My Delta Force Review – 200 Hours In

Having played Delta Force for over 200 hours, I can confidently say this game is an absolute gem in the FPS and extraction shooter genres. Here's why:

The Pros

1. Graphics and Optimization

The graphics are stunning, and the game runs beautifully. Even at max settings, I achieve consistently high FPS on my mid-tier PC. While my rig isn’t a potato, it’s no beast either, so it’s great to see how well-optimized the game is. So far, I’ve encountered zero performance issues (though it may differ for you).

2. Gameplay and Movement

Movement and gameplay feel incredibly smooth and satisfying. Unlike games with inertia mechanics (like Escape from Tarkov), Delta Force opts for a fast-paced, fluid experience. While inertia has its place in more tactical shooters, the absence of it here complements the game’s arcade-y, high-action style perfectly. (Kind of like if Call of Duty, Battlefield, and Escape from Tarkov had an extremely handsome baby.)

3. Game Modes

Warfare

This mode feels like a hybrid of Battlefield and other large-scale shooters. It offers various sub-modes like Attack and Defense, Blitz, and more.

Weapons Selection: The selection is vast, and each weapon is beautifully modeled and animated.

Operators: There are four roles (Support, Engineer, Assault, and Recon), each with two operators for now. Each operator comes with unique abilities, even within the same role, adding variety and strategy to gameplay.

Vehicles: Vehicles are well-balanced, providing strategic advantages without being overpowered. Engineers can repair both vehicles and stationary defenses (like Turrets and AAC), keeping gameplay dynamic.

Operations

This mode is where Delta Force shines for fans of tactical shooters. It’s an extraction-based mode similar to Escape from Tarkov but far less punishing. Here’s what stands out:

Tiered Difficulties: You can choose the difficulty you’re comfortable with, with harder modes offering greater rewards.

Seasonal Progression System: Instead of mandatory wipes (like Tarkov), players get to choose whether to reset their progress at the end of a season for rewards or keep everything. This flexibility is AWESOME!

Balanced Matches: Everyone plays as PMC, making matches more balanced.

Daily Gear Tickets: These help new players and those recovering from setbacks during season wipes, making it easier to build back up.

4. Operators

Engineers:
In Warfare, Engineers are the unsung heroes of your team, akin to the pit crew in a high-speed race. Their expertise in handling vehicles and explosives makes them crucial for countering enemy vehicles and holding tough angles. Without them, you're facing a much steeper challenge. In Operations, their role becomes more situational. They're best used in environments like buildings, where they can lay traps and cut through fences, providing shortcuts. While their defensive capabilities can be game-changing, they’re not always the go-to choice unless the terrain demands it, making them more specialized.

Support:
In Warfare, Support operators are the team's lifeline—like the medics on a battlefield—who can revive any fallen squad member, regardless of their squad affiliation. Beyond healing and buffs, they also provide smokes to create cover when things get tense. In Operations, their utility shines with cheaper extractions and ongoing healing to keep teammates alive in the thick of battle. They're the ones who can make a life-saving difference with their quick revives, not just restoring health but boosting it, while also providing the essential smoke cover for the team, especially if you're playing the Stinger operator.

Recon:
In Warfare, Recon specialists are like the scouts of the squad—excellent at flanking and disrupting enemies. They may lack the firepower of other roles, but their ability to scan and use flashes to confuse and disable the enemy is invaluable. They’re the ones gathering critical intel and ensuring that enemies are disoriented, making them crucial to your team’s strategic advantage. In Operations, Recon shines with its ability to provide critical information and support, acting as your eyes and ears, especially for locating enemies and securing areas. Their value lies in the information they bring, rather than direct confrontation.

Assault:
In Warfare, Assault operators are the vanguard—your front-line warriors, closing the gap between your team and the enemy with speed and aggression. Armed with grenades, launchers, and speed boosts, they’re built for offensive action, and they push the enemy back with overwhelming force. In Operations, the Assault role excels in solo play but is invaluable in team play too, excelling in close-quarters combat and crowd control. They're your go-to for taking down groups of enemies with explosive force, clearing obstacles and securing key positions with raw power.


The Cons

1. Hackers

While the kernel-level anti-cheat does a decent job, hackers do exist. They’re not THAT rampant, but their presence is noticeable enough to be frustrating. It’s an issue I hope the developers address in future updates.

2. Griefing Teammates

Unfortunately, player behavior can sometimes ruin the fun. I’ve had teammates (often with Chinese characters in their names) loot everything in sight and abandon the squad at the first sign of a fight. While this isn’t a widespread issue, it happens often enough to be annoying.

Suggestions for Improvement

Medical Item Balancing In Operations: Bandages and CATs feel somewhat redundant compared to surgical kits. Perhaps tweaking their functionality—so only those items can be used for small bleeds and surgical kits for more severe injuries—would help.

Lone Wolves In Operations: No-Squad Fill Matchmaking Game Mode

Aces & Deuces in Operations: Solo and Duo Game Mode

Enhanced Defensive Mechanics For Warfare: Adding fortifications, such as sandbags or barricades, would provide more strategic depth for defensive roles.

Anti-Cheat Updates: While the hacker issue is manageable for now, ensuring it’s addressed before it grows would be crucial.

Griefer Mitigation In Operations: Introduce a punishment system to deter griefing behavior, or implement a loot distribution system where a player’s contribution to dealing damage determines their priority for the kill’s loot.

Dynamic Weapon Customization In Warfare: Introduce the ability to swap weapon attachments during a match, allowing players to adapt to changing combat situations in real-time.

Delta Force has become my go-to game for fast-paced FPS action and tactical extraction gameplay. From the incredible graphics and smooth gameplay to the well-designed seasonal progression system, it’s a game that’s easy to recommend. While there are minor issues like hackers and griefing teammates, they’re far outweighed by the fun and polish of the overall experience.

Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore shooter fan, this game has something for you. If you’re on the fence, don’t hesitate—grab it and dive in!

Tips for Players

Optimize Loadouts: Experiment with various weapons and operator combinations to discover your preferred playstyle.

Effective Communication: Use in-game voice or text chat to coordinate strategies with your team.

Map Familiarity: Learn the layouts of different maps to gain tactical advantages during missions.

Handle Vehicles Strategically in Warfare: Utilize Engineers to repair vehicles and hold positions effectively.

Manage Gear in Operations: Use daily tickets wisely and save money for emergencies.

Avoid Griefers: Stick with friends or find reliable teammates.

Upcoming Update

A new operator is being released soon!