Software:Delta Force: Black Hawk Down

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Short description: 2003 video game
Delta Force: Black Hawk Down
Developer(s)NovaLogic
Climax London (Xbox)
Rebellion Developments (PS2)
Aspyr (Mac OS X)
Publisher(s)NovaLogic
Aspyr (Mac OS X)
Director(s)John A. Garcia
Producer(s)Wes Eckhart
Programmer(s)Mark Davis
Kyle Freeman
Eric Milota
Kent Simon
Artist(s)Chris Tamburrino
Composer(s)Russell Brower
Ron Fish
SeriesDelta Force
EngineBlack Hawk Engine
Asura (PlayStation 2)
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows
PlayStation 2
Mac OS X
Xbox
ReleaseWindows
  • NA: March 25, 2003[1]
  • EU: March 28, 2003
Mac OS X
PlayStation 2 & Xbox
  • NA: July 26, 2005
  • EU: September 2, 2005
Genre(s)First-person shooter
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Delta Force: Black Hawk Down is a first-person shooter video game developed by NovaLogic. It was released for Microsoft Windows on March 25, 2003; for Mac OS X in July 2004; and for PlayStation 2 and Xbox on July 26, 2005. It is the 6th game of the Delta Force series. It is set in the early 1990s, during the Unified Task Force peacekeeping operation in Somalia. The missions take place primarily in the southern Jubba Valley and the capital Mogadishu. The game also features a mission editor with which players can make custom missions. The game is based on the book of the same name, not the Sony film.

Plot

The player begins the game as a soldier with Task Force Ranger, commanding three team members: Huck, Mother, and Preacher. They take part in the Unified Task Force peacekeeping operation during the Somali Civil War. Following the third mission, the player assumes the role of the same soldier. They are assigned to 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, taking part in Operation Gothic Serpent, a military operation conducted during the Battle of Mogadishu on October 3, 1993. During the latter section of the game, the player will still play as that soldier, but is now sent to the 3rd Ranger Battalion and the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, commonly known as Delta Force. The final mission features an alternate history, in which the player and a team of operators carry out the assassination of Mohamed Farrah Aidid.

Gameplay

The gameplay in Delta Force: Black Hawk Down differs heavily from earlier installments in the series. While all earlier Delta Force games focus on long distance outdoor combat and have open ended mission design, Black Hawk Down focuses on close quarters combat in urban environments with heavily scripted missions more similar to the then-recent Software:Medal of Honor: Allied Assault. Many of the series' trademark features, such as bullet ballistics and later weapon sway, were abandoned in favour of simpler action-focused gameplay. The player is usually accompanied by a squad of three AI-controlled soldiers, whom the player is able to give simple commands such as the order to hold fire, hold position or throw a grenade.

Wielding an M16 rifle

Like in earlier Delta Force games, the campaign in Black Hawk Down is divided into distinct missions. While the campaign is linear, most of the time three missions are available at the same time, allowing the player to complete them in any order. Completing a mission saves the campaign progress and usually unlocks a new one. Already completed missions can be accessed from an "instant action" list.

Multiplayer

In addition to the singleplayer campaign, Delta Force: Black Hawk Down features LAN and online multiplayer with support for up to 50 players in a single match, breaking the record for the largest console multiplayer battles at the time.[3]

The online multiplayer is powered by NovaWorld, which tracks players' statistics, gives them increasing ranks, and has a matchmaking system. Various gameplay modes are available, including Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, and King of the Hill, as well as objective-based ones. Like in the previous two Delta Force games, players can choose one out of several character classes with individual characteristics.

Development

Delta Force: Black Hawk Down uses an engine based on Comanche 4, which allows for more detail and advanced visual effects, thanks to shader support. Also, vehicle movement is not restricted to specific, predefined paths anymore, and the AI drivers are able to avoid obstacles. It is the first engine used by the series to support platforms other than PC.

Expansion pack

In 2004, an expansion pack, Team Sabre, was released for the PC and PlayStation 2 versions of the game, adding two campaigns which take place in Colombia and Iran, respectively.

