Delta Force Open Beta: A Chaotic, Nostalgic Triumph
When Delta Force was announced, I was one of the first to dismiss it, turning my nose up at the idea of resurrecting a 90s tactical shooter franchise. Yet, here I am, several hours into the open beta (let’s not kid ourselves—if anyone can play it on Steam, it’s a release) and ready to admit: it’s actually pretty good. In its best moments, Delta Force manages to channel the sense of chaos and fun that made Battlefield 3 unforgettable.
From the very first moments on the battlefield, I felt the rush of massive-scale combat. Playing as a medic, I didn't even have my first kill until nearly 15 minutes into a match. But that didn’t matter. In a way, it felt like I was the linchpin of my team's progress, constantly reviving fallen allies and keeping the swarm of players pushing toward objectives. napoleon may have said armies march on their stomachs (citation pending), but in Delta Force, they march on my medic bag.
Two Modes, Two Experiences
Right now, Delta Force offers two distinct multiplayer modes, with a third on the horizon when the Black Hawk Down campaign drops next year. The two modes—Warfare and Operations—provide wildly different experiences:
Warfare: A 32v32 combined arms spectacle that delivers the chaos and variety of large-scale engagements. Multiple objective-based game modes keep things fresh, with vehicles, infantry, and strategy blending into a frenetic and enjoyable mess.
Operations: An extraction shooter that feels like a diet version of Escape From Tarkov. Here, you scavenge for loot while attempting to secure an extraction point. Despite its potential, this mode failed to hold my interest, feeling too lightweight compared to the heavy hitters in the genre.
A Nostalgic Yet Modern Revival
In its current form, Delta Force straddles a fine line between paying homage to its roots and appealing to modern multiplayer FPS fans. Warfare mode, in particular, shines as a thrilling, chaotic experience reminiscent of Battlefield's glory days. Operations, on the other hand, still needs work to stand out in an already crowded extraction shooter space.
With its Black Hawk Down campaign promising even more in 2024, Delta Force might just be worth keeping an eye on. For now, the open beta serves as proof that even a doubter can find joy in a surprise comeback.