Counter-Strike

"Fun with XBox Live...Without...."

Intro
This is the most addictive game I have ever played. The reason is X-Box Live. But, I am disappointed about the SP mode, it is actually boring in my opinion playing against bots, but when playing against humans on live it is extremely fun. The games graphics stink. Really, the graphics were no improvement from the popular PC version. There are some new levels from the PC version, but they also left out a few (hopefully those will be downloadable through X-Box Live). This game started as a mod of the PC game Half-Life. Then it got really popular.

Gameplay
You have a tutorial that shows you what the two modes are: demolition and hostage rescue. It is very easy to get used to the controls, which are very similar to Halo. One downside is there is no split-screen multi player, just through system link, X-Box connect, and my absolute favorite, X-Box Live. When playing on X-Box Live, you tend to stay in groups to be more efficient. There is a wide selection of weapons from the good old M4A1 to a magnum rifle to three types of grenades. X-Box Live is what makes this game so addictive. You can have up to 16 humans in the same match. You have some new skins and levels along with some of the previous ones. Guns such as the Bullpup are made easier to aim with. Let me conclude gameplay with this: you will find it very fun and exhilarating to unload a clip into your enemy. Good times. Good times.
Gameplay score: 7/10

Graphics/Sounds
The graphics are really not at all up to Xbox standards. I mean really, plenty of games that were out before this look so much better. They were no improvement to the PC version. Every gunshot has its own unique sound. The in-game noises are so realistic, if you're crouching behind a box waiting for an unsuspecting enemy you might here them trotting along, which can be a huge advantage. Sounds made by guns are very realistic. Such as the M4A1, when silenced, is very realistic.
Graphics/Sounds score: 7/10

Story
Not much to say here, considering there isn't one.
Story score: 0/10

Replay ability
This is a very extremely addictive game, but only in multi player. In my opinion, single player bites. I find it much more challenging and exhilarating to know those are real people I'm gunning down and not bots.
Replay ability score: 10/10

Final Recommendation
If you have a way to play multi player (stated above), then buy this game. Or, if you're planning on getting X-Box Live in the future, definite buy. If not, I would rent it, and if you like it, be my guest and buy. But, trust me, if you don't have X-Box Live get Rainbow 6 Three.

Pros:
+ New skins and levels
+ X-Box Live enabled
+ Excellent gameplay
+ Wide variety of weapons
+ Great selection of maps, which are all excellent

Cons:
- Graphics are really bad
- No split-screen play
- Needs more game modes, Capture The Flag would have been good

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/08/03