Reception

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
PCPS2Xbox
Edge7/10[4]4/10[5]N/A
Eurogamer7/10[6]N/AN/A
Game InformerN/A6.75/10[7]6.75/10[7]
GameProStarStarStarStarHalf star[8]N/AN/A
GameRevolutionN/AD+[9]D+[9]
GameSpot5.6/10[10]5.7/10[11]5.7/10[11]
GameSpyStarStarStarStar[12]StarStarHalf star[13]StarStarHalf star[14]
GameTrailersN/AN/A7.2/10[15]
GameZoneN/A6/10[16]6.9/10[17]
IGN8.9/10[18]5.5/10[19]6.8/10[20]
OXM (US)N/AN/A6.2/10[21]
PC Gamer (US)79%[22]N/AN/A
PSMN/A5.5/10[23]N/A
The Cincinnati EnquirerStarStarStarHalf star[24]N/AN/A
Detroit Free PressN/AN/AStarStar[25]
Aggregate score
Metacritic77/100[26]58/100[27]61/100[28]

Black Hawk Down's computer version received a "Silver" sales award from the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA),[29] indicating sales of at least 100,000 copies in the United Kingdom.[30]

The PC version received "generally favorable reviews", while the Xbox and PlayStation 2 versions received "mixed" reviews according to video game review aggregator Metacritic.[26][28][27]

Maxim gave the game a score of eight out of ten, first saying of the PC version, "While it would be impossible for the game to mimic the raw emotion and chaos that defined this mission-turned-disaster in real life, the graphics are the best we’ve seen on a battlefield";[31] and then of the PS2 and Xbox versions, "Drink in your fill of military realism in crowded, confusing war zones where you can drown in rivers, kill civilians, and partake in friendly fire–just like we did–before heading to boot camp to apologize. If that's not enough carnage, you can also engage in 32-player (50 on Xbox Live) online deathmatch missions, which is technically twice the bloody chaos of Halo 2. See, foreign policy can be fun!"[32]

The Cincinnati Enquirer gave the PC version a score of three-and-a-half stars out of five and stated, "If you can forgive the game's lighter approach–one that emphasizes action instead of strategy–then you'll enjoy Black Hawk Down."[24]

However, Detroit Free Press gave the Xbox version two stars out of four, quipping, "Diehard military combat fans might want to rent this one just to partake in the giant chaotic skirmishes."[25]

The Sydney Morning Herald gave both the PS2 and Xbox versions two-and-a-half stars out of five, stating, "The solo campaign lacks the pizzazz of other military shooters, but decent multiplayer options prevent it from feeling pilotless."[33]

