I still remember the first time I booted up the Delta version, thinking my years of experience with the original would carry me through effortlessly. Boy, was I wrong. That initial confidence lasted exactly until my first encounter with the new enemy AI system. I was crouched behind what I knew was solid cover from my hundreds of hours in the original game, yet somehow the guards spotted me from what felt like a mile away. These aren't the same oblivious soldiers we're used to - they've genuinely evolved, with significantly improved vertical awareness and detection ranges that forced me to completely rethink my approach. Veterans who think they can waltz through this remake using old strategies are in for a rude awakening, much like I was during that first humbling encounter.
My preferred playstyle has always been non-lethal stealth, relying heavily on the trusty MK22 tranquilizer pistol to methodically put entire bases to sleep. But here's where the second major adjustment hit me - the weapon physics have undergone substantial changes that demand recalibration of your muscle memory. The bullet drop on tranquilizer darts is dramatically more severe now, making those satisfying long-distance headshots nearly impossible unless you're accounting for the new trajectory physics. I learned this the hard way during a night infiltration mission where I burned through 18 darts trying to hit a guard who would've been an easy target in the original. Even at medium ranges around 15-20 meters, you need to aim slightly above your intended target, and the adjustment becomes more pronounced beyond that distance.
The weapon behavior changes extend far beyond just non-lethal options though. During the frantic escape sequence where you're fending off pursuing vehicles, I discovered the RPG sway has been significantly increased, making those crucial rocket shots feel much more unpredictable. I went through three rockets before finally connecting with the lead pursuit vehicle, whereas in the original I could reliably make those shots in one or two attempts. Similarly, assault rifles now have noticeably different recoil patterns that require more controlled bursts rather than sustained automatic fire. These aren't necessarily bad changes - they add a layer of realism that many players will appreciate - but they definitely demand an adjustment period.
What surprised me most was how these seemingly minor tweaks collectively transformed my entire approach to gameplay. My usual tactic of quickly circling enemies and putting them to sleep became far less effective, forcing me to be more deliberate with each shot and more strategic with my positioning. I found myself constantly low on both tranquilizer darts and silencer durability during the first few hours, something that rarely happened in the original once you mastered the mechanics. The learning curve is steeper than I anticipated, but there's a satisfying sense of mastery when you finally adapt to these new systems and start moving through enemy territory with the same efficiency you once had. It's still the game we love, just with enough fresh challenges to make veterans feel like they're discovering it anew.