Editing Soldier of Fortune (video game)

{{Short description|2000 video game}}
{{About|the 2000 video game|the game released as ''Soldiers of Fortune'' in the U.S.|The Chaos Engine{{!}}''The Chaos Engine''|other games|Soldier of Fortune (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Soldier of Fortune
| image = Soldier of Fortune Coverart.png
| developer = [[Raven Software]]<br/>[[Loki Software]]<small> (Linux)</small><br />[[Runecraft (company)|Runecraft]] <small>(DC)</small><br />[[Pipe Dream Interactive]] <small>(PS2)</small>
| publisher = [[Activision]] <small>(Windows)</small><br/>Loki Software<small> (Linux)</small><br />[[Crave Entertainment]] <small>(DC)</small><br />[[Majesco Entertainment]] <small>(PS2)</small>
| director = Brian Raffel
| producer = Marty Stratton
| designer = Jim Hughes
| programmer = Rick Johnson
| artist = Joe Koberstein<br />Scott Rice
| composer = Chia Chin Lee
| series = 
| engine = [[Quake II engine]]
| platforms = [[Microsoft Windows]], [[Linux]], [[Dreamcast]], [[PlayStation 2]]
| released = '''Windows'''{{vgrelease|NA|March 28, 2000<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/soldier-of-fortune-in-stores/1100-2541989/ | title=Soldier of Fortune In Stores | author=Ajami, Amer | date=March 29, 2000 | website=[[GameSpot]] | publisher=[[Fandom (website)|Fandom]] | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000605215145/http://headline.gamespot.com/news/00_03/29_pc_sofstore/index.html | archive-date=June 5, 2000 | url-status=live | access-date=January 22, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/5541/sof-on-shelves | title=SoF On Shelves | author=Gibson, Steve | date=March 28, 2000 | website=[[Shacknews]] | publisher=Gamerhub | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109011736/https://www.shacknews.com/article/5541/sof-on-shelves | archive-date=January 9, 2024 | url-status=live | access-date=January 22, 2024}}</ref>|EU|April 1, 2000<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.eurogamer.net/article-26778 | title=UK Release Date list updated | author=Bye, John "Gestalt" | date=April 1, 2000 | website=[[Eurogamer]] | publisher=[[Gamer Network]] | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922180942/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/article_26778 | archive-date=September 22, 2021 | url-status=live | access-date=October 21, 2023}}</ref>}}'''Linux'''<br />July 14, 2000<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.cdmag.com/articles/028/171/linux_sof.html | title=Linux Soldier of Fortune Released | author=Fudge, James | date=July 14, 2000 | website=[[Computer Games Magazine|Computer Games Strategy Plus]] | publisher=Strategy Plus, Inc. | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030821064417/http://www.cdmag.com/articles/028/171/linux_sof.html | archive-date=August 21, 2003 | url-status=dead | access-date=June 21, 2021}}</ref><br />'''Dreamcast'''{{vgrelease|NA|July 26, 2001<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.cravegames.com/pressreleases/20010726_01.htm | title=Crave's First Person Frag Fest Delights | date=July 26, 2001 | website=[[Crave Entertainment]] | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011207061822/http://www.cravegames.com/pressreleases/20010726_01.htm | archive-date=December 7, 2001 | url-status=dead | access-date=May 30, 2021}}</ref>|EU|2001}}'''PlayStation 2'''{{vgrelease|NA|November 13, 2001|EU|July 5, 2002}}
| genre = [[First-person shooter]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
}}

'''''Soldier of Fortune''''' is a [[first-person shooter]] [[video game]] developed by [[Raven Software]] and published by [[Activision Blizzard Studios|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 (software)|port]] for [[Linux]]. It was digitally re-released on [[GOG.com]] on October 2, 2018, along with its two successors.<ref name=gog.com>{{cite web | url=https://www.gog.com/game/soldier_of_fortune_platinum_edition | title=Soldier of Fortune: Platinum Edition | website=[[GOG.com]] | publisher=[[CD Projekt]] | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014215132/https://www.gog.com/game/soldier_of_fortune_platinum_edition | archive-date=October 14, 2023 | url-status=live | access-date=October 22, 2023}}</ref> 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.