References

  1. ↑ "Black Hawk Down ships" (in en-US). https://www.gamespot.com/app.php/articles/black-hawk-down-ships/1100-6023922/. 
  2. ↑ "Delta Force: Black Hawk Down for Mac in stores July 5" (in en). https://www.macworld.com/article/171434/bhd.html. 
  3. ↑ Black Hawk Down to Feature 50 Players on Xbox Live at teamxbox.com news
  4. ↑ Edge staff (May 2003). "Delta Force: Black Hawk Down (PC)". Edge (123): 101. 
  5. ↑ Edge staff (August 2005). "Delta Force: Black Hawk Down (PS2)". Edge (152): 97. 
  6. ↑ Taylor, Martin (April 4, 2003). "Delta Force - Black Hawk Down (PC)". http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_blackhawkdown_pc. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Kato, Matthew (October 2005). "Delta Force Black Hawk Down (PS2, Xbox)". Game Informer (150): 128. 
  8. ↑ Four-Eyed Dragon (April 14, 2003). "Delta Force: Black Hawk Down Review for PC on GamePro.com". GamePro. http://www.gamepro.com/computer/pc/games/reviews/28946.shtml. Retrieved January 1, 2015. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Hurh, JP (August 19, 2005). "Delta Force: Black Hawk Down Review (PS2, Xbox)". Game Revolution. http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/delta-force-black-hawk-down. 
  10. ↑ Osborne, Scott (March 25, 2003). "Delta Force: Black Hawk Down Review (PC)". http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/delta-force-black-hawk-down-review/1900-6023896/. 
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Colayco, Bob (August 4, 2005). "Delta Force: Black Hawk Down Review (PS2, Xbox)". http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/delta-force-black-hawk-down-review/1900-6130343/. 
  12. ↑ Accardo, Sal (April 1, 2003). "GameSpy: Delta Force: Black Hawk Down (PC)". GameSpy. http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/delta-force-black-hawk-down/5731p1.html. 
  13. ↑ Leeper, Justin (August 15, 2005). "GameSpy: Delta Force: Black Hawk Down (PS2)". GameSpy. http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/delta-force-black-hawk-down/641836p1.html. 
  14. ↑ Leeper, Justin (August 15, 2005). "GameSpy: Delta Force: Black Hawk Down (Xbox)". GameSpy. http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/black-hawk-down-xbox/641849p1.html. 
  15. ↑ "Delta Force: Black Hawk Down - XBox Review". GameTrailers. August 4, 2005. http://www.gametrailers.com/gamepage.php?id=1610. 
  16. ↑ Wrentmore, John (August 14, 2005). "Delta Force: Black Hawk Down - PS2 - Review". GameZone. http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/delta_force_black_hawk_down_ps2_review. 
  17. ↑ Zacarias, Eduardo (August 14, 2005). "Delta Force: Black Hawk Down - XB - Review". GameZone. http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/delta_force_black_hawk_down_xb_review. 
  18. ↑ Sulic, Ivan (March 18, 2003). "[Delta Force Black Hawk Down Review (PC)"]. http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/03/18/black-hawk-down-review. 
  19. ↑ Sulic, Ivan (July 28, 2005). "Delta Force: Black Hawk Down (PS2)". http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/07/29/delta-force-black-hawk-down. 
  20. ↑ Clayman, David (July 28, 2006). "Delta Force: Black Hawk Down (Xbox)". http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/07/28/delta-force-black-hawk-down-2. 
  21. ↑ "Delta Force: Black Hawk Down". Official Xbox Magazine: 100. October 2005. 
  22. ↑ McNamara, Tom (June 2003). "Delta Force: Black Hawk Down". PC Gamer: 64. http://www.pcgamer.com/archives/2005/07/delta_force_bla.html. Retrieved January 1, 2014. 
  23. ↑ "Review: Delta Force: Black Hawk Down". PSM: 94. November 2005. 
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 Saltzman, Marc (April 29, 2003). "Combat title swaps strategy for action". The Cincinnati Enquirer. http://www.cincinnati.com/freetime/games/reviews/042903_blackhawkdown.html. 
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 Huschka, Ryan (August 28, 2005). "'Delta Force: Black Hawk Down' (Xbox)". Detroit Free Press. http://www.freep.com/entertainment/videogames/gmini28e_20050828.htm. 
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 "Delta Force: Black Hawk Down for PC Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/delta-force-black-hawk-down/critic-reviews/?platform=pc. 
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 "Delta Force: Black Hawk Down for PlayStation 2 Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/delta-force-black-hawk-down/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2. 
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 "Delta Force: Black Hawk Down for Xbox Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/delta-force-black-hawk-down/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox. 
  29. ↑ "ELSPA Sales Awards: Silver". Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association. http://www.elspa.com:80/?i=3942. 
  30. ↑ Caoili, Eric (November 26, 2008). "ELSPA: Wii Fit, Mario Kart Reach Diamond Status In UK". Gamasutra. https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112220/ELSPA_Wii_Fit_Mario_Kart_Reach_Diamond_Status_In_UK.php. 
  31. ↑ Boyce, Ryan (March 25, 2003). "Delta Force: Black Hawk Down (PC)". Maxim. http://www.maximonline.com/entertainment/reviews/review_games_5111.html. Retrieved January 1, 2015. 
  32. ↑ Cunningham, Sean (July 26, 2005). "Delta Force: Black Hawk Down (PS2, Xbox)". Maxim. http://www.maximonline.com/entertainment/reviews.aspx?p_id=10194. Retrieved January 1, 2015. 
  33. ↑ Fish, Eliot (September 3, 2005). "Killing vroom". The Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/news/games/killing-vroom/2005/08/30/1125302559697.html. 
  • MobyGames is a commercial database website that catalogs information on video games and the people and companies behind them via crowdsourcing. This includes over 300,000 games for hundreds of platforms.[1] Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It has been owned by Atari SA since 2022.

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
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