Gameplay:
Counter Strike has always been a team battle, and that’s exactly what Source builds on. Play as either a counter terrorist or terrorist, and choose from an arsenal of weapons, each having their own strengths and weaknesses, to help your team defeat the other. Source does not add much to the story or gameplay, but is merely a version of counter strike that gets it nearly perfect: meaning many glitches are dealt with and the graphics engine is overhauled. You can’t, for instance, shoot through a barrel with a pistol and kill someone like you could in 1.6. In CSS, reality comes to the original CS.
Graphics:
The graphics is the major department that is overhauled in the change from 1.6 to CSS. For this reason alone I recommend playing Source. The game and the environment become more realistic and less like an Unreal Tournament experience. All the maps are completely redone to look incredibly more detailed and realistic, including new additions to each. In de_dust 2, for example, there are various objects, cars, and other environmental effects that make the game more challenging and strategic. Counter Strike basically got a face lift.
Sound:
CSS sounds are top notch, with realistic gun shots, explosions, and environmental ambience. Music can be added on servers as you please, and mic ability is of course included in online play. My favorite part, however, is muting other players. Open your options, visit the players list, and double click on any person to mute the annoying freaks that never stop talking. My only problem with the sound additions is that there is no “mute all.” To solve this problem, find another server.
Replay Value:
CSS can be incredibly addicting like many online games. Fight and fight, improve your accuracy and kill/death ratio and work your way up to the top 10 on each server. Be revered, and make your shots count. Scoring multiple head shots in a row is probably the funnest part, and you’ll find yourself with upwards of a 100 kills on a server if you’re an addict. There is simply no end, and it’s always a relaxing time to hang out with friends on server whilst taking headshots with the M4. Good gaming.
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Rating:
Story: 8
Gameplay: 9
Controls: 9
Graphics: 9.5
Sound: 9.5
Replay value: 9.5
Overall: 9.0
Own, Rent, Avoid:
Own: CSS is a game that most online players will enjoy. It’s a top notch first person shooter that should be in every serious gamer’s library.
Last Thoughts:
CSS innovated a type of online gaming that will forever exist. Battling as teams, improving your accuracy, increasing your skills with individual weapons, and hanging out on servers is a fantastic experience that any gamer will enjoy.
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Written By
Ryan David Leack
1/26/2009
