When you dive into the world of first-person shooters, you’re getting into one of the most diverse gaming genres out there. From the spine-chilling atmosphere of F.E.A.R. to the intergalactic escapades in Metroid Prime, and the relentless demon-slaying action of Doom, FPS titles offer a wide range of experiences. Even if we narrow it down to “military FPS,” there’s still a vast variety. Call of Duty’s intense campaigns, Battlefield’s massive multiplayer battles, and the heart-pounding extraction missions of Escape from Tarkov all fall under this umbrella. Now enters Delta Force, a game series that’s been around for over 26 years, trying to embody a little bit of each. With a focus on large-scale PvP battles, an extraction shooter mode, and a soon-to-be-released campaign, it positions itself in the center of this genre blend. While it’s still early days to draw a final conclusion, my initial hours before the launch have certainly piqued my interest. I’m eagerly anticipating another mission on the live servers later this week.
This release marks an open beta phase, albeit an indefinite one, which for a free-to-play game means it’s essentially available to the masses. So far, only two main modes are up and running, with the campaign set to roll out as paid DLC eventually. Of the two modes available now, Warfare is Delta Force’s take on Battlefield’s grand-scale combat. In matches of up to 64 players, you engage in battles for dominance across sprawling landscapes. During my pre-launch sessions, the focus was on the Attack and Defend format in Warfare. However, other modes like King of the Hill should be ready at launch.
The Attack and Defend mode tasks one team with seizing control of strategic spots before their respawns are depleted, while the opposing team defends with infinite lives. Success for the offensive team means a respawn refresh, moving the battle to new map segments. This continues until one side has claimed all the territory or is successfully resisted. It presents a dynamic challenge where each side experiences moments of both momentum and setback. Initially, the attackers have the terrain and vehicle advantage, but things even out as defenders retreat, creating a balanced experience throughout the match.
Undoubtedly, the scale of these battles is impressive. With quick respawns contributing to densely populated teams, the pandemonium created by whizzing bullets and missiles is genuinely exhilarating. It’s especially satisfying to commandeer a vehicle and plow through enemy ranks. Tanks with full gunner crews are formidable, yet even the simpler machine gun mounts on armored cars pack a punch.
Abilities add an extra layer to the combat, yet aren’t so strong as to dominate entirely.
Even when I’ve found myself flattened by a vehicle, there’s always a counter thanks to the diverse operatives available. These characters blend traditional loadouts with specific hero-like abilities, aligning with Delta Force’s flexible, adaptable persona. Being overwhelmed by enemy vehicles? Spawn with a rocket launcher. Engaging in open terrain? Time for a sniper. Each character’s unique abilities, such as Luna’s enemy-revealing Detection Arrows, are useful in skirmishes but won’t single-handedly turn the tide of a match.
Yet, I wish the shooting mechanics felt more refined. Dealing with bullet arcs and trajectory means you need to lead shots, which suits more tactical, simulation-style gameplay akin to Arma. While this has its merits, it’s at odds with the high-speed action of Attack and Defend, where slow projectiles seem ill-suited for intense battles.
Switching gears, the Operations mode follows the classic extraction shooter formula. You, along with two friends, form a squad navigating through zones to shoot, grab loot, and make an escape. Collect and carry out what you can, deciding whether to sell, store, or use it in the next outing. Anything left behind during a failed extraction is lost forever. While familiar, the quality execution of Delta Force’s Operations makes it compelling.
Each map is a vibrant sandbox teeming with potential quests. Points of interest are clearly marked, guiding you toward bounties, safes, or intel. In a field currently dominated by enigmatic titles like Escape from Tarkov, this transparency is a refreshing standout. Dropping a waypoint and knowing exactly what awaits eliminates the need for map memorization.
The enemy variety in Operations has already won me over.
Once a destination is chosen, be ready to face both AI and human adversaries. Enemy encounters demand split-second decision-making: is it worth taking the shot and risking exposure, or better to slip by unnoticed? Quick thinking is key, infusing each encounter with strategic depth. Human opponents pose a significant threat but also promise valuable loot if you choose to engage.
The assortment of foes in Operations keeps things intriguing. From battling through squads of riflemen to evading sniper fire, and employing tactical flanking against riot shield-wielding enemies, every situation offers a unique challenge. In one standout moment, our squad was pinned by a heavily armored adversary with a minigun, forced into a desperate scramble for survival. On another mission, while one teammate cracked a safe, the rest of us kept watch, only to be surprised by a giant alligator trying to ruin our plans.
My main concern with Operations lies with the loot cycle. Various containers are scattered throughout—file cabinets, jackets, fallen enemies—but after several sessions, I seldom bother searching them. There’s a sense of predictability around where the valuable loot resides, creating a worry that the maps might “solve” themselves too quickly, losing their dynamic flair.
Between missions, downtime is spent at the Black Site, which serves as your headquarters. This is where you buy, sell, and upgrade, especially focusing on stash space. Here, you’ll also find a well-designed loadout system that makes creating and saving kits a breeze. By pulling items from your inventory and purchasing any needed gear, you can quickly prepare for battle, easing the pain of failed attempts.
These are, of course, early impressions. Judgment on the PvP Warfare mode will require further gameplay, and there are Operations yet to be explored, so final thoughts must wait until I’ve experienced live servers. However, the extraction mode is entertaining from the get-go, and the thrill of Delta Force’s expansive PvP interactions is undeniable, even if I’m not yet convinced the gunplay entirely fits the vibe. For now, it’s safe to say that Delta Force is a versatile free-to-play shooter catering to diverse FPS preferences. Whether it can keep players engaged once the initial buzz fades is a question only time can answer.
