Have you been CounterStricken? (Counter-Strike for Half-Life (PS))

Member Name: anomie

Product:	Counter-Strike for Half-Life (PS)
Date:	01/04/02 (35 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Realism, Team/Tactics based, High replayablility

Disadvantages: Bots for multiplayer, Hardware demands for better graphics, May find it takes away your social life ;)

It is every boys dream to shoot a gun. This begins at the tender age of 5, or younger for some, and hopefully involves a water pistol. With the event of mass gaming, 'shooting people', as it is crudely known, has become more of a wider enjoyed sport. So, when the people being shot are given evil persona's, it begin to get serious.

This game is in some ways, much like other FPS (first-person shooters), in that body sensitive shots are detected, and realism is the buzzword in most instances. The game is divided into two teams, the Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists, suprisingly enough. Each team has objectives to complete, which the other team must foil. Simple. This ranges form defusing a bomb, to escaping, to killing a VIP, and general hostage rescue. This se;ection of variety in the gameplay itself, will allow people who enjoy mixed styles, to participate in any form of CS.

Personally, I find this game amazing. The sheer realism of it, from the accurate falling, to the flashbangs and even kick-back from guns, adds to the experience. It is very possible to become wound up in this game, and not notice where the time has gone.

In this game, weapons must be bought at the start of a 'round' usually five minutes, and once a player is killed thye must wait until the next round to play again. After the round starts, the players then wizz around the map, completing objectives, and generally shooting at moving things, resembling humans.

However, all is not rosey. This game is a multiplayer game, being that you either need a LAN to play it on, or a good speed (broadband) connection to the internet, otherwise the lag will have you dead, before you have loaded your wepaon. But, when have we ever been beaten in the world of technology? Bots can be downloaded and played against, and they pack quite a punch. Don't get too cocky. There are a mass of servers on the internet, which can be used, and it is even possible to crea
te your own.

The only drawback of using bots, is the strain on the computer. Half-life, and therefore CounterStrike supports software rendering, Direct3D and OpenGL graphics modes, in most resolutions, and can incorportate online radio commands.

Overall, CounterStrike is a very playable game, with some stunning maps and well thought out gameplay. Can't wait for the single player sequel.

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