Counter Strike (Xbox)

It's quite a faithful reproduction of the PC version with improved character animation, additional maps (based on the most up-to-date mods available from 2002) and weapons. The riot shield and pistol combination is very amusing for example, and there's everything from sub-machine guns, to heavier close-range weapons like shotguns, and also various pieces of additional kit, depending on your team (whether you are a counter-terrorist or terrorist) and mission goal (of which there are only two: planting a bomb or hostage rescue). The Bomb defusal kit and Kevlar body armour are both essential items. You can also "shop" for these items at the start of each round, as long as you have enough money. You earn money by completing the mission objectives and also for killing opponents. Should you have a bad losing streak however, it can be very frustrating not earning enough money to afford more than just a pistol with a few clips of ammo!

The X-Box controller configuration is easy to get to grips with, being almost identical to similar games like Ghost Recon, but I actually found it easier with the Controller S (the grenade button is easier to reach in a hurry).

The gameplay online varies from ridiculously hard to easy. It's worth specifying the Optimatch settings that you want beforehand so you get the right server for your playing level, otherwise it can be a frustrating experience.

The gameplay is also repetitive, (only 2 types of mission, only 2 teams) and in my experience is not so much about tactics but how well you use Flashbang and smoke grenades to disorientate your opponent. Not only this, but the server hosts tend to have similar tastes in which their favourite maps are, so you can sometimes find yourself playing the same maps over and over again.

I was very impressed with the loading time which has been consistently quick and reliable so there is very little waiting in between rounds (I live in Germany). The games have always run smoothly (have had the game for 2 weeks, playing every night!) and I'm happy to report only 1 or 2 instances of lag on the server - a major improvement to Ghost Recon where I always seem to have problems. On servers with more than 10-12 players however, this can be a problem but in the Settings you can specify if you want to play on a standalone server or not.

Overall, I'm impressed. The gameplay is simple, but to master the tactics and avoid getting killed absorbs you completely and you can easily lose track of time! It takes time to learn the entrance/exit points, where good hiding or sniping places are, the most appropriate weapons for the situation and map and so on, which only adds to the longevity and fun. Also, you're playing against human opponents so your reactions have to be quick! The hectic action and furious pace helps keep the interest up for those that have died during the round - the opportunity to watch the other involved players (in 1st or 3rd person views) when you die is a great touch too, and you can learn a great deal.

A word of warning for parents - it's quite violent, so not recommended for children (some of the kills can be quite graphic with blood splattering everywhere), but for those war-game lovers out there I can recommend this as a welcome addition to your collection along with Rainbow Six 3 and both Ghost Recon games - as long as you have X-Box Live.... ****

However - this game is REASON ENOUGH to GET Xbox Live !!

It's been the worlds #1 online game for the PC for years and is pretty much identical on the XBOX - except there are some more maps (as well as those from the PC game)

Also, the XBOX live experience is not plagued by 'cheating' and searching for online games to play is much enhanced by being able to select games by ability level (i.e. if you are a beginner it's possible for you to stay alive longer than 10 seconds!!!).

And, well, it really is superb. With the XBOX live headset on, it's just given a whole extra dimension (unless you were voice connected when playing on the PC of course).

If you previously played this on the PC, you will find you get used to using an XBOX controller quicker than you might think - and some of the design changes they have implemented (e.g. buying weapons) to cater for a controller are brilliantly done.

The only niggle is that perhaps they could have put a little extra effort into improving the graphics which haven't moved on much from the PC game- though they are acceptable enough. They don't detract at all from the gameplay exeperience though.

Awesome.