Delta Force has taken a bold step by removing the subtitle “Hawk Ops”, presenting itself as a twitchy arcade shooter with a nod to its Battlefield inspiration. However, this fusion presents an unlearning curve that leaves the game oscillating between two ends of the modern military shooter spectrum.
Elements of Battlefield and Call of Duty
The game embodies elements from both Battlefield and Call of Duty. Weapons exhibit exaggerated visual recoil and laser accuracy, reminiscent of Call of Duty, while the maps seem like direct lifts from Battlefield 4. However, this amalgamation lacks the cohesive vision and design found in its inspirations. Call of Duty’s gunplay and map density suit its gameplay loop, which Delta Force struggles to achieve, leaving maps feeling empty and with prolonged sightlines unsuited to the weapon behavior.
Havoc Warfare Mode: Uneven Map Design
The Havoc Warfare mode showcases this lack of focus. The map ‘Cracked’, a war-torn Middle Eastern zone, challenges attackers with exposed sightlines and constrained cover, creating a challenging play environment that aligns poorly with the gameplay mechanics. Conversely, ‘Ascension’ promises thematic creativity with a North Atlantic beachhead and mountain outpost ending in a satellite launch facility. Yet, the open cover placements and excessive sightlines undermine its potential, delivering an uneven experience.
The Operator System
Delta Force also embraces the ‘hero shooter’ trend by replacing traditional class structures with unique operators. While this design choice adds character, it detracts from the portrayal of a global conflict. The current version showcases repetitive character models that clash with the intended immersion. Cosmetic diversity is expected upon full release, but the current mimicry detracts from the aesthetic appeal.
Conclusion
Despite its flaws, Delta Force manages to capture the essence of modern combat FPS in fleeting instances of coherence and excitement. As it stands, the game requires some fine-tuning to balance its ambitious mixture of influences and bring a cohesive vision to the battlefield.
