Counter-Strike

"It plays well, but you're not missing out if you choose not play it."

Counter Strike. Those two words put together are not unknown. This game is quite simply considered to be one of the best team multiplayer shooters ever created and is also considered by many to be the grandfather of all multiplayer shooters combined. Yet, Valve is not ready to let this horse die, as we Xbox owners finally get a taste of what PC gamers have been playing all of these years. How does it hold up?

PROS:

Ummm well... as a nice change from the usual fragging we get from today's shooters, Counter Strike 's multiplayer consists of team play. There are two teams: Counter Terrorists and the Terrorsists. The goal of the counter-terrorists is to prevent the terrorists from completing their objectives and vice-versa. There are two modes of play: Hostage Rescue and Bomb Defusal. Bomb Defusal consists of the Terrorists fighting their way to one of two locations and planting an explosive, while the CT's job is to either kill all of the terrorists or defuse the bomb before it explodes. In hostage rescue as the Counter Terrorists, is is your job to rescue the hostages and bring them back safely or kill all of the terrorists. While as the Terrorists it is your job to prevent them from succeeding. There are rounds in between each match, so if you die you'll have to wait until the round ends before you can play again but the game does include a nice spectator mode so you can keep an eye on your friends and your enemies while you are waiting to get back in the fight.

Now here comes the important part: teamwork. You can't go in guns blazing, because if you do you'll be dead before you know what hits you. Your shots will be off target while running, you can't strafe-jump, and you can expect actual recoil with your weapons. It is your job, as well as your teammate's to coordinate your efforts. Believe me, you'll take in a great sense of pride when you've won a match and it was based on teamwork and thats what will constantly bring you back for more. Teamwork makes all the difference and thats the one things that makes this game so addictive.

Now this game was designed for Xbox live in mind, but if you don't have it they did include passable bots to play around with. You can tinker with some of their abilities, but on their own they're quite capable of handling themselves and they know to stick together. You can also give them basic orders, too. Don't expect them to win rounds by themselves but they are a great help in backing you up and providing you with support. They do some bonehead things like tossing flash grenades in the heat of battle and blinding you, but most of the time they're smart. however sometimes they like to go lone ranger on you and will attempt to rambo their way to their objective. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Most of the time you'll be amazed though at how they work together and back each other up, although there will be times where you will shake your head in disbelief at their stupidity.

If you do have xbox live, you're in for a real treat. Now if you just played single player then you'll have an idea of what to expect online so I won't go into it that much. Just know that if you liked the single player then you'll absolutely love online. Using teamwork with serious allies and against organized enemies will one hell of an experience and will give you the celebrated experience that pc gamers are raving about.

Another cool aspect is the store. Right before the beginning of the match you'll be able to buy any weapons you desire as well as grenades, armor, etc. The money you earn in between rounds will increase so you might have to save up for a couple of rounds before you can buy that high-powered rifle. For the hardcore fans, each weapon has a set of stats which you can view for each weapon before you buy them. For instance, one gun might have a really fast shooting ability, but it's accuracy may suffer. You can spend a lot of time finding that weapon that suits your style of play so this can add tons of replayability.

Its just too bad this game reeks of sloppiness...

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CONS:

Well first of all the presentation just screams 1998(after all this is a mod from the original Half-Life) and add this to the fact that this port was released in 2004 and you get an idea of how ugly this game is. Everything is blocky and uninspired. The colors are dull and really this is just an ugly looking game. The animations are horrible to boot. Apparently the graphics were touched up for this port, but I don't see it. If anyone can tell me any changes were made, I'd like for you to point them out to me. This game also supports 480p, but it just makes the game even uglier than it already is if thats even possible.

Also, there is no split screen support at all. ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? Nope, apparently an ugly looking game like this can't support split screen on a powerful machine like the Xbox. Actually... wait... this is just laziness and a cheap cash-in. There is system link but good luck finding 16 people with this game, as they probably already have it for the pc anyways. You know for a game all about multiplayer you would think Valve would have went out of their way for Xbox owners trying to catch a glimpse of what they are missing? But this ends up just being a missed opportunity.

Another downward spot is the fact that the maps are boring. Sure there is always different scenery, but they all feel the same. They all feel like corridor mazes. Some levels are outside but they're still boxed in and the Xbox exclusive maps aren't anything special either. This is another reason to get the pc version over this one, the user created content and the better maps.

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However the game controls great and if you are a veteran off Xbox shooters than you won't have trouble getting around. Orders are given by the d-pad while weapon selection is handled by the buttons. Although the aiming reticle leaves a lot to be desired, like Rainbow Six 3's, it just sits there... motionless. The sound department is adequate, the gun noises deliver that punch and feel really powerful. Honestly, these are some of the best weapons noises even today which is pretty sad when you think about it. However the voice overs are terrible as they sound loose and muffled.

Pros & Cons:
+ Plays great
+ Teamwork really pays off
+ Bots!!
+ Some Xbox only additions are nice...
- while some are just lame.
- no split screen??????
- Just screams of laziness
? NO SPLIT SCREEN??????

To buy or to rent?
Don't even bother with either option. Well... buy it for the PC, but the xbox port isn't even worth the effort. with superior controls, user created content and massive human player servers you are much better off with the pc version over this lazy, uninspired port. Valve should be ashamed, but in another way they're laughing as this game has sold a boat load of money. But any future owners looking at the nice $10 should steer clear and invest in a pc capable of playing this.

Reviewer's Score: 5/10, Originally Posted: 07/07/08

Game Release: Counter-Strike (Best of Platinum Hits) (US, 2006)