Soldier of Fortune is a first-person shooter video game developed by Raven Software and published by Activision in 2000 for Microsoft Windows. It was later released for the PlayStation 2 (as Soldier of Fortune: Gold Edition), as well as the Dreamcast, while Loki Software also made a port for Linux. It was digitally re-released on GOG.com on October 2, 2018, along with its two successors.[6] The player takes on the role of a U.S. mercenary as he trots around the globe hoping to halt a terrorist nuclear weapons plot.
| Soldier of Fortune | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Raven Software Loki Software (Linux) Runecraft (DC) Pipe Dream Interactive (PS2) |
| Publisher(s) | Activision (Windows) Loki Software (Linux) Crave Entertainment (DC) Majesco Entertainment (PS2) |
| Director(s) | Brian Raffel |
| Producer(s) | Marty Stratton |
| Designer(s) | Jim Hughes |
| Programmer(s) | Rick Johnson |
| Artist(s) | Joe Koberstein Scott Rice |
| Composer(s) | Chia Chin Lee |
| Engine | Quake II engine |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows, Linux, Dreamcast, PlayStation 2 |
| Release | WindowsLinux July 14, 2000[4] DreamcastPlayStation 2 |
| Genre(s) | First-person shooter |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
The game, which was built with the Quake II engine, is notable for its realistic depictions of violence, made possible by the GHOUL engine, including the dismemberment of human bodies. This was the game's stylistic attraction and it caused considerable controversy, especially in Canada and Germany, where it was classified as a restricted-rated film and listed on the Federal Department for Media Harmful to Young Persons, respectively. The technology creates 26 different zones on the bodies of enemies, allowing for vastly different reactions depending upon which one is targeted.
The game sold well initially and critical reception was positive. Two sequels were released: Soldier of Fortune II: Double Helix (2002) and Soldier of Fortune: Payback (2007). Soldier of Fortune Online, a massively multiplayer online first-person shooter game, was published in Korea in 2010, but its servers were shut down shortly after its release.
Gameplay
edit
Soldier of Fortune is best known for its graphic depictions of firearms dismembering the human body. This graphic violence is the game's main stylistic attraction, much like the destructible environments of Red Faction or bullet time of Max Payne. The GHOUL engine enables depiction of extreme graphic violence, in which character models are based on body parts that can each independently sustain damage (gore zones). There are 26 zones in total: a shot to the head with a powerful gun will often make the target's head explode, leaving nothing but the bloody stump of the neck remaining; a close-range shot to the stomach with a shotgun will leave an enemy's bowels in a bloody mess, and a shot to the nether regions will cause the victims to clutch their groin in agony for a few seconds before kneeling over dead. It is possible to shoot off an enemy's limbs (head, arms, legs) leaving nothing left but a bloody torso. In the last mission there is also a fictional microwave weapon, causing the enemies to fry or explode, depending on the firing mode. However, nonviolence is a possibility, if the player is a good shot it is possible to shoot an enemy's weapon out of their hand, causing them to cower on the floor to surrender. The game also came with password-protected options to disable all gore and there is even a version of the game with the extreme violence permanently locked-out, titled Soldier of Fortune: Tactical Low-Violence Version.[7]
Multiplayer
editIn multiplayer mode, there are seven gametypes: Arsenal, Assassination, Capture the Flag, Conquer the Bunker, Control, Deathmatch and Realistic Deathmatch.[8][9]
Plot
editThe story involves the theft of nuclear weapons, and the main enemy turns out to be an Afrikaner neo-fascist group based in Germany, led by South African exile Sergei Dekker. At the beginning of the game, terrorists steal four nuclear weapons from a storage facility in Russia, and proceed to sell them to various nations. This is a prelude to the acquisition of advanced weapons of mass destruction by this terrorist group. John Mullins, working for a U.S.-based mercenary ("soldier of fortune") organization known only as "The Shop", and his partner, Aaron "Hawk" Parsons, are assigned to prevent the nukes from falling into the wrong hands, and stop the terrorists in their plans. His missions take him to New York City, Sudan, Siberia, Tokyo, Kosovo, Iraq, Uganda and finally Germany.
