A Gulf war tactical classic. A simplified simulation that still maintains a modern realistic feel.
User Rating: 9 | Delta Force PC
As I stepped into the realm of what Delta Force had to offer, I was set into a show that instantly hooked me. Right from the first level, Delta force displayed some of the elements that showed me why war games are fun. The atmosphere is the first element I noticed, though the graphics are not as smooth as they could be, and from only about 20 feet away from an enemy, their face blurs into a pixilated mess. What did bring the atmosphere out was the size of the parameter, and what the designers did to make that huge space seem realistic, other than just a move to make each level seem longer. The terrain itself is what creates this; it feels like each level flows naturally, each crevice, hill, mountain, valley, every part of the terrain looks completely different, and unsymmetrical. While the terrain also does this, it acts as the guiding point for each mission. In order to pass missions, the most important thing is to utilize your surroundings to your advantage. By taking cover, ambushing or what ever the situation may call for, the terrain is always there to guide you. Not only does the terrain work well, but each mission is so different from the next, the game really keeps you going from one type of game plan to another, one minute you'll be walking along in a convoy while swarms of enemies come from either side of the valley your walking in, and the next minute you could be sneaking up on a terrorist drug lord's mansion. The other element that comes together somewhat nicely in Delta Force is the team mates that assist you in your mission. Though they mean well, and sometimes can be a big help on missions, their movements are a little to calculated, and they will go their exact same route, every time you do that certain mission. After their route is done, they will crouch in one spot and never move again. Replay value is one thing that Delta Force gets right. One of the main factors for this is that here is no certain way to complete each objective; actually, sometimes the planned objective isn't the best way. The most common example of this is when you fire at enemies from a distance and miss; they will run towards, or away from your location, depending on how far away you shoot from. Even if you don't shoot at them, they will still be able to hear your gun fire and will quickly locate you and light you up like a Christmas tree like there's no tomorrow. The other replay supporting factor is the amount of missions that the game has, which is over 40.These aren't any half assed missions. As you play on, more missions will be available, depending on which missions you complete, which is a fairly daunting task. There also is online with Delta Force, which was very popular at one time, but it has since then been deceased for a good few years now, considering the game has been out for 7 years now, it's not a surprise. Among the presentation of the game, lies not all too impressive graphics as I stated earlier, there still is a level of detail that supports the game's look. As when guns fire, their blue and red streaks across the sky might not be the most realistic, but each gun's bullets do travel in parabolic paths, allowing for a level of realism that makes you think twice before just aiming and shooting. Even the inside of buildings, huts, and hutches are dressed up with little things like boxes, beds, tables, chairs, radios, and other little things. Though it's nothing special, it's nice to see that they put a little effort into buildings that you're only in for about like 5% of the game. Other details include being able to shoot up trees and cacti, until they explode, or being able to shoot down birds in the sky. Those are small things to care about indeed, but the sound is what really plays a huge part in the game. As guns go a blaze'n, enemies talk and shout, helicopters attack, and convoys of tanks, hum-v, and trucks ride along, the sound is a very important tool in the game to let you know what's going on in your surroundings. Teammates even talk to you as you complete your objectives, with a sense of competence too, they will let you know if they've been hit, if they've secured a "package" (hostage, or whatever is trying to be obtained); they also let you know when you need to go to your extraction point (when you finish a mission, a helicopter will pick you up at this point on the map). Overall the teammates, as well as the sound in general, picks up exactly what the graphics are lacking, and adds to the game play while it's at it. As Delta Force is a FPS at heart, its controls aren't too much of a surprise. Though, there is numerous camera angles, the 3rd person camera is almost useless and just seems like something that's just for fun. But the controls work quite well, and are fully customizable as like most PC FPS' controls are customizable. Each gun has different modes and such it can go into at the touch of a button, like the grenade/sniper rifle/semi automatic machine gun. And if you don't feel like going on the intended path, at the touch of a button, you can skip past intended check points shown on the map. There really isn't much to complain about with the controls here, everything just flows together, and rarely will a death result from a control problem. I loved every minute of Delta Force, from its huge landscapes, to it's in your face gorilla war fare action; it was amazing and still is today. Though many might take it to be outdated, if your looking for a less realistic war game, with a realistic feel to the action, this game is a must have for your PC collection.