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 [[Canadian motion picture rating system|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==
[[File:Soldier-Of-Fortune-Violence.png|thumb|left|Exploding an enemy's head using the GHOUL engine]]

''Soldier of Fortune'' is best known for its [[Graphic violence|graphic depictions]] of firearms dismembering the human body. This graphic violence is the game's main stylistic attraction, much like the [[destructible environment]]s of ''[[Red Faction (video game)|Red Faction]]'' or [[bullet time]] of ''[[Max Payne (video game)|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 ([[Graphic violence|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 final mission, players gain access to a fictional [[Directed-energy weapon#Microwaves|microwave weapon]] that causes enemies to either 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''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/soldier-of-fortune-tactical-low-violence-version | title=Soldier of Fortune: Tactical Low-Violence Version | website=[[MobyGames]] | publisher=Blue Flame Labs | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090316233950/http://www.mobygames.com/game/soldier-of-fortune-tactical-low-violence-version | archive-date=March 16, 2009 | url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Multiplayer===
In [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] mode, there are seven gametypes: Arsenal, Assassination, [[Capture the flag#Software and games|Capture the Flag]], Conquer the Bunker, Control, [[Deathmatch (video games)|Deathmatch]] and Realistic Deathmatch.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.soldier-of-fortune.com/soffaq.php | title=Soldier of Fortune FAQ | website=Soldier-of-Fortune.com | publisher=Mindless Games & Entertainment | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207042731/http://soldier-of-fortune.com/soffaq.php | archive-date=December 7, 2013 | url-status=dead | access-date=February 2, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/pc/198689-soldier-of-fortune/faqs/37880 | title=Soldier of Fortune - Multiplayer FAQ | author=UnknownMercenary | date=July 12, 2005 | website=[[GameFAQs]] | publisher=Fandom | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204000405/http://www.gamefaqs.com/pc/198689-soldier-of-fortune/faqs/37880 | archive-date=February 4, 2014 | url-status=live | access-date=June 21, 2021}}</ref>

==Plot==
The story involves the theft of [[nuclear weapon]]s, and the main enemy turns out to be an [[Afrikaners|Afrikaner]] [[Neo-fascism|neo-fascist]] group based in Germany, led by [[South Africa]]n 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 [[Weapon of mass destruction|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 ==
Raven Software acquired a license from the mercenary magazine ''[[Soldier of Fortune (magazine)|Soldier of Fortune]]'' to produce a video game based on the publication.<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://archive.org/details/PCXL10Jun1999/page/n55/mode/2up | title=Soldier Of Fortune (Preview) | author=Salmon, Mike | magazine=[[PC Accelerator]] | publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]] | issue=10 | date=June 1999 | pages=57–60 | access-date=June 21, 2021}}</ref> The game was built around a modified version of the ''[[Quake II]]'' game engine.<ref name=ignpc>{{cite web | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/04/04/soldier-of-fortune-5 | title=Soldier of Fortune (PC) | author=Blevins, Tal | date=April 3, 2000 | website=IGN | publisher=Ziff Davis | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070317221042/http://pc.ign.com/articles/162/162287p1.html | archive-date=March 17, 2007 | url-status=live | access-date=June 21, 2021}}</ref> 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.<ref>''PCGames'' Vol.5 issue 8 (October 1998) p.36</ref>

The game is [[AMD Eyefinity]] validated.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://support.amd.com/en-us/recommended/eyefinity-software | title=AMD Eyefinity Validated and Ready Software | website=[[Advanced Micro Devices|AMD]] | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704175432/http://support.amd.com/en-us/recommended/eyefinity-software | archive-date=July 4, 2014 | url-status=dead}}</ref> The game also made use of the [[Aureal Semiconductor]] A3D and [[Creative Technology|Creative Labs]] [[Environmental Audio Extensions|EAX]] technology.