Development
editRaven Software acquired a license from the mercenary magazine Soldier of Fortune to produce a video game based on the publication.[10] The game was built around a modified version of the Quake II game engine.[11] It was the first game to utilize the GHOUL damage model engine developed by Raven Software. This introduced the ability to dismember enemies in combat, adding to the realism of the game. Upgraded versions of the GHOUL system were later used in other Raven titles, such as Soldier of Fortune II: Double Helix and Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast.
The game was originally supposed to be much more realistic, featuring mostly real weapons, and the players taking damage would impede their movement and dexterity, depending on where and how many times they were hit. In 1998 (prior to the Kosovo War) the game was also supposed to be partially based in Bosnia instead of Kosovo.[12]
The game is AMD Eyefinity validated.[13] The game also made use of the Aureal Semiconductor A3D and Creative Labs EAX technology.
Rerelease
editGOG.com re-released Soldier of Fortune alongside its two successors digitally on October 1, 2018.[6]
Reception
edit| Aggregator | Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Dreamcast | PC | PS2 | |
| GameRankings | 71%[14] | 82%[15] | 56%[16] |
| Metacritic | 70/100[17] | N/A | 59/100[18] |
| Publication | Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Dreamcast | PC | PS2 | |
| CNET Gamecenter | N/A | 8/10[19] | N/A |
| Computer Gaming World | N/A |    [20] | N/A |
| Electronic Gaming Monthly | 5.5/10[21][a] | N/A | 5/10[22] |
| EP Daily | 7/10[23] | 7/10[24] | N/A |
| Eurogamer | N/A | 9/10[25] | N/A |
| Game Informer | 7.75/10[26] | 7.25/10[27] | 4/10[28] |
| GameRevolution | N/A | B+[29] | C−[30] |
| GameSpot | 7.3/10[31] | 7.7/10[32] | 7.3/10[33] |
| GameSpy | 7/10[34] | 80%[35] | N/A |
| IGN | 8.5/10[36] | 9/10[11] | 4.5/10[37] |
| Next Generation | [38] | [39] | N/A |
| Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine | N/A | N/A | [40] |
| PC Accelerator | N/A | 9/10[41] | N/A |
| PC Gamer (US) | N/A | 87%[42] | N/A |
The PC's original release received "generally positive reviews" according to the review aggregation website GameRankings.[15] Robert Howarth of GameFan gave the PC version 91% and wrote, "for those adults looking for extreme action, Soldier of Fortune could be just what the doctor ordered." Howarth considered its story to be "on par" with many action movies; he also commented that the GHOUL damage model rendering system was "an amazing technology".[43]
Chris Kramer of NextGen's June 2000 issue wrote of the PC original, "Sure, it's not for kids, but it's as good an FPS as you could ever ask for."[39] 15 issues later, Jim Preston called the Dreamcast version "An OK port of an OK game."[38]
Robert Mayer of Computer Games Strategy Plus gave the PC version four stars out of five, saying, "Raven Software set out to make a shooter, and they've made a damn fine one. Just be sure you're up to it before you dive in. It gets mighty bloody in there."[44] Edge gave the same PC version seven out of ten, calling it "an above-average firstperson shooter. It doesn't bring much to the genre, save for its gory depiction of violence."[45]
Cal Nguyen of AllGame gave the PC version four-and-a-half stars out of five, saying, "If you're bent on eliminating terrorist threats by skinheads, Saddam Hussein's army, Russian mafias or even New York mobsters, then take a lesson from the Soldier of Fortune [sic] and tear open a new one."[46] Later, J.C. Barnes gave the Dreamcast version three-and-a-half stars out of five, calling it "a solid shooter that doesn't break new ground in graphics, sound or artificial intelligence, but it's a solid shooter worth some attention. Aside from the tricky controls and lighting issues, FPS fans shouldn't be too disappointed with this single-player adventure."[47]
