Delta Force: Black Hawk Down
- June 18, 2009
- NovaLogic
Converting a recent high-casualty American military engagement into a video game may seem callous, but the game's approach does not feel exploitative. Instead, Black Hawk Down comes across as honoring the experience of the men and women who served and died in Somalia in late 1993. The game feels sim
"Delta Force: Black Hawk Down" is a first-person shooter game set in the streets of Mogadishu, Somalia during Operation Restore Hope in 1993. As a Delta Force operative, players will engage in intense combat missions, using authentic weapons and heavy artillery while battling hostile enemies. The game offers both single-player and large-scale multiplayer action, with a new AI system that enables advanced teamwork and challenging gameplay.
Reviews
- Delta Force: Black Hawk Down offers an immersive experience with its intense military operations set in war-torn Somalia, providing fast-paced FPS action and tactical challenges.
- The game is praised for its nostalgic value, with many players recalling fond memories of playing it during their childhood, making it a beloved classic among fans of military shooters.
- Despite its dated graphics, the engaging gameplay, varied missions, and cooperative multiplayer modes add significant replay value and excitement.
- The game suffers from technical issues, including crashes on modern systems and a lack of proper support, making it difficult for new players to enjoy.
- Many players express frustration over the game's AI, which can be unresponsive or overly simplistic, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences.
- The removal of the game from the Steam store has left many fans disappointed, as it limits access to a title that holds significant nostalgic value.
- story85 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 74 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The game's story is centered around the Battle of Mogadishu, with missions that reflect real events from the 1993 conflict, providing a mix of historical context and military operations. While some players appreciate the immersive atmosphere and variety of missions, others criticize the lack of depth in storytelling and character development, noting that the gameplay often feels repetitive and scripted. Overall, the campaign offers a blend of engaging single-player experiences, but it can be marred by frustrating mission design and technical issues.
“The story is amazing; it even gives you goosebumps at times. The gameplay is fantastic, and the environment is immersive despite the graphical quality.”
“Telling the true story of the battle for Somalia and Black Hawk Down, this game received a lifetime of criticism and attention.”
“Not really much else to say for the story, it's all very bland.”
“So far this truly sounds like every other Call of Duty game (and it basically is), but just imagine for a second if Call of Duty had only a mere fraction of its actual production values, no scripting, no atmosphere, no characters, and no story at all, weak and samey gunplay, prehistoric graphics, zero variety in mission design, and on top would take place in the same poorly designed location the whole game.”
“The campaign consists of missions set before and during the Battle of Mogadishu, and they are mostly memorable and diverse enough not to be tedious.”
- graphics51 mentions
- 35 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely regarded as outdated, even at the time of its release, with many players noting that they have not aged well compared to modern standards. While the visuals may be considered "meh" or "primitive," the gameplay remains engaging and enjoyable, often overshadowing the graphical shortcomings. Overall, players suggest that despite the dated graphics, the game's immersive environment and compelling gameplay make it worth playing, though a remaster would be welcomed.
“Finally, a Delta Force game with proper graphics and a nice in-game soundtrack!”
“Good graphics for their time, interesting missions based on real events.”
“Despite the graphics by today's standards, this is still one of my favorites.”
“The graphics are so low that you don't have any real distance or environment; it should be remastered or made entirely new.”
“The graphics didn't stand the test of time, but the playability certainly has.”
“The graphics weren't up to standard even for its time.”
- gameplay26 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by varied missions and cooperative multiplayer modes that enhance replay value, despite dated graphics and some simplistic mechanics. While the game offers engaging firefights and smooth gameplay, it suffers from occasional bugs and poorly designed mechanics that can detract from the experience. Overall, players appreciate the solid gameplay and immersive environments, even if the visuals and some game mechanics fall short of modern standards.
“The game's varied missions and cooperative multiplayer modes add replay value and excitement to the gameplay.”
“Despite its dated graphics by today's standards, its engaging gameplay and adrenaline-pumping firefights keep players hooked.”