===Rerelease===
[[GOG.com]] re-released ''Soldier of Fortune'' alongside its two successors digitally on October 1, 2018.<ref name=gog.com />

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| SDC = true
| PC = true
| PS2 = true
| na = true
| GR_SDC = 71%<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/459740-soldier-of-fortune/index.html | title=Soldier of Fortune for Dreamcast | website=[[GameRankings]] | publisher=CBS Interactive | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505090305/https://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/459740-soldier-of-fortune/index.html | archive-date=May 5, 2019 | url-status=dead | access-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref>
| GR_PC = 82%<ref name="GRPC">{{cite web | url=https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/198689-soldier-of-fortune/index.html | title=Soldier of Fortune for PC | website=GameRankings | publisher=CBS Interactive | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520181959/https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/198689-soldier-of-fortune/index.html | archive-date=May 20, 2019 | url-status=dead | access-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref>
| GR_PS2 = 56%<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/452842-soldier-of-fortune-gold-edition/index.html | title=Soldier of Fortune: Gold Edition for PlayStation 2 | website=GameRankings | publisher=CBS Interactive | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603220054/https://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/452842-soldier-of-fortune-gold-edition/index.html | archive-date=June 3, 2019 | url-status=dead | access-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref>
| MC_SDC = 70/100<ref name=mcdc>{{cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/soldier-of-fortune/ | title=Soldier of Fortune (DC) | website=[[Metacritic]] | publisher=Fandom | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022020820/https://www.metacritic.com/game/soldier-of-fortune/ | archive-date=October 22, 2023 | url-status=live | access-date=October 22, 2023}}</ref>
| MC_PS2 = 59/100<ref name=mcps2>{{cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/soldier-of-fortune-gold-edition/ | title=Soldier of Fortune: Gold Edition | website=Metacritic | publisher=Fandom | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022021150/https://www.metacritic.com/game/soldier-of-fortune-gold-edition/ | archive-date=October 22, 2023 | url-status=live | access-date=October 22, 2023}}</ref>
| CNG_PC = 8/10<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamecenter.com/Reviews/Item/0,6,0-3958,00.html | title=Soldier of Fortune (PC) | author=Williamson, Colin | date=April 5, 2000 | website=Gamecenter | publisher=[[CNET]] | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000816091637/http://www.gamecenter.com/Reviews/Item/0,6,0-3958,00.html | archive-date=August 16, 2000 | url-status=dead | access-date=June 23, 2021}}</ref>
| CGW_PC = {{Rating|2.5|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_191.pdf | title=Shoot to Kill...and Maim...and Disfigure (''Soldier of Fortune'' Review) | author=Coffey, Robert | magazine=[[Computer Gaming World]] | publisher=Ziff Davis | issue=191 | date=June 2000 | page=120 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410105218/https://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_191.pdf | archive-date=April 10, 2023 | url-status=live | access-date=October 22, 2023}}</ref>
| EGM_SDC = 5.5/10<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://retrocdn.net/images/5/5c/EGM_US_146.pdf | title=Soldier of Fortune (DC) | author1=Chou, Che | author2=Boyer, Crispin | author3=Kim, Jeanne | magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] | publisher=Ziff Davis | issue=146 | date=September 2001 | page=147 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330195842/https://retrocdn.net/images/5/5c/EGM_US_146.pdf | archive-date=March 30, 2023 | url-status=live | access-date=October 22, 2023}}</ref>{{efn|Three critics of ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' gave the Dreamcast version each a score of 4/10, 6.5/10, and 6/10.}}
