"Why change a good thing?"

Counterstrike Source was supposed to be the savior. It was supposed to be the cure to all of 1.6's problems. However this falls very short of curing anything. This is moreso just a graphics overhaul of an old game. The lack of new gameplay elements bring back the same monotonous feeling to the game.

I realize that the old versions of Counterstrike are gone, but does that mean that I have to forget about them? Absolutely not. Counterstrike Source is a completely different game than its predecessors. Once regarded as a great game of skill, Counterstrike has now become less of a skilled players game. Someone who just installed the game today will be able to kill people who have been playing this game since day 1. In the older versions of counterstrike, this was not the case. Skilled players would dominate the game in all aspects. Counterstrike Source evens the playing field for new players and makes it easy to get a decent score. New players love this aspect, while veteran players get very annoyed with this.

One thing your going to want to keep in mind is the client to server interp rates. These are basically where your computer tells the server that you shot your bullets. In previous versions of counterstrike (namely 1.3 and earlier) you would have very few "phantom" bullets. Phantom bullets are bullets that are registered on the client side (your computer) but do not register on the server side. This means that even though on your screen it looks like you shot the persons head, the server might not even register the fact that you shot a bullet. Counterstrike Source unfortunately has alot of "phantom" bullets and because of this, can lead to a lot of frustration for you.

If the bad interp rates weren't enough, now you have to worry about lots of random headshots. Counterstrike Source has lots of randomness to it. You might have your crosshairs on an opponent's head and hit nothing but air. Your opponent can turn around and with a single shot of his pistol, headshot you from across the map. If your used to playing games like Quake, you might not like the difference in the accuracy of the guns. One can argue that "it makes the game more lifelike." Well, you would be correct. However, just because its more true to life does not make it fun.

Sound and graphics are top notch. You better have a top of the line videocard if you are used to playing games with a high fps. The sound really can immerse you into the environment, with so many different sounds and effects. One thing that is not so great about Counterstrike Source's sound is the placement of the sounds in the environment. The sounds of footsteps off in the distance are not quite as accurately placed as they were in previous versions of Counterstrike. If your new to the game, then this won't be an issue for you as you'll get used to Source's sound effects and placement. Long time counterstrike players will have to get used to the new placement of sound.

So if your looking for a game that doesnt have a tough learning curve with lots of randomness to it, the Counterstrike Source is for you! If your looking for a game that actually takes a decent amount of skill with guns that will actually hit their target, then maybe Counterstrike Source is not for you.

Reviewer's Score: 5/10, Originally Posted: 11/15/04