Nash Werner of GamePro said of the PC version, "With its well-written storyline and thought-provoking missions, SoF's singleplayer will keep you thrilled for hours, and you'll probably be playing the Assassin mode for months. Despite ridiculously long load times, Soldier of Fortune is recommended for everyone who appreciates a good FPS."[48][b] Jake the Snake said of the Dreamcast version, "If you're longing for some over-the-top shooting with real weapons, Soldier of Fortune hits its mark with extreme prejudice, but less gonzo gamers should steer clear."[49][c] However, The D-Pad Destroyer said of the PlayStation 2 version, "with all its faults, Fortune is fairly fun for hardcore soldier types, but everyone else will just want to keep their membership in Red Faction."[50][d] Nick Valentino of GameZone gave the same console version 6 out of 10, saying that it was "just another FPS trying to jump on the bandwagon of other successful titles and sorely misses the mark. With very little to offer in terms of design or new features, it fails to capture the right FPS feel which other games have effectively achieved. In other words, look someplace else."[51]
According to PC Data, a firm that tracked sales in the U.S., the PC version sold 100,919 units by November 2000.[52] NPD Techworld, which also covered the U.S.,[53] reported 298,563 units sold for said PC version by December 2002.[54]
Violence controversy
editIn 2000, after receiving a complaint from a member of the public about the explicit content of the game, the British Columbia Film Classification Office (BCFCO) investigated and decided the violence, gore and acts of torture were not suitable for persons under 18 years of age. In a controversial decision, the game was labeled an "adult motion picture" and was rated as a pornographic film.[55][56][57][58] In Germany, the game was placed on the Index List of the Federal Department for Media Harmful to Young Persons.
Sequels
editBased on its success, Raven Software and Activision later published Soldier of Fortune II: Double Helix in 2002, based on the Quake III: Team Arena engine. Initially released for Windows, the sequel was later ported to the Xbox.
A third game in the series, Soldier of Fortune: Payback was made by Cauldron HQ and released on November 14, 2007.
An MMOFPS based on the series, Soldier of Fortune Online, was published in South Korea by Dragonfly and went in Closed Beta on August 12, 2010 and ended on August 16, 2010.[citation needed]
Notes
edit- ^ Three critics of Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the Dreamcast version each a score of 4/10, 6.5/10, and 6/10.
- ^ GamePro gave the PC version 4.5/5 for graphics, 3.5/5 for sound, 3/5 for control, and 4/5 for fun factor.
- ^ GamePro gave the Dreamcast version 3.5/5 for graphics, and three 4/5 scores for sound, control, and fun factor.
- ^ GamePro gave the PlayStation 2 version 2.5/5 for graphics, 3/5 for sound, 4/5 for control, and 3.5/5 for fun factor.
References
edit- ^ Bye, John "Gestalt" (April 1, 2000). "UK Release Date list updated". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on September 22, 2021. Retrieved October 21, 2023.
- ^ Ajami, Amer (March 29, 2000). "Soldier of Fortune In Stores". GameSpot. Fandom. Archived from the original on June 5, 2000. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
- ^ Gibson, Steve (March 28, 2000). "SoF On Shelves". Shacknews. Gamerhub. Archived from the original on January 9, 2024. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
- ^ Fudge, James (July 14, 2000). "Linux Soldier of Fortune Released". Computer Games Strategy Plus. Strategy Plus, Inc. Archived from the original on August 21, 2003. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
- ^ "Crave's First Person Frag Fest Delights". Crave Entertainment. July 26, 2001. Archived from the original on December 7, 2001. Retrieved May 30, 2021.
- ^ a b "Soldier of Fortune: Platinum Edition". GOG.com. CD Projekt. Archived from the original on October 14, 2023. Retrieved October 22, 2023.
- ^ "Soldier of Fortune: Tactical Low-Violence Version". MobyGames. Blue Flame Labs. Archived from the original on March 16, 2009.
- ^ "Soldier of Fortune FAQ". Soldier-of-Fortune.com. Mindless Games & Entertainment. Archived from the original on December 7, 2013. Retrieved February 2, 2014.
