"the best online WWII shooter there is, and one of the best FPS's ever"

First, let me start out by saying this is my first review, but ill do my best to tell you about this amazing game i have been obsessed with since I got it.

Day of Defeat: Source varies from other WWII shooters with stunning graphics, intense game play, and a slew of addition features that make it superior to many other FPS's, whether WWII or not. Of course, you still have a health bar, ammo supply, and team A vrs. team B mentality common is many other online FPS's, but it also offers the ability to choose a player class instead of just a gun. There are 6 different classes: rifleman, assault, support, sniper, machine gunner, and rocket, and you choose to play as one of the six. For example, if you are assault, you get a Thompson/mp-40, but to further increase your immersion into your role, you get smoke grenades too, which are great for assaults. This unique game mechanic ensures that the weapons you are given fit your role, and offer you the most help. Each team has their own set of weapons, so they both play differently from the other team. The teams are, of course, axis and allies.

The graphics and sound are incredible, and add to the intense sense of realism you get when you play the game. The graphics are powered by the source engine, which also powered half-life 2. Shadows, lighting, and even water reflections all happen realistically, and enhance the experience. Many have said the sounds the guns make are very authentic and unique, enough so that an experienced player could hear it off in the distance and know exactly what gun it is. The voice commands are great, as well as the music.

Your teams objective is to capture flags held by the other team, and since they wont just let this happen, war breaks out. There is also a game mode where you plant explosives on enemy tanks and stop them from being defused, and you can actually kill people with the ensuing explosion.

Other pluses include the ability to spray a tag, like a picture, on walls, which can be whatever you want. Another is the fact that the game is on steam, valves electronic gaming platform, and is updated whenever necessary. It is also bungled with counter strike, so expect fierce competition wherever you play. Old reviews make it quite clear that theirs only 4 stock maps, but that number has since doubled, and the maps are all fantastic. And at only 19.95 by itself, its a bargain as well as a must have. And with trial weekends going on all the time, you can try it risk free. See you there!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 08/22/06