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The Plot:  Before anything else, let me note that, if you don't have XBOX Live, this is not a game worth getting. "Counter Strike" is an XBOX port of the popular PC game that attracted a massive following a few years ago. The game does not offer a story or plot/missions, just a very basic match: you are either a member of a terrorist group, or an anti/counter-terrorist group. You either are sent in to rescue/keep hostages or plant/defuse a bomb. That's about it. The game originally gained popularity because it offered a first-person shooter experience with realistic locations. It is also fast-paced and the XBOX version offers an impressive amount of weapons to choose from. However, its difficult to play the game when so many other impressive experiences - "Rainbow Six 3", for example, or even the thunderous battles of "Kill Switch" - have been offered to gamers. Although somewhat dated at this point, the game is clearly still very influencial. Given that there's a fairly limited amount of ammo available and the game's pace is rapid-fire, there's a lot of strategy required. The single player experience of "Counter Strike" throws players into one of 18 relatively mid-sized arenas to battle against the other team. Winning - either by completing the objectives or wiping out the other team - gives the player more money for the next round to purchase more weapons and/or equipment. The 'bot AI during the single player experience is generally good, although there were a few moments where they displayed some questionable actions, including a few moments where they just stood there until I finally fired. The other issue is that, once you've been taken out, you must sit and wait until the match - with the remaining 'bots versus the 'bots - ends, or restart. Clearly, the most enjoyment out of the game will be had via XBOX Live (which will also include leaderboards), playing against human opponents. Rating: 8/10 The DVD Graphics: "Counter Strike" looks a little better than its age, as it has obviously gotten at least somewhat of an upgrade from the original version. However, things still don't reach the level of most new efforts. Textures can look a bit blurry and character models and animations are somewhat outdated. Lighting isn't bad and although level designs are satisfactory, there's just not that much territory in any of these areas. Rating: 7.5/10 Sound: "Counter Strike" fares better when it comes to sound. The game is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and although other, similar games have clearly made better use of 5.1 surround, the rear speakers do kick in during the game's gun battles. Each of the guns have their own, distinctive sound and sound effects are quite well-recorded, sounding dynamic and not compressed. Rating: 8.9/10 Rating Issues: "Counter Strike" is rated "M" (Mature) for graphic violence. Final Thoughts: "Counter Strike" may not offer the same kind of deep experience that most first-person shooters offer these days, but the level design is still enjoyable and the fights are fast-and-furious. The single player experience is pretty limited, but XBOX Live players will likely find this of much greater interest. Recommended for XBOX Live players (although its still a little pricey at $50). Others may want to try it as a rental, at most. |