- ^ UnknownMercenary (July 12, 2005). "Soldier of Fortune - Multiplayer FAQ". GameFAQs. Fandom. Archived from the original on February 4, 2014. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
- ^ Salmon, Mike (June 1999). "Soldier Of Fortune (Preview)". PC Accelerator. No. 10. Imagine Media. pp. 57–60. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
- ^ a b Blevins, Tal (April 3, 2000). "Soldier of Fortune (PC)". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on March 17, 2007. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
- ^ PCGames Vol.5 issue 8 (October 1998) p.36
- ^ "AMD Eyefinity Validated and Ready Software". AMD. Archived from the original on July 4, 2014.
- ^ "Soldier of Fortune for Dreamcast". GameRankings. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on May 5, 2019. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
- ^ a b "Soldier of Fortune for PC". GameRankings. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on May 20, 2019. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
- ^ "Soldier of Fortune: Gold Edition for PlayStation 2". GameRankings. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on June 3, 2019. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
- ^ "Soldier of Fortune (DC)". Metacritic. Fandom. Archived from the original on October 22, 2023. Retrieved October 22, 2023.
- ^ "Soldier of Fortune: Gold Edition". Metacritic. Fandom. Archived from the original on October 22, 2023. Retrieved October 22, 2023.
- ^ Williamson, Colin (April 5, 2000). "Soldier of Fortune (PC)". Gamecenter. CNET. Archived from the original on August 16, 2000. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
- ^ Coffey, Robert (June 2000). "Shoot to Kill...and Maim...and Disfigure (Soldier of Fortune Review)" (PDF). Computer Gaming World. No. 191. Ziff Davis. p. 120. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 10, 2023. Retrieved October 22, 2023.
- ^ Chou, Che; Boyer, Crispin; Kim, Jeanne (September 2001). "Soldier of Fortune (DC)" (PDF). Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 146. Ziff Davis. p. 147. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 30, 2023. Retrieved October 22, 2023.
- ^ Kim, Jeanne (January 2002). "Soldier of Fortune [Gold Edition]" (PDF). Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 150. Ziff Davis. p. 222. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 10, 2023. Retrieved October 22, 2023.
- ^ Miller, Sean (August 21, 2001). "Soldier of Fortune (DC)". The Electric Playground. Greedy Productions Ltd. Archived from the original on August 20, 2002. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
- ^ Hudak, Chris (April 18, 2000). "Soldier of Fortune (PC)". The Electric Playground. Greedy Productions Ltd. Archived from the original on January 21, 2003. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
- ^ Ellis, Keith "DNM" (May 23, 2000). "Soldier of Fortune (PC)". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on March 29, 2001. Retrieved October 22, 2023.
- ^ "Soldier of Fortune (DC)". Game Informer. No. 100. FuncoLand. August 2001.
- ^ "Soldier of Fortune (PC)". Game Informer. No. 86. FuncoLand. June 2000.
- ^ "Soldier of Fortune Gold [sic]". Game Informer. No. 105. FuncoLand. January 2002. p. 83.
- ^ Johnny B. (April 2000). "Soldier of Fortune Review (PC)". GameRevolution. CraveOnline. Archived from the original on April 28, 2014. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
- ^ Sanders, Shawn (December 2001). "Soldier of Fortune [Gold Edition] Review (PS2)". GameRevolution. CraveOnline. Archived from the original on February 16, 2004. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
- ^ Fielder, Joe (July 2, 2001). "Solduier of Fortune Review (DC)". GameSpot. Fandom. Archived from the original on July 7, 2001. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
- ^ Wolpaw, Erik (April 3, 2000). "Soldier of Fortune Review (PC) [date mislabeled as "November 9, 2000"]". GameSpot. Fandom. Archived from the original on May 8, 2001. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
- ^ Radcliffe, Doug (November 13, 2001). "Soldier of Fortune Gold [sic] Review [date mislabeled as "November 14, 2001"]". GameSpot. Fandom. Archived from the original on March 9, 2002. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
- ^ RaptoR (August 6, 2001). "Soldier Of Fortune". PlanetDreamcast. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on January 31, 2009. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
- ^ McConnaughy, Tim (April 3, 2000). "Soldier of Fortune". GameSpy. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on February 2, 2002. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
- ^ Chau, Anthony (July 23, 2001). "Soldier of Fortune (DC)". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on April 10, 2023. Retrieved October 22, 2023.
