Day of Defeat

89%
Game Brain Score Based on 2,006 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.

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Reviews

89%
Audience ScoreBased on 2,006 reviews
gameplay56 positive mentions
story7 negative mentions
  • Engaging and tactical gameplay that emphasizes teamwork and strategy.
  • Diverse class system with a variety of WWII-era weapons, enhancing the combat experience.
  • Dedicated community that remains active, providing a nostalgic and enjoyable multiplayer experience.
  • Outdated graphics and mechanics that may not appeal to modern gamers.
  • Low player base, making it difficult to find populated servers.
  • Some players report technical issues, such as mouse control problems and lag.
  • gameplay163 mentions

    The gameplay of this title is characterized by its emphasis on teamwork, class-based mechanics, and objective-driven maps, fostering strategic cooperation among players. While the mechanics are straightforward and reminiscent of older FPS games, they provide a satisfying and engaging experience, particularly for those who appreciate tactical gameplay. However, some players note that the game can feel dated, with certain mechanics being less beginner-friendly and a small player base affecting the multiplayer experience.

    • “The game emphasizes teamwork and strategy, making it a staple in the genre for its engaging and tactical gameplay.”
    • “Its emphasis on teamwork, class diversity, and objective-based gameplay make it a standout title in the genre, appealing to both casual and competitive players.”
    • “The simple, predictable mechanics of the Goldsource engine give you a level of fine control over movement that greatly contributes to the depth of the gameplay.”
    • “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.”
    • “Graphics are dated, gameplay is simple, the learning curve can be punishing for new players, servers are few and the player base is small.”
    • “The gameplay is pretty basic by modern FPS standards, coming from an era where things like free mouselook were still kind of new.”
  • graphics149 mentions

    The graphics of "Day of Defeat" are widely regarded as dated, reflecting its origins in the early 2000s and the limitations of the GoldSrc engine. While many players acknowledge that the visuals do not compete with modern titles, they appreciate the nostalgic charm and the game's ability to evoke a gritty WWII atmosphere. Overall, the consensus is that while the graphics may be subpar by today's standards, the engaging gameplay compensates for these shortcomings, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.

    • “While graphics may not compete with modern titles, they were impressive for a game of its era.”
    • “It's dated graphics have a charm to them that newer games just don't have.”
    • “The graphics are pretty good; they give off a nostalgic feeling.”
    • “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.”
    • “If you are expecting top-quality graphics, lag-free gameplay, and an overall smooth experience, this isn’t for you.”
  • story24 mentions

    The reviews indicate a mixed reception regarding the story aspect of the game, with many users noting a lack of narrative depth or structure, often describing it as "no story." However, some players appreciate the immersive experience of gameplay set against a historical backdrop, suggesting that while the story may be minimal, the context and missions provide a compelling framework for the action. Overall, the emphasis seems to be more on gameplay mechanics than on a traditional 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.”
    • “Compelling story.”
    • “At first I was skeptical of Day of Defeat, but then I started the story.”
    • “Who cares about story is one historical fact.”
    • “Since there's no story we're jumping straight into graphics.”
    • “No story mode.”
  • humor13 mentions

    The humor in the game is largely derived from its outdated mechanics and quirky glitches, which lead to amusing situations, such as inaccurate guns and broken hitboxes. Players also enjoy the comedic value of the voice lines and the presence of older players, contributing to a lighthearted atmosphere. Overall, the game is recommended for those looking to share laughs with friends, despite its age and technical shortcomings.

    • “The age of the engine this game runs on causes some very funny issues like guns being inaccurate when they are not intended to be.”
    • “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.”
    • “The hitboxes and damage values are so broken that it makes the whole game funny and awesome.”
  • atmosphere11 mentions

    The atmosphere in "Day of Defeat" is highly praised for its immersive and gritty representation of WWII, enhanced by effective sound design that includes gunfire, explosions, and distant combat. Players appreciate the tension created by the game's mechanics and the strategic elements, which contribute to a compelling and engaging experience. Overall, the combination of visual style and audio elements successfully transports players into the heart of the action.

    • “The sounds of gunfire, explosions, and ambient noise create an immersive atmosphere.”
    • “The atmosphere, my friends, it's like you're right there in the middle of the action.”
    • “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.”
    • “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. There is also artillery fire in a certain area, which really adds to the atmosphere.”
    • “The mechanics and atmosphere are surprisingly strong.”
    • “Visual style: as a mod for Half-Life, Day of Defeat had modest graphics for its time, but it effectively captured the gritty atmosphere of WWII.”
  • music11 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the quality and fitting nature of the soundtrack, particularly during key moments like the main menu and end of rounds. However, many users criticize the limited use of music, noting that it often feels sparse or non-existent, leading to a lack of engagement during gameplay. Overall, while the music is recognized as good, its minimal presence detracts from the overall experience.

    • “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-existing.”
  • replayability7 mentions

    Overall, the game offers a solid replayability factor, with users noting a variety of maps that enhance the experience. However, some players express frustration with weapon selection and server performance, which can impact enjoyment. Despite these issues, it remains a highly replayable title, with a rating of 8/10 for replay value.

    • “Replayability: 8/10”
    • “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.”
    • “One of the most replayable games ever.”
    • “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.”
  • stability6 mentions

    The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many users reporting significant bugs and lag, particularly on modern hardware. While some appreciate the graphics, they note that glitches detract from the overall experience, making gameplay frustrating at times. Overall, players find the game less stable compared to older titles.

    • “Game is very buggy and laggy.”
    • “However, for a modern audience, it's 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.”
  • optimization4 mentions

    The game is well-optimized, running smoothly on various systems thanks to the reliable half-life engine, offering stable performance, minimal lag, and quick loading times. While the graphics are considered average, the overall gameplay experience remains enjoyable for most players. However, some users noted that sniper rifles detract from the fun.

    • “Graphics and performance are solid, contributing to an enjoyable gameplay experience.”
    • “The game generally runs well on a variety of systems, benefiting from the robust Half-Life engine.”
    • “Players can expect stable performance, with minimal lag and quick loading times, making it accessible to a wide audience.”
    • “Gameplay is fun, graphics are alright (but I personally don't care about graphical performance); the only thing that ruins the fun is the sniper rifles.”
  • grinding4 mentions

    Players consistently express that the grinding required in the game is excessively time-consuming, suggesting that it feels like a second job or life is necessary to keep up with the demands.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
  • 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 regarding 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?!”
  • emotional1 mentions

    Players express a strong emotional connection to the game, highlighting its status as a classic and the nostalgia it evokes. The presence of active servers further enhances this sentiment, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences.

    • “This game is a classic, and it's something that I feel quite emotional about.”
    • “The storylines and character development really tug at your heartstrings.”
    • “I found myself deeply connected to the characters, experiencing their joys and sorrows as if they were my own.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

71% average critic score

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Play time

3hMedian play time
3hAverage play time
2-3hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 2 analyzed playthroughs

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