Task Force

Developer : Tracer Interactive
Released:
Platforms :
Action
Indie
Strategy
Early Access
Task Force Poster

" Nostalgic tactical shooter sandbox with faithful SOCOM gameplay but plagued by toxic devs and bugs "

Task Force Review

Task Force aims to recreate the classic SOCOM experience with a third-person tactical shooter style, appealing to fans of the original series. The gameplay mechanics capture the nostalgic feel well, and the inclusion of Steam Workshop support allows for community-created maps and content, which is praised by players. However, the game remains in early access with many features incomplete or missing, such as limited weapon variety, lack of dedicated servers, and some gameplay bugs. The development team is small and has been slow to update, leading to a dwindling player base.

Unfortunately, the game is overshadowed by significant controversies surrounding the developer, Redline, including accusations of toxic behavior, banning players arbitrarily (including for negative reviews or association with rival games), and alleged use of ripped assets from SOCOM games. Many players report bans without explanation and poor community management, which has alienated much of the player base. Despite some enjoyment of the core gameplay, these issues have led to widespread distrust and calls to avoid the game. The project appears stalled with no recent updates and low active players.

Highlights

Players praise the faithful recreation of SOCOM-style gameplay, capturing the tactical, slower-paced combat that fans miss. The core mechanics and controls, once tweaked, feel solid and enjoyable. The game supports Steam Workshop, enabling users to create and share maps, which adds replayability and community engagement. The price point is considered reasonable for what is currently offered, especially by those seeking a nostalgic experience. A few reviews highlight the game's potential if development continues and the devs improve communication and content.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the toxic developer behavior and arbitrary bans that have fractured the community. Many players have been banned without clear reasons, sometimes for negative feedback or playing rival games, creating distrust. The game suffers from lack of content and incomplete features, including missing weapons, no lobby system, poor hit detection, and limited multiplayer support. Technical issues like crashes, bugs, and poor controller support are also reported. The development pace is slow, with no updates for extended periods, leading to a near-dead player base. Allegations of asset ripping and misuse of Early Access funding further mar the game's reputation.

Pros

  • Faithful recreation of classic SOCOM tactical gameplay mechanics and pacing.
  • Supports Steam Workshop for user-generated maps and community content.
  • Reasonably priced for an early access game with nostalgic appeal.
  • Core controls and gameplay feel solid once configured properly.
  • Active modding community creating new maps and content.
  • Slower, team-based combat offers a refreshing change from modern shooters.
  • Some players find it fun and engaging despite early access status.

Cons

  • Developer accused of toxic behavior and banning players arbitrarily.
  • Many players banned for negative reviews or association with rival games.
  • Game lacks key features like weapon variety, lobby system, and mute options.
  • Technical issues including crashes, poor hit detection, and controller problems.
  • Slow and infrequent updates, with development seemingly stalled.
  • Player base has dwindled to near non-existence.
  • Allegations of ripping assets from original SOCOM games without permission.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price

Task Force is the ultimate tactical shooter sandbox that focuses on close quarters infantry combat. It's made by a small indie team of 3 developers that strive to create exceptional action simulation games.

Release Date Aug 27th 2022
Publisher Tracer Interactive
Developer Tracer Interactive
Required Age 0+
Platforms
Nostalgic
Tactical
Toxic Dev
Bans
Incomplete

User Reviews

Mostly Positive (283)
73% Positive 27% Negative