Dagger Directive
" Tactical FPS with nostalgic voxel graphics and modular weapons but suffers from AI and performance issues "
Dagger Directive Review
Dagger Directive is a tactical FPS that serves as a spiritual successor to the classic Delta Force series, evoking strong nostalgia for fans of 90s and early 2000s military shooters. The game features voxel-style retro graphics combined with modern touches like drones, ragdoll physics, and dynamic lighting. Players appreciate the large, open maps, modular weapon customization, and varied mission approaches, including stealth and loud combat. AI behavior is mixed; while enemies demonstrate suppression tactics and flanking attempts, their pinpoint awareness—especially at night and despite silencers—frustrates many players. The game is currently in early access, showing promise but also suffering from bugs, performance issues, and occasional mission progression glitches. Multiplayer co-op is a highlight but can be unstable. The developers are active and responsive, continually improving the game. Though it lacks polish, Dagger Directive captures the essence of old-school tactical shooters and holds potential to become a classic with further updates.
Highlights
Players praise the game's faithful homage to Delta Force and similar classic tactical shooters, highlighting its large open maps and diverse tactical gameplay. The retro voxel art style is charming and nostalgic, while weapon handling and modular customization are satisfying. The AI's tactical behaviors like suppression and flanking add depth. Co-op multiplayer enhances replayability, and the inclusion of drones and realistic ballistics enrich the experience. The developers' engagement and roadmap for mod support and mission editors excite the community.
Criticisms
Common criticisms focus on the AI's unrealistic enemy awareness, especially during night missions where silencers are ineffective, breaking immersion. Performance issues such as FPS drops, stuttering, and occasional crashes hinder gameplay. Bugs affecting mission progression, voiceover overlaps, and UI quirks detract from polish. The sparse environments and repetitive tutorial can feel empty and tedious. Some players find short-range combat clunky due to lack of iron sights and limited ammo-checking convenience. Multiplayer suffers from instability, and the visual grain effect on distant textures is divisive.
Pros
- • Faithful homage to classic Delta Force and tactical shooters with nostalgic appeal.
- • Large, open maps that support varied tactical approaches and replayability.
- • Satisfying gunplay with modular weapon customization and realistic ballistics.
- • Engaging AI behaviors including suppression fire and flanking maneuvers.
- • Co-op multiplayer enhances fun and tactical teamwork opportunities.
- • Retro voxel graphics with modern visual effects create unique aesthetic.
- • Developers are responsive and actively improving the game.
Cons
- • Enemy AI unrealistically knows player location even when using silencers at night.
- • Performance issues include FPS drops, stuttering, and occasional crashes.
- • Mission progression bugs cause frustration and force replaying sections.
- • Sparse and empty environments reduce immersion and tactical options.
- • Repetitive and lengthy tutorial sections can be tedious and boring.
- • Short-range combat feels clunky due to lack of iron sights.
- • Ammo checking is inconvenient, requiring inventory navigation.
Rating Criteria
Dagger Directive is a tactical FPS that allows you to approach each mission in your own way. Select equipment, decide the time of day, then move methodically to complete your mission. Enjoy the modern mechanics and old school graphics as you fight across a variety of missions and environments.