"The potential is there.."

Counter-Strike: Source is the updated version of the highly popular Half-life mod, Counter-Strike. Now using the Half-Life 2 engine, the case could be put for it to be called the next generation installment of the ever-popular online FPS. However, it's simply not quite as fun, and there are several reasons for this.

Easier in some ways, harder in others.

The first thing a player migrating from Counter-Strike 1.6 will notice is the change in physics that Source brings with it. Ragdoll animations for the bodies, shootable scenery, water effects. The game hasn't simply had a graphical overhaul, it's had a physical one too. The changes take some getting used to, and certain aspects are an irritation.

The first point of contention is the addition of clutter to the levels. It adds a sense of realism, sure, and it's cool to see a barrel go flying when a grenade explodes close by to it. But these things are frequently a nuisance, and there's nothing more annoying than being a firefight and getting killed because you couldn't step sideways over a paint can, or some such article. There's simply too much going on in what should be incredibly simply designed maps such as Dust 2 to really let the play flow.

The game format is much the same as Counter-Strike, fortunately very little has been tinkered with in this respect. Standard Counter-Terrorist versus Terrorist rounds on a timer, with bomb defusal and hostage rescuing maps. There has been a ridiculous introduction to the buying system, however. Dynamic Weapons Pricing involves hiking the prices of weapons and items which are in high demand, which basically means that anything decent costs a bundle. Nice idea in principle, to try and balance the game out, but it's too extreme. For example, the standard Kevlar + helmet combo can now cost as much as a third of the maximum funds allowed. Fortunately, it's not compulsory for servers to use this mode, and finding one that doesn't is a relief.

The gun physics also appear to have changed. It's seemingly easier to make headshots in Source, and the guns' recoil patterns have been altered. This isn't a problem a new player would notice, but for someone so fixed in their ways, it can take a bit of getting used to.

Gorgeous, as expected.

It's not really possible to fault the way CS:S looks. It's excellent to look at in every respect barring one. Character models, level design and the new animations are all excellent. The gun models, however, look a touch chunky compared to the slim guns of CS 1.6. They're not bad, per se, but more cartoony. The ragdoll physics are damn impressive, and the aforementioned 'nuisance' barrels and other clutter do add to the atmosphere if not the practicality.

The maps look better, without a doubt. Familiar maps now have much better textures and things which should contribute to the atmosphere. The water effects are great, the reflective surfaces of interiors and the way glass now breaks are all much more modern and impressive.

The game also sounds better. The effects when running on different surfaces, the sounds bullets make when they hit the surroundings, the effect when a grenade goes off close by, all excellent. This is one area in which the game has been significantly improved.

Not quite as addictive as its predecessor.

Because of the changes made to the gameplay, I don't find this game quite as fun to play as 1.6. It's arguable that it's growing on me somewhat however, and so I will continue to play it for some time. But the rush when playing well simply doesn't feel quite the same. Since it follows the same format, it has the potential to be as re-playable as 1.6, especially if changes are made.

1.6 stalwart? Get a guest pass.

If you've been playing the original CS for years now and love it to bits, you might feel the same way I do about Source, which is why I would recommend trialling it. It's not expensive though, so if you're ready to make the leap, do so. It's still a well designed, fun game. It just doesn't quite live up to expectations.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 05/17/07, Updated 05/17/07