The world’s most popular multi-playerHalf-Life mod, now is being released commercially to stores everyware and has gained a new audience. However, does the commercial version differ much from the beta version (that you can download off the web for free)? The answer is a disappointing no. There is now a training level to help newbies at the game but there is no new levels or game modes. They just took the most recent version and burned it on a disk to sell to people. But it still might be worth the purchase. The Commercial version includes Firearms, a excellent mod in its own right. Redemption, a single player mod that continues Gordon Freeman’s adventures and the Wanted, a mod that includes "capture the chicken".

The concept of counter-strike is simple, there are two groups. The Terrorist and the Counter-terrorist. The terrorist goal, depending on which game you play, is to stop the counter terrorist form rescuing the hostages or disarming your bomb. The Counter-terrorist’s goal is guide all the hostages out of danger and bring them the rescue point, or if you playing a bomb game, to disarm the bomb. The more goals you complete, the more money you make, so you can buy better weapons and equipment for the next round. The game has a addictive lure to it, you can play the level over and over and still not get board with it. Every gameplay aspect of the game is as realistic as possible, one shot kills, the weapons and equipment you purchase are in actual existence. (no BFG’s or laser cannons here)

The graphics however are dated, just like the graphics in Half-Life are dated. The levels are well designed but still have minor cliches. But it’s the gameplay that counts, right? That’s the best part! Bottom Line- There is no excuse for not having this MOD, you can download it for free (100 meg download) or purchase it for $30 bucks. The choice is yours.

-Chip Scheppel

Haven't you noticed that all annoying people look alike?

Isn't that nice!

The Good

+Addictive Fun

+Great Level Design

+Firearms and Redemption included!

The Bad

-You can download most of these mods off the internet for free!

-The graphics are dated

-The sounds are dated

Total as a free mod game 9.7 out of 10
Total as a commerecial product 8.2 out of ten.
Total Average 8.9 out of 10