| EGM_PS2 = 5/10<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://retrocdn.net/images/3/31/EGM_US_150.pdf | title=Soldier of Fortune [Gold Edition] | author=Kim, Jeanne | magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly | publisher=Ziff Davis | issue=150 | date=January 2002 | page=222 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410231114/https://retrocdn.net/images/3/31/EGM_US_150.pdf | archive-date=April 10, 2023 | url-status=live | access-date=October 22, 2023}}</ref>
| EPD_SDC = 7/10<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=6535&full=1#mr_toppy | title=Soldier of Fortune (DC) | author=Miller, Sean | date=August 21, 2001 | website=[[EP Daily|The Electric Playground]] | publisher=Greedy Productions Ltd. | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020820102527/http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=6535&full=1#mr_toppy | archive-date=August 20, 2002 | url-status=dead | access-date=January 22, 2024}}</ref>
| EPD_PC = 7/10<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=2381&full=1#mr_toppy | title=Soldier of Fortune (PC) | author=Hudak, Chris | date=April 18, 2000 | website=The Electric Playground | publisher=Greedy Productions Ltd. | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030121024605/http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=2381&full=1#mr_toppy | archive-date=January 21, 2003 | url-status=dead | access-date=January 22, 2024}}</ref>
| EuroG_PC = 9/10<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.eurogamer.net/sof | title=Soldier of Fortune (PC) | author=Ellis, Keith "DNM" | date=May 23, 2000 | website=Eurogamer | publisher=Gamer Network | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010329220826/http://www.eurogamer.net/content/sof | archive-date=March 29, 2001 | url-status=live | access-date=October 22, 2023}}</ref>
| GI_SDC = 7.75/10<ref>{{cite magazine | title=Soldier of Fortune (DC) | magazine=[[Game Informer]] | publisher=[[FuncoLand]] | issue=100 | date=August 2001}}</ref>
| GI_PC = 7.25/10<ref>{{cite magazine | title=Soldier of Fortune (PC) | magazine=Game Informer | publisher=FuncoLand | issue=86 | date=June 2000}}</ref>
| GI_PS2 = 4/10<ref>{{cite magazine | title=Soldier of Fortune Gold [sic] | magazine=Game Informer | publisher=FuncoLand | issue=105 | date=January 2002 | page=83}}</ref>
| GameRev_PC = B+<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/32819-soldier-of-fortune-review | title=Soldier of Fortune Review (PC) | author=Johnny B. | date=April 2000 | website=[[GameRevolution]] | publisher=[[CraveOnline]] | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140428142204/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/soldier-of-fortune | archive-date=April 28, 2014 | url-status=live | access-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref>
| GameRev_PS2 = C−<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/35913-soldier-of-fortune-review-2 | title=Soldier of Fortune [Gold Edition] Review (PS2) | author=Sanders, Shawn | date=December 2001 | website=GameRevolution | publisher=CraveOnline | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040216033249/http://www.game-revolution.com/games/ps2/action/soldier_of_fortune.htm | archive-date=February 16, 2004 | url-status=live | access-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref>
| GSpot_SDC = 7.3/10<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/soldier-of-fortune-review/1900-2781904/ | title=Solduier of Fortune Review (DC) | author=Fielder, Joe | date=July 2, 2001 | website=GameSpot | publisher=Fandom | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010707023838/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/reviews/0,10867,2781904,00.html | archive-date=July 7, 2001 | url-status=live | access-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref>
| GSpot_PC = 7.7/10<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/soldier-of-fortune-review/1900-2533096/ | title=Soldier of Fortune Review (PC) [date mislabeled as "November 9, 2000"] | author=Wolpaw, Erik | date=April 3, 2000 | website=GameSpot | publisher=Fandom | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010508170638/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/reviews/0,10867,2533096,00.html | archive-date=May 8, 2001 | url-status=live | access-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref>
