Counter-Strike

"So Glad I Didn't Miss Out!"

Few games have generated as much controversy this year as Counter-Strike for Xbox. Reviews all over the web vary dramatically - some heaping praise upon the game, others panning it completely. After a week of reading up as much as I could about the game, I finally took the plunge and bought a copy of my own. I'm really glad I did!


Graphics

No doubt about it, Counter-Strike has taken a beating in the press for its visuals. My question is, why? While clearly not pushing the Xbox hardware, Counter-Strike's graphics get the job done just fine.

Each map has its own distinct look, be it a subway station, a chateau, or an Aztec city. The textures have been upgraded from the PC version, and while the overall look remains simple, it's still convincing enough to be fun (in a cartoonish sort of way).

Character models and guns look decent, and the blood flies aplenty. Sure, it reminds me a bit of the blocky fountains of blood from Mortal Kombat 2, but hey - those were happy times and I rather enjoy the ''old-skool'' look of it all.

In the end, Counter-Stike's visuals are more than adequate, especially since you'll forget all about them once the hyper-addictive gameplay grabs you.


Gameplay

Clearly, this is the area where Counter-Strike excels. Millions of PC gamers can't be wrong!

Surely you know the drill by now - you have two game modes. In one, terrorists are planting a bomb which the counter-terrorists must defuse. In the other, terrorists are holding hostages which the counter-terrorists must free. You can choose to play on either side; both provide a gun-blazing good time.

Before each round, you get to purchase guns and equipment with your winnings. This gets interesting because you can choose from quite an assortment of items, from different guns (pistols, rifles, heavy armaments) to Kevlar vests to grenades and more. It adds a little strategy to the game before you head out to kick some enemy behind.

And the combat is fast and fierce. To be sure, Counter-Strike tends toward the more arcadey side of things, with fast-paced gameplay that really tickles the adrenal gland.


Sound

The game's sound is robust and immersive. Guns roar, KIAs moan, and bombs concuss really good. I especially liked the sound of breaking windows and the sandy sound of bricks being perforated as enemy fire strikes the walls behind you. You'll also get a high-pitched ring in your ears if a grenade goes off too close to you - a nice touch.

Another nice touch is support for custom soundtracks - you can choose to play music you've ripped to your Xbox hard drive both offline and on!


Xbox Live

Counter-Strike shies on Xbox Live. There's nothing like playing with and against other human players, communicating with them over the headset to execute your team-based strategies. Best of all, there's virtually no lag - especially if you find a dedicated server.

Longevity

Counter-Strike is practically the very definition of longevity. It's been going strong for five years, and now it's found new life on Xbox. With gameplay as addictive as this, you'll be playing for a long time - especially with the promise of new maps and possibly other extras for download via Xbox Live!


Overall

Counter-Strike for Xbox surprised me. It's fast, frantic, and fun. It's proof that glorious gameplay beats gorgeous graphics any day. I'm glad I bought the game and didn't listen to people who were panning it. This isn't Rainbow Six - it's a different sort of experience altogether. If you're sitting on the fence, at least rent Counter-Strike to see for yourself. This kind of fun is what video games are all about!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/07/03