Half-Life: Firearms

"Nothing compared to Counter-Strike, but still a good MOD"

I am writing this review based on FireArms version 2.65. So it is the most current review up to this point. A couple of weeks from now, the FireArms team will be releasing a new patch. The patch will only fix some bugs, and make the weapons a bit more balanced, so don't worry about the review being outdated.

Graphics : 7

Soldier models are a bit below average. Mainly because its very hard to tell if they are enemy or foe. However, the detail is very nice. You can choose which race your soldier will be. Weapon models look very realistic. The arms, however, aren't as well done. The maps look ok, nothing spectacular.

Sound : 9

The sound in FireArms is very good. The guns sound like their real life counter parts. They have radio commands, but they aren't very useful. Nothing really much to say about the sound.

Controls : 10

The game uses the Half-Life engine, so the controls are very good. If you don't like the default ones, you can customize them to your liking. Its a first person shooter on the PC, so aiming wont be difficult.

Gameplay : 8

Firearms uses a skill based system. So everytime you get 10 kills you go up a rank, and you can choose to improve a skill. There are a total of 10 skills. They range from accuracy boost, medic, Leadership, etc. The game is like CS, the guns do have recoil, but it isn't as insane as Counter-Strike. The maps are all push type maps. Which means that 1 team must capture all the flags on the map to win. The maps are, for the most part, balanced. The guns however, aren't. The SMGs in this game don't cost a lot to buy, and they deal a grip of damage. So basically it makes them better then the rifles. But all of this should be fixed when they release the new patch.

Replay : 8

Its a multiplayer only MOD. So the game should keep you busy for awhile.

Should I download this FREE mod? : YES!!!

Its free! Just download it and see if you like it. However, you do need to have Half-Life retail or Counter-Strike retail to actually install it.

Overall : 8

Pros
- Good gameplay
- Multiplayer
- Unique skill system
- Great sound
- Controls
- Its very fun
- Its FREE!!!

Cons
- Average graphics
- Guns need some balance changes
- Not enough servers to play on
- Artillery abusers (you will find out who these guys are when you play the game)

A good MOD, download it and see if you like it

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/02/03, Updated 01/02/03