- ^ Perry, Douglass C. (November 14, 2001). "Soldier of Fortune [Gold Edition]". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on September 24, 2005. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
- ^ a b Preston, Jim (September 2001). "Soldier of Fortune (DC)". NextGen. No. 81. Imagine Media. p. 87. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
- ^ a b Kramer, Chris (June 2000). "Soldier of Fortune (PC)". NextGen. No. 66. Imagine Media. p. 103. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
- ^ Kennedy, Sam (January 2002). "Soldier of Fortune [Gold Edition]". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine. No. 52. Ziff Davis. p. 136. Retrieved October 22, 2023.
- ^ Holmes, Matt (June 2000). "Soldier of Fortune". PC Accelerator. No. 22. Imagine Media. pp. 68–69. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
- ^ Kuo, Li C. (June 2000). "Soldier of Fortune". PC Gamer. Vol. 7, no. 6. Imagine Media. pp. 82–83. Archived from the original on March 15, 2006. Retrieved October 22, 2023.
- ^ Howarth, Robert (April 21, 2000). "REVIEW for Soldier of Fortune (PC)". GameFan. Shinno Media. Archived from the original on May 22, 2000. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
- ^ Mayer, Robert (March 22, 2000). "Soldier of Fortune". Computer Games Strategy Plus. Strategy Plus, Inc. Archived from the original on May 22, 2003. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
- ^ Edge staff (May 2000). "Soldier of Fortune (PC)" (PDF). Edge. No. 84. Future Publishing. p. 86. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 8, 2023. Retrieved October 22, 2023.
- ^ Nguyen, Cal. "Soldier of Fortune (PC) - Review". AllGame. All Media Network. Archived from the original on November 14, 2014. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
- ^ Barnes, J.C. "Soldier of Fortune (DC) - Review". AllGame. All Media Network. Archived from the original on November 14, 2014. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
- ^ Werner, Nash (April 17, 2000). "Soldier of Fortune Review for PC on GamePro.com". GamePro. IDG. Archived from the original on January 23, 2005. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
- ^ Jake the Snake (September 2001). "Soldier of Fortune (DC)" (PDF). GamePro. No. 156. IDG Entertainment. p. 86. Archived from the original on December 25, 2004. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
- ^ The D-Pad Destroyer (November 25, 2001). "Soldier of Fortune Gold Edition Review for PS2 on GamePro.com". GamePro. IDG Entertainment. Archived from the original on December 22, 2004. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
- ^ Valentino, Nick (December 7, 2001). "Soldier of Fortune Gold Edition Review - PlayStation 2". GameZone. Archived from the original on February 24, 2008. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
- ^ PC Gamer staff (November 2000). "Where Have All the Legends Gone? By the Numbers". PC Gamer. Vol. 7, no. 11. Imagine Media. pp. 42–43.
- ^ Spooner, John G. (June 13, 2003). "Gateway notebook goes for ratings". ZDNet. Red Ventures. Archived from the original on December 25, 2022. Retrieved October 22, 2023.
- ^ PC Gamer staff (May 2003). "The 10 Most Controversial PC Games of All Time". PC Gamer. Vol. 10, no. 5. Imagine Media. pp. 50–51.
- ^ McCausland, Mary-Louise (July 11, 2000). "B.C. Film Classification Soldier of Fortune Decision". The Free Radical. Archived from the original on January 11, 2009.
- ^ Lunman, Kim (July 12, 2000). "B.C. Labels 'Brutal' Video Game as Adult Film". The Globe and Mail. The Woodbridge Company. p. A1. Archived from the original on January 11, 2009.
- ^ Lunman, Kim (August 12, 2000). "Company to Appeal Game's X-Rating". The Globe and Mail. The Woodbridge Company. p. A3. Archived from the original on January 12, 2009.
- ^ "Soldier of Gore: Excessively Violent Video Game restricted by B.C. Film Commissioner". The Globe and Mail. The Woodbridge Company. June 12, 2000. Archived from the original on August 8, 2007.