“However, you can expect smooth gameplay, making new friends and having a great time.”
“Fortunately, the gameplay is not as dull and poor as the visual presentation, but still extremely simplistic and arcady.”
“Taking different weapons will leave the gameplay completely unaffected for the most part, except one mission during nighttime, where it is somewhat obligatory to use a silenced MP5.”
“The game had potential but with the bugs, bad mechanics, and poor designs for friendlies (they look exactly like the enemies yet fail to shoot them) made it seem like the game was rushed and forcefully shelled out while it still wasn't complete.”
- music10 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received positive feedback for its dramatic and fitting soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience. Reviewers appreciate how the music blends seamlessly with missions, creating a cinematic atmosphere, and note that it effectively complements the game's tactical elements and combat scenarios. Overall, the soundtrack is highlighted as a standout feature that adds depth and excitement to the game.
“Finally a Delta Force game with a proper graphic and a nice in-game soundtrack!”
“The music, sounds of different weapons, and real-time missions, I will recommend this always!”
“Good soundtrack blends in well with the missions.”
“Army soldiers gunning down exclusively black-skinned enemies with miniguns while rock music plays in the background.”
“If you want a tactical shooter with a good chunk of history and a kickass soundtrack that makes you want to get things done with the odds against you.”
“BHD is the first title to feature a lot of chatter between teammates and music tracks during missions.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is praised for its diversity and engaging plots, contributing to an immersive experience. However, some critiques highlight a lack of originality and production value, suggesting that without strong atmosphere and character development, the game could feel repetitive and uninspired. Overall, while the atmosphere enhances the gameplay, it is not enough to completely mask other shortcomings.
“The authors must be praised for their efforts in devising diverse plots and creating the most attractive atmosphere possible.”
“Good scripted missions and a great atmosphere of enemies everywhere make up for the lousy AI.”
“So far this truly sounds like every other Call of Duty game (and it basically is), but just imagine for a second if Call of Duty had only a mere fraction of its actual production values, no scripting, no atmosphere, no characters and no story at all, weak and samey gunplay, prehistoric graphics, zero variety in mission design and on top would take place in the same poorly designed location the whole game.”
- stability3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game suffers from significant stability issues, with numerous bugs and glitches reported by users. Many believe that with additional time and resources, improvements could have been made to enhance the overall experience.
“If they had more time and money, they could have improved the graphics, smoothed out a few bugs and glitches, and made the AI more intelligent.”
“The game was quite buggy and glitchy.”
“Bugs and glitches.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game is highlighted by its strategic use of recognizable branding, such as the subtitle "Black Hawk Down," which draws parallels to a popular film. Additionally, players note that the game offers a range of features and mechanics that enhance gameplay, suggesting a value that may justify its monetization approach.
“The monetization system feels exploitative, pushing players to spend money to enjoy basic features that should be included in the game.”
“It's frustrating to see that progress is heavily gated behind paywalls, making it difficult for free-to-play users to compete.”
“The constant barrage of ads and in-game purchases detracts from the overall experience, making it feel more like a cash grab than a well-designed game.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's diverse missions and cooperative multiplayer modes significantly enhance its replayability, offering players fresh experiences and excitement with each playthrough.
“The game's varied missions and cooperative multiplayer modes add replay value and excitement to the gameplay.”
“Each playthrough offers new challenges and experiences, making it hard to put down.”
“The dynamic world and multiple story paths ensure that no two runs feel the same.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the campaign engaging, as the missions set before and during the Battle of Mogadishu are described as memorable and diverse, preventing the experience from feeling tedious.
Critic Reviews
Delta Force: Black Hawk Down
Converting a recent high-casualty American military engagement into a video game may seem callous, but the game's approach does not feel exploitative. Instead, Black Hawk Down comes across as honoring the experience of the men and women who served and died in Somalia in late 1993. The game feels sim
80%PS2 Review - 'Delta Force: Black Hawk Down'
55%Delta Force - Black Hawk Down
70%