| GSpot_PS2 = 7.3/10<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/soldier-of-fortune-gold-review/1900-2824315/ | title=Soldier of Fortune Gold [sic] Review [date mislabeled as "November 14, 2001"] | author=Radcliffe, Doug | date=November 13, 2001 | website=GameSpot | publisher=Fandom | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020309165503/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/reviews/0,10867,2824315,00.html | archive-date=March 9, 2002 | url-status=live | access-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref>
| GSpy_SDC = 7/10<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.planetdreamcast.com/games/reviews/sof/ | title=Soldier Of Fortune | author=RaptoR | date=August 6, 2001 | website=[[GameSpy|PlanetDreamcast]] | publisher=IGN Entertainment | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131133115/http://www.planetdreamcast.com/games/reviews/sof/ | archive-date=January 31, 2009 | url-status=dead | access-date=June 23, 2021}}</ref>
| GSpy_PC = 80%<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespy.com/legacy/reviews/sof_a.shtm | title=Soldier of Fortune | author=McConnaughy, Tim | date=April 3, 2000 | website=[[GameSpy]] | publisher=IGN Entertainment | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020202081027/http://www.gamespy.com/legacy/reviews/sof_a.shtm | archive-date=February 2, 2002 | url-status=dead | access-date=June 23, 2021}}</ref>
| IGN_SDC = 8.5/10<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/07/23/soldier-of-fortune-3 | title=Soldier of Fortune (DC) | author=Chau, Anthony | date=July 23, 2001 | website=IGN | publisher=Ziff Davis | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410162220/https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/07/23/soldier-of-fortune-3 | archive-date=April 10, 2023 | url-status=live | access-date=October 22, 2023}}</ref>
| IGN_PC = 9/10<ref name=ignpc />
| IGN_PS2 = 4.5/10<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/11/15/soldier-of-fortune | title=Soldier of Fortune [Gold Edition] | author=Perry, Douglass C. | date=November 14, 2001 | website=IGN | publisher=Ziff Davis | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050924171002/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/165/165591p1.html | archive-date=September 24, 2005 | url-status=live | access-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref>
| NGen_SDC = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name=ngendc>{{cite magazine | url=https://archive.org/details/NextGen81Sep2001/page/n87/mode/2up | title=Soldier of Fortune (DC) | author=Preston, Jim | magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|NextGen]] | publisher=Imagine Media | issue=81 | date=September 2001 | page=87 | access-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref>
| NGen_PC = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=ngenpc>{{cite magazine | url=https://archive.org/details/NextGen66Jun2000/page/n105/mode/2up | title=Soldier of Fortune (PC) | author=Kramer, Chris | magazine=NextGen | publisher=Imagine Media | issue=66 | date=June 2000 | page=103 | access-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref>
| OPM_PS2 = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://archive.org/details/official-us-playstation-magazine-issue-52-january-2002/page/136/mode/2up | title=Soldier of Fortune [Gold Edition] | author=Kennedy, Sam | magazine=[[Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]] | publisher=Ziff Davis | issue=52 | date=January 2002 | page=136 | access-date=October 22, 2023}}</ref>
| PCA_PC = 9/10<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://archive.org/details/PCXL22Jun2000/page/n69/mode/2up | title=Soldier of Fortune | author=Holmes, Matt | magazine=[[PC Accelerator]] | publisher=Imagine Media | issue=22 | date=June 2000 | pages=68–69 | access-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref>
| PCGUS_PC = 87%<ref>{{cite magazine | url=http://www.pcgamer.com/archives/2005/06/soldier_of_fort_1.html | title=Soldier of Fortune | author=Kuo, Li C. | magazine=[[PC Gamer]] | publisher=Imagine Media | volume=7 | issue=6 | date=June 2000 | pages=82–83 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060315131922/http://www.pcgamer.com/archives/2005/06/soldier_of_fort_1.html | archive-date=March 15, 2006 | url-status=dead | access-date=October 22, 2023}}</ref>
}}

