Counter-Strike: Condition Zero - PC

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Viewed: 3D First-person Genre:
Combat Game
Shoot 'Em Up
Media: CD Arcade origin:No
Developer: Gearbox Soft. Co.: Valve
Publishers: Sierra Entertainment (US)
Vivendi (GB)
Released: 26 Mar 2004 (GB)
1 Sept 2003 (US)
Ratings: PEGI 16+, ESRB Rating Pending
No Accessories: No Accessories

Summary

By far the most popular Half Life mod to ever do the rounds within the FPS community, Counter Strike has long been recognised for setting the benchmark for team-orientated multiplayer gaming. Hot on the heels of the recent Xbox port, this latest PC title is a standalone game, delivering a comprehensive follow-up to the 2000 Multiplayer Game of the Year, whilst also placing strong emphasis on a single-player element.

The main focus though is the game's enhanced multiplayer aspect, which throws a number of new and improved elements into the mix. New missions and environments provide the respective objectives and settings for the combat, ranging from harsh jungles to severe Arctic terrains. There's also a wealth of new weaponry to get your sweaty hands on, including the likes of M60 guns, LAW rocket launchers, ballistic shields, and Molotov cocktails, as well a few other handy items such as gas masks and flares.

For the new single-player aspect, Condition Zero offers six story-driven episodes, which make for a total of 25 missions. In each case players lead their team of anti-terrorist commandos through a range of increasingly challenging scenarios, while neutralising the threat of terrorism and completing a wide variety of objectives. Throughout the game you're charged with such tasks as rescuing hostages, escorting VIPs to safety, locating and diffusing bombs, and other objectives that challenge your ability to think quickly and strategically. Also, for those of you without access to a LAN or the Internet, the game also features a single-player mode that simulates that of the multiplayer, allowing you to take part in all the same scenarios but with AI bots.

As you would expect, Condition Zero features plenty of technical improvements over its predecessor, and it also introduces an assortment of new game technologies, such as highly detailed locations, atmospheric enhancement - such as snow and rain - and other dynamic special effects. And as a nice little addition, the game takes advantage of the visual overhaul and gives you the chance to play your favourite CS maps with the new graphical makeover.