"Go go go pick up a copy of Counter-Strike: Source ASAP"

I got this game as part of the Half-Life 2: Game of the Year Edition bundle, but I would've gladly spent the money on just Counter-Strike: Source by itself - that's how good it is!

Gameplay-9/10

Counter-Strike: Source works pretty much the same as any other FPS game. You choose from 1 of 2 teams: the Terrorists, or the Counter-Terrorists, and must complete an objective based on which team chosen in order win the round. Rounds can also end if the one team eliminates the entire other team - and you have a good bit of weapons at your disposal to do so: from Glocks and grenades to AK-47's to shotguns - you name it. Guns must be purchased using money which is obtained by either killing enemies, completing objectives, or can be given to an entire team (Or individual players) by the server's administrator. You also have a trusty combat knife at your disposal in case you run out of ammo, however it will mainly be used to humiliate unsuspecting enemies who have their backs turned. :)

Of course with all the good things in the game, you must also deal with some bad things...you'll encounter a lot of players that intentionally throw flash grenades at their teammates, block doorways, spam the chat box, intentionally teamkill, etc. However some servers have a nifty feature where you can type "voteban" in the chat box and select one of the players in the server to ban. If enough other players do the same thing, said person will be banned. Server administrators can ban as well.

The only other drawback is that it can be a pain learning how to control your guns' recoil. After only about 2-3 shots your gun will usually start to become inaccurate. Other than that, the game is, simply put - fun.

Graphics-9/10

Could've done a tad better, but still outstanding. Guns have a lot of detail in them, as do the character models that hold them, as do the environments they're all enclosed in! Water is splashed, and dust is kicked up as characters shoot/run through it, and objects will move or fall over as they're bumped into or shot. You get the occasional objects passing through other objects, but not enough that it interferes with gameplay.

Sound-10/10

The game sounds like it should. Guns make their appropriate firing noises, smoke grenades make a hissing noise as they smoke up the surrounding area, grenades go off with a bang, etc.
Some servers also have sounds that are played when certain events happen. (A notable one is the infamous "BOOM! HEADSHOT!" when you kill someone via a headshot) The sound of your footsteps also change with the terrain. They clang when on metal, splash when in water, and are louder when jumping/falling from high up. I don't think Valve could improve the sound anymore if they tried.

Overall-9/10

Overall, if you're looking for a good FPS/shooter game, look no further than Counter-Strike: Source. With top-notch gameplay, graphics, and sound, what more could you ask for? Well, for one: modifications! Most servers play the game normally, while others are home to some very entertaining modded versions of normal gameplay. Including GunGame, Zombie, Surf, Hide & Seek, and many more.

Buy or rent?

Without a shadow of a doubt, BUY. The game may be a bit pricey, (Around $30) but it's well-worth every penny. Some people prefer the original Counter-Strike over this. I, myself have yet to play it. (Although I plan to some time) But I definitely suggest getting this, you will have loads of fun for months (years?) to come.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/17/07, Updated 08/30/07