The PC's original release received "generally positive reviews" according to the [[Review aggregator|review aggregation]] website [[GameRankings]].<ref name="GRPC"/> 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".<ref>{{cite magazine | url=http://www.gamefan.com/repre.asp?g=1038&t=r | title=REVIEW for Soldier of Fortune (PC) | author=Howarth, Robert | date=April 21, 2000 | magazine=[[GameFan]] | publisher=Shinno Media | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000522082139/http://www.gamefan.com/repre.asp?g=1038&t=r | archive-date=May 22, 2000 | url-status=dead | access-date=January 2, 2021}}</ref>

Chris Kramer of ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|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."<ref name=ngenpc /> 15 issues later, Jim Preston called the Dreamcast version "An OK port of an OK game."<ref name=ngendc />

Robert Mayer of ''[[Computer Games Magazine|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."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.cdmag.com/articles/027/008/sof_review.html | title=Soldier of Fortune | author=Mayer, Robert | date=March 22, 2000 | website=Computer Games Strategy Plus | publisher=Strategy Plus, Inc. | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030522152506/http://www.cdmag.com/articles/027/008/sof_review.html | archive-date=May 22, 2003 | url-status=dead | access-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref> ''[[Edge (magazine)|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."<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://retrocdn.net/images/4/4d/Edge_UK_084.pdf | title=Soldier of Fortune (PC) | author=Edge staff | magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] | publisher=[[Future plc|Future Publishing]] | issue=84 | date=May 2000 | page=86 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408015914/https://retrocdn.net/images/4/4d/Edge_UK_084.pdf | archive-date=April 8, 2023 | url-status=live | access-date=October 22, 2023}}</ref>

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."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=19525&tab=review | title=Soldier of Fortune (PC) - Review | author=Nguyen, Cal | website=[[AllGame]] | publisher=[[All Media Network]] | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114135657/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=19525&tab=review | archive-date=November 14, 2014 | url-status=dead | access-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref> 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."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=25389&tab=review | title=Soldier of Fortune (DC) - Review | author=Barnes, J.C. | website=AllGame | publisher=All Media Network | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114235643/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=25389&tab=review | archive-date=November 14, 2014 | url-status=dead | access-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref>

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."<ref>{{cite magazine | url=http://www.gamepro.com/computer/pc/games/reviews/5281.shtml | title=Soldier of Fortune Review for PC on GamePro.com | author=Werner, Nash | date=April 17, 2000 | magazine=[[GamePro]] | publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]] | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050123213028/http://www.gamepro.com/computer/pc/games/reviews/5281.shtml | archive-date=January 23, 2005 | url-status=dead | access-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref>{{efn|''[[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.}} 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."<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://retrocdn.net/images/0/0d/GamePro_US_156.pdf | title=Soldier of Fortune (DC) | author=Jake the Snake | magazine=GamePro | publisher=IDG Entertainment | issue=156 | date=September 2001 | page=86 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041225122709/http://www.gamepro.com/sega/dreamcast/games/reviews/15063.shtml | archive-date=December 25, 2004 | url-status=live | access-date=January 22, 2024}}</ref>{{efn|''[[GamePro]]'' gave the Dreamcast version 3.5/5 for graphics, and three 4/5 scores for sound, control, and fun factor.}} 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 (video game)|Red Faction]]''."<ref>{{cite magazine | url=http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/17921.shtml | title=Soldier of Fortune Gold Edition Review for PS2 on GamePro.com | author=The D-Pad Destroyer | date=November 25, 2001 | magazine=GamePro | publisher=IDG Entertainment | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041222015955/http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/17921.shtml | archive-date=December 22, 2004 | url-status=dead | access-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref>{{efn|''[[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.}} 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."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r16098.htm | title=Soldier of Fortune Gold Edition Review - PlayStation 2 | author=Valentino, Nick | date=December 7, 2001 | website=GameZone | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224041928/http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r16098.htm | archive-date=February 24, 2008 | url-status=dead | access-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref>

According to [[PC Data]], a firm that tracked sales in the U.S., the PC version sold 100,919 units by November 2000.<ref>{{cite magazine | author=PC Gamer staff | title=Where Have All the Legends Gone? By the Numbers | magazine=PC Gamer | publisher=Imagine Media | volume=7 | issue=11 | date=November 2000 | pages=42–43}}</ref> [[NPD Techworld]], which also covered the U.S.,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/gateway-notebook-goes-for-ratings/ | title=Gateway notebook goes for ratings | author=Spooner, John G. | date=June 13, 2003 | website=[[ZDNet]] | publisher=[[Red Ventures]] | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225105602/https://www.zdnet.com/article/gateway-notebook-goes-for-ratings/ | archive-date=December 25, 2022 | url-status=live | access-date=October 22, 2023}}</ref> reported 298,563 units sold for said PC version by December 2002.<ref>{{cite magazine | title=The 10 Most Controversial PC Games of All Time | author=PC Gamer staff | magazine=PC Gamer | publisher=Imagine Media | volume=10 | issue=5 | date=May 2003 | pages=50–51}}</ref>

