When we talk about “first-person shooters,” it’s like opening a door to a whole universe of possibilities. This genre can transport you anywhere, from the spine-chilling halls of F.E.A.R. to the vibrant, alien worlds of Metroid Prime, or even the demon-infested caverns of Doom. Narrowing it down to “military FPS” still includes a vast array: Call of Duty’s nail-biting campaigns, Battlefield’s massive player-versus-player skirmishes, and the tense, methodical extractions of Escape from Tarkov. The latest entry in the Delta Force series, now in its 26th year, embodies elements of all three, offering a large-scale PvP mode, a separate extraction shooter experience, and an upcoming campaign. It’s a unique blend that finds a rather intriguing spot in the FPS landscape. While it’s too early to give a conclusive review, my early hours with the game have certainly made me eager to dive back into the battlefield on the live servers soon.
This launch marks the start of an “open beta,” which, let’s be honest, is another way of saying the game is essentially out, especially for a free-to-play title. Right now, only two of its three primary modes are available, with the narrative campaign set to debut later as a paid DLC. For now, players can immerse themselves in Warfare, Delta Force’s take on Battlefield’s grand-scale multiplayer conflicts. Here, 64 gamers clash in sprawling landscapes, fighting for control in various, expansive arenas. During the pre-release sessions I joined, the focus was on the Attack and Defend variation within Warfare, though modes like King of the Hill seem to be on the horizon as well.
In Attack and Defend, one group must seize strategic spots within a limited number of respawns while the other team guards these areas with infinite lives. If the attackers succeed, they get a boost in respawns and the tussle shifts to a new map segment until everything is captured or the attackers are held back. This dynamic gives both sides the chance to experience being the aggressor and defender. Initially, the attackers benefit from advantageous terrain and a slew of vehicles, but the playing field levels out as defenders fall back toward their base.
These skirmishes indeed project an epic scale, which is thrilling. Quick respawn times keep the teams densely packed with soldiers. The battlefield turns into a chaotic, adrenaline-pumping spectacle as soon as firefights ignite. Jumping into a vehicle can turn the tide, whether you’re commanding a tank or manning a machine gun turret on an armored car.
Luckily, even facing off against a tank isn’t entirely hopeless thanks to the diverse operatives available mid-match. These characters blend set loadouts with hero-like abilities, embodying the versatile spirit of Delta Force. Swapping to a rocket launcher might be smart when vehicles abound, or a sniper rifle if you find yourself in a spacious, open terrain. Each operative brings unique skills to the fight, like Luna’s Detection Arrows; they reveal enemy positions periodically, but none can single-handedly turn the tide of a skirmish.
However, the shooting mechanics could feel more fulfilling. Factors like bullet arc and trajectory make leading targets crucial for ranged attacks, which lands Delta Force somewhere between a military simulator and a fast-paced shooter. This compromise feels a bit awkward against the breakneck speed encouraged by the objective-focused Attack and Defend mode. The slow, gravity-bound bullets make life feel a tad too much like playing airsoft, especially in the middle of intense battles over pivotal choke points.
On the flip side, the Operations mode embraces the familiar structure of an extraction shooter. You and up to two friends form a squad to infiltrate an area, engage enemies, gather loot, and make a hasty exit. You can sell, store, or reuse any loot you successfully bring back to base, but anything left behind upon death or a failed extraction is forever lost. While the formula isn’t groundbreaking, Delta Force excels in its execution, making exploration and looting a rewarding experience.
Maps highlight various objectives, from taking out bounty targets to safe-cracking and decoding intel. This might seem minor, but for anyone accustomed to the cryptic interfaces of games like Escape from Tarkov, having clear guidance is refreshing. It’s nice to simply set a waypoint and prepare yourself accordingly without memorizing every nook and cranny.
Once you’ve chosen your mission, it’s a gauntlet of AI soldiers and, sometimes, real players. The unpredictability of enemy numbers and types keeps players guessing. It challenges you to consider whether to engage and risk exposure or stealthily bypass threats. This balance keeps the action dynamic and compelling. Other players are a particular threat but can also be tempting targets, rich with loot.
Enemy diversity stands out, whether battling standard riflemen, evading sniper fire, or outmaneuvering troops with riot shields. I remember an intense showdown with a heavily armored adversary wielding a minigun, which had my team throwing grenades from cover. In another instance, as a teammate cracked a safe, an unexpected giant alligator nearly disrupted our efforts.
My main concern with Operations is with the loot loop. There are numerous places to search—filing cabinets, coat pockets, even fallen enemies. Yet, after a few hours, I’ve grown selective about where to look, focusing on high-value items. It’s crucial that the maps don’t start feeling “solved” too soon, as I’m already detecting a bit of predictability with each pass.
Outside missions, time is spent at the Black Site, your home base for trading, upgrading, and preparing for ventures. You can craft and save different loadouts, efficiently pulling from your inventory or buying necessary components to ready yourself for battle. This intuitive system minimizes downtime after failed missions.
Though these are early impressions, and there’s still room to explore PvP Warfare more thoroughly, plus a few parts of Operations to experience, it’s clear Delta Force is off to an entertaining start. The extraction gameplay has been enjoyable thus far, and the grandiose nature of PvP shows promise, though I’m uncertain if the current gunplay is the perfect fit for such encounters. This free-to-play FPS shows potential to appeal to varied tastes, but whether it maintains interest once the initial novelty fades is a suspenseful wait.
