7-Jan-2004 You can't say Counter-Strike is retro just yet, but it has been around a long old while. The original Half-Life mod that damn near blew the competition clean off the map infiltrated the PC online scene back in 2000. It became the greatest multiplayer FPS on the planet - even better, you downloaded it for zilch if you already owned Half-Life.
So if the best things in life can come free, why be thrilled to pay for Counter-Strike on Xbox? Its credibility in the online arena may be bulletproof, but its strength as a singleplayer ruckus is more in the way of economy loo roll.
Live And kicking The game structure is simple, but brilliant: you play as terrorists or counter-terrorists in teams of up to eight. Terrorists plant bombs and make sure the coast is clear for it to blow. Counter-terrorists must prevent the explosion. Both work as teams, so communication is essential. Instructions can be spoken, but you've the option to use 'key commands' and that's also the only way to command AI buddies.
An Xbox with Live is a solid online platform for CS. Everyone has the same set-up, and nobody can cheat like some crap-heads are doing on PC either. CS for Xbox is also set up for content download, meaning more professional-quality maps on the way in addition to those from the recent PC update of CS: Condition Zero.
If you play regularly with the same guys you'll grow better as a team, and you'll be hooked. What's missing is any kind of plot-based campaign - what you play solo is the same as multiplayer, only with bots instead of blokes to back you up or blow you up. The one-player ain't fun, basically.
A classic online FPS for Xbox, with tight as
a rat's ass level design, and no-nonsense kill
or get killed strategising. If you don't have Xbox Live though, forget it.
Aside from running, shooting and hiding, Counter-Strike scrapes together a campaign-type feel with its weapons management system. You'll value every bullet in the clip when you're saving cash for heavier firepower.
Resist the urge to be all gung-ho and charge in there screaming, wasting ammo
Clue: your strategy sucks if you’re left holding nothing but a knife!
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