Summary
While theDelta Forceseries of tactical shooters no longer carries the cultural cache that it once did, the Summer Game Fest trailer forDelta Force: Hawk Opsstill managed to generate some serious excitement thanks to an unexpected addition. Alongside glimpses of other gameplay modes, the trailer revealed thatDelta Force: Hawk Opsalso includes a remastered version of 2003’sDelta Force: Black Hawk Down. Including this remaster of the fan-favorite title among the free-to-play shooter’s trio of gameplay modes is sure to come as welcome news for fans of both the franchise and the acclaimed Ridley Scott film, but it could also pose some unique challenges for developer Team Jade.
UnlikeDelta Force: Hawk Ops’ other gameplay modes, which can focus on fun first and foremost, the remastered version ofDelta Force: Black Hawk Downmust live up to the legacy of both the original game and the movie that inspired it. This means that any scene lifted directly fromBlack Hawk Downwill be subjected to increased scrutiny by fans of the film on the lookout for inaccuracies. And if pleasing fans of the film wasn’t already a daunting enough task, Team Jade must also walk a fine between making the mode fun to play and respectfully depicting the real-world events that it’s based on.
Delta Force: Hawk Ops May Be Put Under the Microscope by Movie Fans
Despite being a remaster of 2003’sDelta Force: Black Hawk Downrather than a direct tie-in toBlack Hawk Down, film fans will still likely scrutinize anything directly inspired by the movie. This could make meeting the lofty expectations of those looking for a straightforwardvideo game adaptationof the film particularly challenging. While the reveal trailer shows the remaster striving to faithfully recreate some ofBlack Hawk Down’s most iconic moments, following the film too closely also presents other problems.
With some players eager to experience their favorite parts of the film firsthand, Team Jade may refrain from straying too far from the story as depicted inBlack Hawk Down. Sticking slavishly tothis scriptwould limit the sorts of gameplay scenarios therealistic tactical shootercan offer, though. Whereas the original game’s campaignused the film as a general inspiration while still offering some unique missions, hewing closer to the movie’s story for the remaster to attract film fans could result in a far more linear experience. Directly echoing the film’s depictions of events could also lead to potentially problematic portrayals of the game’s enemies.
The Portrayal of the Battle of Mogadishu Should Be Handled With Care
Cultural considerations may also make a straightforward adaptation ofBlack Hawk Downtricky. While both the film andDelta Force: Hawk Opswere inspired by the real-life events of 1993’s bloody Battle of Mogadishu, presenting every Somali seen on screen as a one-dimensional enemy to be eliminated would undoubtedly draw complaints. It could even lead to the same sort of backlash that followed the initial gameplay trailer forCapcom’sResident Evil 5and its questionable depictions of the game’s primarily African antagonists.
Given the remaster’s real-world settingand the fact that, based on theDelta Force: Hawk Opstrailer, civilians are likely to be a constant presence on the battlefield, Team Jade needs to ensure combat scenarios are presented with a degree of sensitivity. Without careful handling, action sequences in the free-to-play shooter could end up echoing some of the more disturbing aspects ofSpec Ops: The Linebut with none of the nuance of that cult classic game.
Team Jade’s remaster ofDelta Force: Black Hawk Downmust balance trying to appease hardcore fans of the film with delivering an enjoyable experience for everyone. If it can manage to walk this tricky tightrope while avoiding problematic portrayals of the game’s central conflict, though,Delta Force: Hawk Opscould present players with one of themost thrilling tactical shooter experiencesin years.
