"A great improvement"

Counter Strike: Source is a newer, revised update of the original Half-Life: Counter Strike. This game has completely different physics, different gun models, and updates to several maps that were popular in the older versions of counter strike. This game has taken a great leap as far as realism is concerned. Realism has improved in many areas, but where realism has become a great factor is a way the maps and guns are designed. The ragdoll physics in this game is ok, but it isnt that great. However, its a start. Also, barrels and certain objects break when you shoot at them, which is a big plus.

Graphics: 8/10

Your graphics card plays a big role in this factor. Now, you dont need the world's most expensive graphics card to play this game, but you need something decent. If you are on a low budget like me or simply dont care about having the best , you can be like me and use a GeForce FX 5200, which is fairly cheap and get around 60-70 FPS (frames per second). Now if you have a card like a TNT or a GeForce 4, then I do not recommend buying this game.

As far as the in game graphics are concerned, they are much better. The textures and ragdoll physics are better in this game. For example, the map dust2 looks more like a desert unlike in previous versions of counter-strike, this map looked more like a sandbox. Even the look of the blood in this game has improved. Grenades, such as the HE and the Smoke Grenade have gotten so much better. The flashbang is actually a flashbang, unlike in the older versions of counterstrike. Overall, the grenades have made a big improvement. The only thing I dont really like about this game is that some of the guns look too much like toys.

Gameplay: 8/10

The gameplay is much similar to its predecessor. There are a few minor differences however. Now you can no longer choose a class like you could before. I dont really like this, but I guess valve did this so that people would avoid confusion as to who was a terrorist or who was a counter terrorist. Also, you can no longer wall. Spam spots are no more, however you can spam through certain boxes. Even its rare to find a box to spam through in this game. Bots have been added to this game for those that want to play against the computer or those that dont have a great internet connection and want to enjoy this game. This game also has an easier learning curve than the last one.

Sound: 9/10

Valve has done a good job at creating the sound effects on this game. Anything from the smoke grenade to the M4 sounds just like the real thing. Im not going to say much about the sound. Its that great.

As a whole, the game has made an improvement in its physics. This game is a good buy, especially for fans of the original.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 03/01/05