Delta Force Task Force Dagger ( Novalogic PC M15 )

By PETER ELEY

(Herald rating: * * * )

You watched as George Bush whupped the Taleban. Now, in the privacy of your own home, you can too. OK, over the top. But all of these games tend to be over the top, full of jingoism and most definitely on the side of freedom-loving people.

"Engage in anti-terrorist operations as one of 10 special forces units fighting for justice in Afghanistan," says the blurb.

"Twenty-five intense missions! Take over Kandahar Airport, demolish hillside bunkers in Kabul, ambush a convoy, and more."

Perhaps the ultimate "boss" enemy is Osama bin Laden and you to use your BFG against him in a final showdown, deep in the Tora Bora caves.

OK, so there are other war games which turn real conflict into a game, but this one is so recent, and the events leading up to it so deeply etched in our psyche.

Remember, it wasn't quite a year go that Islamic fundamentalists launched their horrific suicide attack on the World Trade Center and Pentagon.

This is the fourth Delta Force game, and the series helped to establish the tactical shooter genre. Along the way, though, the Rainbow Six/Rogue Spear games, SWAT 3 and Ghost Recon stole the limelight.

Delta Force Task Force Dagger might recapture some of that ground because of its contemporary nature.

Missions take place in places burned into history, such as Mazar-i-Sharif, and Bagh-e Daud.

Task Force Dagger is billed as a standalone mission pack for Delta Force Land Warrior, which means that it's the same game, but set in Afghanistan.

There are 10 different Special Forces, notably the US Green Berets and British SAS, and all have a special ability. The US Seals, for example, are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath for a long time. That should be useful in Afghanistan.

The Australian SAS are there, and their special ability is usefulness with indirect weapons. The boomerang, perhaps. No mention of our boys, though.

peter_eley@nzherald.co.nz