===Violence controversy===
In 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.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.thefreeradical.ca/ministry_of_attorney_general_bc_.htm | title=B.C. Film Classification Soldier of Fortune Decision | author=McCausland, Mary-Louise | date=July 11, 2000 | website=The Free Radical | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111230355/http://www.thefreeradical.ca/ministry_of_attorney_general_bc_.htm | archive-date=January 11, 2009 | url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thefreeradical.ca/bc_labels_brutal_video_game_as_a.htm | title=B.C. Labels 'Brutal' Video Game as Adult Film | author=Lunman, Kim | newspaper=[[The Globe and Mail]] | publisher=[[The Woodbridge Company]] | date=July 12, 2000 | page=A1 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111223443/http://www.thefreeradical.ca/bc_labels_brutal_video_game_as_a.htm | archive-date=January 11, 2009 | url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thefreeradical.ca/company_to_appeal_games_x.htm | title=Company to Appeal Game's X-Rating | author=Lunman, Kim | newspaper=The Globe and Mail | publisher=The Woodbridge Company | date=August 12, 2000 | page=A3 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112103100/http://www.thefreeradical.ca/company_to_appeal_games_x.htm | archive-date=January 12, 2009 | url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/resources/articles/violence/video_restrict.cfm | title=Soldier of Gore: Excessively Violent Video Game restricted by B.C. Film Commissioner | newspaper=The Globe and Mail | publisher=The Woodbridge Company | date=June 12, 2000 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20070808163715/http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/resources/articles/violence/video_restrict.cfm | archive-date=August 8, 2007 | url-status=dead}}</ref> In Germany, the game was placed on the Index List of the [[Federal Department for Media Harmful to Young Persons]].

==Sequels==
Based on its success, Raven Software and Activision later published ''[[Soldier of Fortune II: Double Helix]]'' in 2002, based on the [[id Tech 3|''Quake III: Team Arena'' engine]]. Initially released for Windows, the sequel was later [[Porting|ported]] to the [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]].

A third game in the series, ''[[Soldier of Fortune: Payback]]'' was made by [[Cauldron HQ]] and released on November 14, 2007.

An [[Massively multiplayer online first-person shooter game|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|date=July 2012}}

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{moby game|id=/1331/soldier-of-fortune/}}
* {{moby game|id=/6429/soldier-of-fortune-gold-edition/|name=''Soldier of Fortune: Gold Edition''}}

{{Soldier of Fortune series}}
{{Raven Software}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Soldier Of Fortune (Video Game)}}
[[Category:2000 video games]]
[[Category:Activision games]]
[[Category:Censored video games]]
[[Category:Crave Entertainment games]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of Saddam Hussein]]
[[Category:Dreamcast games]]
[[Category:First-person shooters]]
[[Category:Kosovo War in fiction]]
[[Category:Linux games]]
[[Category:Loki Entertainment games]]
[[Category:Majesco Entertainment games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Obscenity controversies in video games]]
[[Category:Pipe Dream Interactive games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 2 games]]
[[Category:Quake II engine games]]
[[Category:Raven Software games]]
[[Category:Runecraft (company) games]]
[[Category:Science fiction video games]]
[[Category:Video game controversies]]
[[Category:Video games about nuclear war and weapons]]
[[Category:Magazine-branded video games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games set in Germany]]
[[Category:Video games set in Iraq]]
[[Category:Video games set in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games set in Serbia]]
[[Category:Video games set in Kosovo]]
[[Category:Video games set in New York City]]
[[Category:Video games set in Siberia]]
[[Category:Video games set in Sudan]]
[[Category:Video games set in Tokyo]]
[[Category:Video games set in Uganda]]
[[Category:Video games set in the United States]]
[[Category:Windows games]]