Advertisement
Counter-Strike
SummaryCounter-Strike modifies the multiplayer aspects of "Half-Life" to bring to it a more team-oriented gameplay. Counter-Strike provides the player with an experience that a trained counter-terrorist unit or terrorist unit experiences.
Rated M
Rated Mfor Mature

Developer:Valve Software

Counter-Strike

Released On: 
Nov 18, 2003
Metascore
74
User score
Generally Favorable
7.9
My Score
Drag or tap to give a rating
Hover and click to give a rating
Advertisement
Metascore
74
50% Positive
19 Reviews
50% Mixed
19 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
100
GamePro
The epitome of an addictive multiplayer game that has just the right amount of action and team strategy to make it worth every cent to play online.
80
Adrenaline Vault
Mastering Counter-Strike is no simple task, as there’s a wide variety of highly detailed maps to learn. The graphics could’ve used more attention, but those looking for the ultimate in team-based gameplay need look no further.
User score
Generally Favorable
7.9
67% Positive
181 Ratings
27% Mixed
73 Ratings
6% Negative
15 Ratings
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
Mar 16, 2025
10
emirhan701
The Xbox port of Counter-Strike Condition Zero was an unforgettable experience for console gamers. Successfully bringing the excitement and tactical depth of the original PC game to the Xbox, this port stood out with its smooth gameplay, sharp graphics, and competitive multiplayer mode offered through Xbox Live. The optimized controls for console players made the game extremely enjoyable to play. Condition Zero's campaign mode provided players with a single-player experience, while the multiplayer mode offered hours of competitive matches. In short, the Xbox port of Counter-Strike Condition Zero was a first-class FPS experience for console gamers and a must-play for fans of the genre.
Nov 9, 2014
10
MetalGearRex
As someone who only plays against bots anyway, this is a great way to play Counter-Strike and even though the fps and graphics were dumbed down from the PC version (as expected) it still plays like a dream! Definitely one of the best first person shooters on the original Xbox! You owe it to yourselves to pick this one up!
79
IGN
A decent game if you take it for what it is. However, I couldn't help but feel disappointed that neither Ritual nor Valve nor Microsoft Game Studios seized the opportunity to make the Xbox version of Counter-Strike something more visually impressive and worthy of our attention.
73
Official Xbox Magazine
What's here is only half a game. Live play may be brilliant, but the single-player experience is sorely lacking. [Jan 2004, p.78]
70
Cheat Code Central
A solid effort and enough to keep you interested but only if you're into the multi-player modes.
60
netjak
The relative lack of multiplayer variety, coupled with a disappointing single player mode, make Counter-Strike difficult to recommend to anyone who is not already a rabid fan of the game, and downright impossible to recommend to anyone who doesn’t have a Live account.
50
eToychest
There are reasons why 24 year old guys don't date 67 year old women.
See All 38 Critic Reviews
Sep 21, 2023
9
MrRecorder2008
Counter-Strike, originally released in 2000 as a Half-Life mod and later as a standalone game, remains a timeless classic that laid the foundation for the entire first-person shooter genre. Its straightforward yet intensely competitive gameplay has kept players coming back for more than two decades. At its core, Counter-Strike is a team-based tactical shooter that pits terrorists against counter-terrorists in a series of objective-based rounds. The gameplay is remarkably simple: eliminate the opposing team or complete mission objectives. However, this simplicity is deceptive, as Counter-Strike excels in its execution. The game's weapon mechanics are precise and unforgiving, rewarding accuracy and strategy over run-and-gun tactics. The balance of weapons and equipment adds depth to the gameplay, allowing players to develop their own styles and strategies. Every shot counts, and mastering recoil patterns becomes an essential skill. Counter-Strike's maps are iconic, offering a variety of settings and scenarios that cater to different playstyles. Whether it's a close-quarters firefight in "Dust2" or a tense hostage rescue in "Office," each map offers a unique and challenging experience. The balance between terrorists and counter-terrorists ensures that matches are often close and competitive. One of Counter-Strike's standout features is its emphasis on teamwork and communication. Cooperation is crucial for success, and the game's lack of regenerating health or respawns heightens the tension. The need for precise coordination and strategy has made it a favorite among esports players and teams. The game's longevity is a testament to its enduring appeal. Over the years, Counter-Strike has received numerous updates and iterations, with Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO) being the most recent and popular. The community has played a significant role in shaping the game's evolution through mods, maps, and custom content. However, it's important to note that the original Counter-Strike can feel dated compared to its successors in terms of graphics and user interface. The game's visuals, while serviceable, do not match the standards of modern titles. Additionally, new players may find the learning curve steep, as the game does not hold your hand and demands patience and practice to excel. In summary, Counter-Strike is a genre-defining classic that continues to be celebrated for its simplicity, competitiveness, and emphasis on teamwork. Its enduring popularity and influence on the first-person shooter genre are a testament to its quality. While it may show its age in certain aspects, Counter-Strike remains a must-play for fans of tactical shooters and competitive gaming.
Apr 11, 2011
9
Watermelon789
Counter Strike has a simple concept just go kill everyone or simply prevent or put the bomb . The gameplay is simple much similar like halo(no aim assist ) . The maps are well designed,diversity of weapons . Valve you are genius !
Feb 4, 2025
8
BumpkinSTABBY
this game just **** but its so good at the same time. on a technical stand point it fails in pretty much everything. the shooting is clunky, the animations are especially bad. and throwing nades was a pain. its just nostalgia that makes us feel it was good.
Jul 5, 2012
7
The_Baby_Buster
This game is an obvious port, from an obviously massive game. That being said the port is of the worst version of this game, yes I'm saying that Counter Strike: Condition Zero was and still will always be the worst game in the Counter Strike franchise. It took what 1.6 had developed so well, and turned it into complete garbage. But were not here to talk about the PC version, but the Xbox version. The biggest draw to any Counter Strike game was the ability to play online with virtually anyone around the world, which this did nicely in its day, but what about the people who didn't give into the monthly payments? well they suffered the consequence of having to hear the horrid voices of your team mates, and some times lack of accuracy which caused matches to drag on longer than they needed too. The multiplayer factor of CS, is its selling point almost but with this game you almost feel that you're paying FAR too much for what you get. Cause all you get is a simple FPS with some objectives, something that other games like Unreal Championship had achieved as well on this system, prior to the release of CS. Now I'm not saying that you should stay away from this game at all costs, cause that is the last thing I want, because what the game lacks in graphics, gameplay, and multiplayer now years after its release, it is still a great game to sit down and play if you don't have a computer in your room or don't have Counter Strike installed on your Steam Account. So I mean if you find it for a dollar at a pawn shop, or somewhere buy it cause its not denting your wallet I mean look at me I'm a student and I'm doing fine after buying it. I'd have to give this game a safe 7/10
Mar 25, 2026
6
1-G0GH
Essentially, it is the Xbox port of CS:CZ. To be honest, it's looks absolutely awful (especially that M4A1 animation) but it is unintentionally enjoyable.
See All 269 User Reviews
Advertisement
  • PC
  • Xbox
Nov 18, 2003
Advertisement
Advertisement
Related Content: ijumpman | fishie fishie | lucha libre aaa heroes del ring | disgaea 4 a promise unforgotten medic | disgaea 4 a promise unforgotten pirohiko ichimonji | four in a row 2010 | zombie square | super sniper hd | the will of dr frankenstein | chuck e cheeseand39s party games alley roller