Gaming Target - Xbox: Counter-Strike

Written by Nick Doukas on July 18, 2003

First Impressions: Put away the picket signs guys, it's not that kind of strikeЕ

What began as a mod of the incredibly popular PC shooter Half Life, and went on to become one of (if not the) most popular multiplayer FPS titles of all-time; Counter-Strike now comes to Xbox with a cornucopia of improvements. Brand new content, graphical over-hauls, and a stellar Live componentЕ.not to mention a few other things. Read on to find out why you should be excited about yet another First Person Shooter.

Some 10 million gamers currently make the rounds in the PC version of CS, and this fall Xbox owners will get a taste of the addictive gameplay when CS makes its console debut. Based on the soon to be released PC game Counter-Strike: Condition Zero, CSX (that's Counter-Strike for Xbox. You don't want me to keep repeating myself, do you?) will include some very cool exclusive additions. Paramount among these is the brand new single player campaign, which will include 20 completely original solo missions. These scenarios are broken down into specific objectives. Each level will feature one main goal, as well as smaller ops that will require split second decision-making and an even quicker trigger finger. While there's no overall story to speak of in CS, each level has its own unique plot and location, which should immerse the player into the role of a kick-ass commando well. Settings are slated to include Columbia, as well as a bank in Miami. To be sure, you can look forward to a bunch of other cool locales in addition to the ones announced.

The game will feature a ton of great weapons, including the Steyr AUG A1, a MAC-10, .50 caliber Desert Eagle, AK-47, and an M3-Super 90 Combat rifle. Interestingly, the game is set up to reward you with cash for properly executing your missions. In turn, you'll use this money to purchase better weapons and gear. You'll be able to show up online with your friends each session sporting bigger and badder guns, if you're proficient at your job. Cooperative team play is rewarded handsomely in Counter-Strike, and the bragging rights belong to the players who suit themselves up like pros. You know what they say; to the victor go the spoils.

Playable modes for Counter-Strike include Assassination, in which you'll play as a counter-terrorist escorting and protecting a VIP, Bomb Defuse (exactly what it sounds like), Escape (yepЕagain, you can figure this one out) and Hostage Rescue, in which the counter-terrorists try to snatch hostages and spirit them to a safe location, preferably while ventilating the terrorists who are holding them. In addition, expect some Xbox exclusive modes that will reportedly be available via download over Live sometime after the game releases.

The graphics will feature 24-bit texture quality, neat particle effects, and improved lighting. The game will also benefit from higher polygon models, more detailed level geometry, and updated color themes. CS will also support 480p and widescreen. At this point the game is looking good, with a solid framerate and vibrant textures. The detailing on the weapons and military gear adds authenticity to the proceedings, and everything in the game appears well crafted. Ditto for the sound, which features rich weapons vocalizations and other realistic, ambient noises.

At this time a max of 5 vs. 5 is the goal for multiplayer, but if possible, the developers hope to increase that number while maintaining a solid play experience. Counter-Strike will run on a client/server-based system, so players can join games at any time.