units and navigating the large map was occasionally tough. This came to the fore whenever the shit hit the fan! With loads of incidents kicking off and minimal units, it was frustrating when the controls let you down.
I enjoyed Operator 112, but I’m not sure if I want to keep playing it. The action ramps up and managing each chapter becomes increasingly difficult. However, the developer incorporated career points and an impressive array of custom settings to draw you back in. The career points are used to expand the world map and give you new areas to test your skills. If I do return, it’ll be on a casual basis in the sandbox mode.
Operator 112 was tough but enjoyable.
Operator 112 impressed me. Its simple ideas and dramatic edge kept me on my toes. Moreover, the emergency calls are great and there is a sense of realism. However, the poor controls and maddening action will put off plenty of gamers. Accordingly, despite these complaints, I like it and I recommend buying it here! Can you help each vast area? Select your units, manage each situation, and save the day.
