Red Ops: Side Story

💬 Supportive Caveat This is a very short continuation of Red Ops: The First Infection, which took me roughly 50 to 60 minutes to complete with only two minor choices that do not meaningfully alter the story, so it plays closer to a kinetic VN rather than a branching one. For those coming in from the first entry, Zach is not forgotten. Chris continues to think about him throughout, which helps anchor the emotional throughline of the series even as this side story introduces a new dynamic. Jake will be a make-or-break element. He is written as flirty, cocky, and cocksure, and some players will find that swagger highly appealing. For me, his early dialogue and behavior were a major hurdle: he makes casually homophobic and ageist comments, and his repeated unasked-for advances toward Chris are framed as sexy tension, but they did not land for me. Chris does call out the homophobia and ageism, so it is not treated as acceptable, but Jake does not really seem to engage with it and the story moves on quickly. The game does try to soften him over a very short in-game window, and that shift may feel abrupt depending on your tolerance for this kind of archetype. Still, the ending delive…

Short and hot

I really liked the game. I think there will be a sequel. At first, I was disappointed when I didn't see Zach in the game, but he did show up in the end. I've been a huge fan of his ever since the first game. And I think Chris and Zach are the perfect couple.