Day of Defeat

91%
Game Brain Score Based on 3,358 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • story
Day of Defeat Game Cover
This action-based mod for Half-Life, set during World War II, first debuted online more than a year before Medal of Honor: Allied Assault became a runaway hit. Now this multiplayer online shooter lets players storm the battlefields of Western Europe. The authentic game play has been refined during t
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"Day of Defeat" is a team-based World War II first-person shooter, where players can choose from various soldier classes, each with unique weapons. Missions are based on real-life historical operations, requiring coordination and teamwork to complete mission-specific objectives. Immerse yourself in an intense and engaging Axis vs. Allied combat experience.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows
  • Linux
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

91%
Audience ScoreBased on 3,358 reviews
gameplay78 positive mentions
story9 negative mentions
  • gameplay229 mentions

    The gameplay of "Day of Defeat" is characterized by its tactical, team-based mechanics that emphasize cooperation and strategy, offering a rewarding experience for players who appreciate classic WWII shooters. While the game features a steep learning curve and some outdated mechanics, it remains engaging due to its solid gunplay, diverse class system, and objective-based gameplay, which fosters teamwork. Despite its age and graphical limitations, many players find the gameplay to be enjoyable and nostalgic, with a strong community supporting it.

    • “With its strategic, objective-based gameplay and diverse class system, Day of Defeat offers high replay value.”
    • “Day of Defeat is a rewarding tactical shooter that continues to stand out for its balanced, immersive gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay is fast-paced and still holds up after all these years.”
    • “There are several other strange solutions here, namely the extremely low speed while moving in aiming mode, as well as the need to wait 10 seconds after each death, which is very exhausting for every beginner who has just bought the game and is not used to its mechanics.”
    • “Maps feel small, gameplay (especially weapon handling) feels outdated and I wasn't able to get to like this again, not even with all the nostalgia bonus I could muster.”
    • “Graphics are dated, gameplay is simple, the learning curve can be punishing for new players, servers are few and the player base is small.”
  • graphics208 mentions

    The graphics of the game are widely regarded as dated and below modern standards, reflecting its age since release in 2003. While some players appreciate the nostalgic charm and atmospheric quality of the visuals, many agree that they can detract from the overall experience, especially for those accustomed to contemporary graphics. Despite this, the gameplay remains engaging, and the game is still considered enjoyable for fans of classic first-person shooters.

    • “The graphics, while dated, create a strong sense of atmosphere.”
    • “Despite its dated graphics and steep learning curve, its realistic atmosphere and active community make it a solid choice for fans of historical multiplayer shooters.”
    • “While the graphics may show their age by today's standards, the timeless gameplay and historical setting contribute to Day of Defeat's enduring popularity.”
    • “The graphics are not up to par with modern games, seeing that it was made in the late 90's.”
    • “The original Day of Defeat, graphics-wise, looks like shit.”
    • “Graphically it is clear that the old Half-Life engine has run its course; Day of Defeat is by no means a good-looking game and the lack of detail can get distracting at times, especially when considering that its main rival is the stellar-looking Battlefield 1942.”
  • story37 mentions

    The reviews indicate a general lack of emphasis on story, with many users noting that the game features minimal narrative elements and primarily focuses on gameplay mechanics and objectives. While some players appreciate the immersive experience of multiplayer missions, others express a desire for a more developed storyline. Overall, the consensus is that the game is more about action and teamwork than a compelling narrative.

    • “Moral of the story: you never know what life has in store for you, and if I had given up when all odds were against me, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
    • “But there is one map I feel obligated to share my story here, that really makes this game special.”
    • “A thousand hours of gameplay, a storyline more complex than 'Heart of Darkness', graphics that rival 'Crysis', the best gunplay ever; I only feel pity for people who can't play this DirectX 11 only game.”
    • “There is no story mode.”
    • “Since there's no story, we're jumping straight into graphics.”
    • “Pc games had nearly no story or just tell a 'you are a soldier.'”
  • humor17 mentions

    The humor in the game is largely derived from its outdated mechanics and glitches, which lead to amusing gameplay experiences, especially in multiplayer settings. Players appreciate the comedic value of broken hitboxes, inaccurate weapons, and entertaining voice lines, making it a fun choice for those looking to share laughs with friends. Overall, the game's charm lies in its ability to provide humor through its imperfections and quirky interactions.

    • “The hitboxes and damage values are so broken that it makes the whole game funny and awesome.”
    • “This game is old, but if you want to have some laughs and giggles with friends because of the funny German voice lines, then I definitely recommend it to you and your friends as well as because it's cheap.”
    • “Very funny if you play with your friends, but nothing less if you are playing solo.”
  • atmosphere15 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is characterized by a blend of friendly community interactions and immersive, intense environments, particularly in its portrayal of World War II combat. While the graphics may be dated, the audio design and strategic gameplay contribute to a compelling and authentic experience that resonates with players. Overall, the atmosphere is praised for its ability to draw players into the action, creating a tense yet enjoyable setting.

