"Counter-Strike: The Big Choice, the Huge Argument, the Incredible Phenomenon"

Starting as a Counter-Strike 1.6 player, then switching over to Condition Zero (and liking the graphical overhaul), then finally getting decent hardware to play Source games at high settings (and lovin' it).

Let's get on with the show, shall we?

Graphics - 9/10

An absolutely amazing enhancement from the days of Counter-Strike 1.6. The Source engine allows for higher resolution textures, higher poly models, and more detailed maps. Long gone are the days of flat floors and flat walls, unrealistic 2D skyboxes! This also provides an enhancement on gameplay, because with more items in a map, the more cover you get. There was one graphical change since the release of Counter-Strike Source, however. The Counter-Terrorist SEAL TEAM 6/Urban/DEVGRU model and the Terrorist Phoenix Connexion/Terror model have been changed. You can easily obtain the originals from FPSBanana, or any other modding site. However, this means that older machines cannot handle it.

Sound - 6/10

The weak point of Counter-Strike Source. The sounds are not as crisp, as clear as in Counter-Strike 1.6. I've been told that it was to improve realism, but I believe that is just an excuse from VALVe to hide the weaknesses of the Source engine. Microphone voice chat quality has been lowered, using lower quality codecs than 1.6. Guns also sound weaker. Although it is quite annoying downloading 500 customized mp3 and wav files from populated servers. "First blood!"

Gameplay - 10/10

While retaining the classic gameplay of 1.6, Source has made some very nice enhancements. Recoil has been reduced, making it more newbie-friendly. Models are bigger, making heads 70% (!) bigger, therefore easier to hit, also making it more newbie-friendly. Weapons appear on people's backs, improving realism (which is what Counter-Strike lacks).

Replayability - 10/10

With this game, you don't know what's going to happen. It's always different if you don't play on the same server.

Userbase/Community - 1/10

You'll find that most people who play Counter-Strike are quite annoying, which degrades the gaming experience by a lot. This is the one that will bring down the overall score of the game. However, if you find a good server and play with people you know, it becomes a great game. Heck, you'll meet some nice people on the way.

But Source is for n00bs!!!

This is simply a reason people give to not play Source. They are usually:
1. Cheap
2. Do not have good enough hardware
3. Are afraid of change

Ignore anyone who insults Source. It's just a matter of opinion.

Source or 1.6?

It depends on your system. If your rig can handle it, go Source. If you have a somewhat older computer, keep playing 1.6 until you can upgrade.

Overall (Average/Mean) - 7/10

Despite Counter-Strike having its low points, it is essentially what we've been playing for the past 8 years. One of the most played and popular multiplayer online FPSes out there. Have fun, and happy fragging!

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 03/13/07