    • “The graphics, while dated, create a strong sense of atmosphere.”
    • “From the distinctive ping of the M1 Garand to the rattle of automatic gunfire, the audio design complements the immersive visuals, creating an authentic WWII atmosphere.”
    • “Despite its dated graphics and steep learning curve, its realistic atmosphere and active community make it a solid choice for fans of historical multiplayer shooters.”
    • “Now for the ambience, it can be very immersive to be sitting inside of a building anticipating someone to enter. Not only do you hear the combat nearby, which sounds amazing, but you will also hear distant combat in some of the maps, and there is also artillery fire in a certain area which really adds to the atmosphere.”
    • “The atmosphere, my friends, it's like you're right there in the middle of the action.”
  • music14 mentions

    The music in the game is described as immersive and fitting for the setting, enhancing the overall experience, particularly during key moments like the main menu and round victories. However, many players note that the soundtrack is limited, often only playing at specific times, leading to a perception of it being sparse or almost non-existent. While some find the music relaxing and nostalgic, others feel it lacks variety and presence throughout gameplay.

    • “The detailed settings, realistic sound effects, and immersive soundtrack transport players to another era.”
    • “I relaxed for 5 minutes listening to this music, long enough to realize that I would be okay.”
    • “The music you do hear is very recognizable and fits well with their factions.”
    • “Sound, volume, and music are meh.”
    • “The soundtrack, however, is very limited to only playing music at the end of a round or when you launch the game for the first time.”
    • “The music is almost non-existent.”
  • replayability9 mentions

    Day of Defeat is praised for its high replayability due to its strategic gameplay, diverse class system, and a wide variety of maps, earning a solid 8/10 in replay value. However, some players express frustration with weapon selection tied to specific nations, which can limit enjoyment during gameplay. Overall, the game remains a strong contender for those seeking longevity in their gaming experience.

    • “With its strategic, objective-based gameplay and diverse class system, Day of Defeat offers high replay value.”
    • “I think all in all, even if this game was still enjoyable and thriving today, Day of Defeat: Source is always there, and that's obviously a better decision... because let's be honest, the only Goldsource games worth playing for their replayability are Half-Life and its expansions.”
    • “Tons of maps, so lots of replayability.”
    • “I think all in all, even if this game was still enjoyable and thriving today, Day of Defeat: Source is always there, and that's obviously a better decision. Let's be honest, the only Goldsource games worth playing for their replayability are Half-Life and its expansions.”
    • “The guns themselves are fairly well done, although I found myself disliking the weapons for an entire nation (America), meaning I would be stuck with weapons I didn't want half the time, since the Brits are playable on comparatively few maps and you can't always be on Axis.”
  • stability9 mentions

    The game's stability is inconsistent, with many users reporting significant bugs and glitches, particularly on modern hardware. While it runs well on older systems, players have experienced lag and issues with mouse controls, making gameplay frustrating at times. Overall, the game is seen as dated and in need of optimization, despite its affordable price.

    • “Runs great on my old laptop.”
    • “Runs great on old hardware.”
    • “Game is very buggy and laggy.”
    • “However, for a modern audience, it's very very dated and a bit buggy on modern hardware.”
    • “That's if you can even shoot while moving your mouse at all; it was pretty terrible and buggy when I figured out how to move my mouse (you have to mess with settings, by the way) I could literally not do anything.”
  • grinding5 mentions

    Players consistently express that the grinding required in the game is excessively time-consuming, often likening it to needing a "second life" to manage the demands. This sentiment highlights a significant concern regarding the game's pacing and the amount of effort needed to progress.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
  • emotional2 mentions

    Players express a strong emotional connection to the game, viewing it as a classic despite a decline in active users. The nostalgic gameplay, centered around capturing areas, continues to resonate with them, highlighting its lasting impact.

    • “Quite a few active servers, this game is a classic and it's something that I feel quite emotional about.”
  • monetization2 mentions

    Users express frustration over the lack of ads in the game, suggesting that a more polished experience could be found in "Day of Defeat: Source." There is a sense of curiosity about Valve's stance on monetization through advertisements.

    • “You cannot avoid ads, and for a much more polished experience, get Day of Defeat: Source.”
    • “What does Valve have against ads?!”
  • optimization1 mentions

    Overall, players find the gameplay enjoyable and are indifferent to the graphics quality; however, issues with sniper rifles negatively impact the overall experience, suggesting that optimization in this area may need improvement.

    • “The gameplay is fun, and the graphics are alright, but the optimization is severely lacking, especially with the sniper rifles.”
    • “The game runs poorly on my system, making it frustrating to enjoy the otherwise engaging gameplay.”
    • “Despite the interesting mechanics, the optimization issues lead to frequent lag and crashes, ruining the overall experience.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

71% average critic score

Buy Day of Defeat

Play time

20hMedian play time
183hAverage play time
3-700hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 4 analyzed playthroughs

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