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First Person Shooter

First person shooter games are games that revolve around wielding a weapon and eliminating other players through a first person perspective.

Counter-Strike

250px-Counter-Strike Box.jpg

Counter-Strike is a tactical first-person shooter video game developed by Valve Corporation which originated from a Half-Life modification by Minh "Gooseman" Le and Jess "Cliffe" Cliffe. By the fourth beta version, Valve Software, the developer who created Half-Life, began assisting in the development of Counter-Strike.[1] In 2000, Valve bought the rights to Counter-Strike, and would publish the title for Microsoft Windows that year, and later in 2003 for the Xbox. OS X and Linux ports were available in January 2013. [1]

The game has been expanded into a series since its original release, which currently includes Counter-Strike: Condition Zero, Counter-Strike: Source, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Counter-Strike pits a team of terrorists against a team of counter-terrorists in a series of rounds. Each round is won by either completing the mission objective or eliminating the opposing force.

The game was the most played Half-Life modification in terms of players, according to GameSpy in 2008.[2]

As of August 2011, the Counter-Strike franchise has sold over 25 million units.[3]

On March 2015, a record-high number of users was recorded, with a peak player count of 595,439, compared to March 2014's peak count of 164,495 players. [4]

Gameplay

CS 1.6 using usp pistol while facing counter-terrorists

Counter-Strike is a first-person shooter in which players join either the terrorist team, the counter-terrorist team, or become spectators. Each team attempts to complete their mission objective and/or eliminate the opposing team. Each round starts with the two teams spawning simultaneously.

A player can choose to play as one of eight different default character models (four for each side, although Counter-Strike: Condition Zero added two extra models, bringing the total to ten). Players are generally given a few seconds before the round begins (known as "freeze time") to prepare and buy equipment, during which they cannot attack or move. They can return to the buy area within a set amount of time to buy more equipment (some custom maps included neutral "buy zones" that could be used by both teams). Once the round has ended, surviving players retain their equipment for use in the next round; players who were killed begin the next round with the basic default starting equipment.

Standard monetary bonuses are awarded for winning a round, losing a round, killing an enemy, being the first to instruct a hostage to follow, rescuing a hostage or planting (Terrorist) /defusing (Counter Terrorist)the bomb(C4)in the bomb site.

The scoreboard displays team scores in addition to statistics for each player: name, kills, deaths, and ping (in milliseconds). The scoreboard also indicates whether a player is dead, carrying the bomb (on bomb maps), or is the VIP (on assassination maps), although information on players on the opposing team is hidden from a player until his/her death, as this information can be important.

Killed players become "spectators" for the duration of the round; they cannot change their names before their next spawn, text chat cannot be sent to or received from live players, and voice chat can only be received from live players and not sent to them (unless the console variable sv_alltalk is set to 1). Spectators are generally able to watch the rest of the round from multiple point of views, although some servers disable some of these views to prevent dead players from relaying information about living players to their teammates through alternative media (Additional programs such as TeamSpeak or Ventrilo). This form of cheating is known as "ghosting.

Since the beginning of the game there has been a large competitive scene which ranged originated from Counter Strike and has lasted to its most recent release of Counter Strike: Global Offensive.

Counter-Strike: Condition Zero

Conditionz.png

Released on January 3, 2004, Counter-Strike: Condition Zero is a multiplayer video game and the follow-up to Counter-Strike. Condition Zero advances the Counter-Strike series by introducing single-player action and special enhancements for online play. Unlike other Counter-Strike games, Condition Zero also contains a single-player mission pack with the player playing as counter-terrorist alongside bots. As squad leader of an elite counter-terrorist operative, you use specialized maneuvers and weapon skills to complete over 20 new missions, each containing numerous objectives. Some of your missions include rescuing hostages, escorting VIPs to safety, and locating and defusing bombs. The player unlocks maps and more effective bot teammates as he passes certain requirements for each map while playing as a counter terrorist. This collection of entirely new episodes challenges your ability to think quickly and strategically. [5]

A large portion of Condition Zero maps are re-made Counter-Strike maps featuring newer textures, effects, and better graphics. Others were taken from Deleted Scenes missions and edited by Turtle Rock Studios. Several new maps by them were also incorporated into the Xbox port of Counter-Strike. Some new maps were also developed by former Counter-Strike developers that were integrated with help from Valve. [6]

Counter-Strike: Condition Zero Deleted Scenes

Counter-Strike: Condition Zero Deleted Scenes (CS:CZ DS) is an expansion for Counter-Strike: Condition Zero, developed by Ritual Entertainment, making up a series of eighteen unconnected single-player missions.[7]

Several weapons from the "lost contents" have made an appearance in Deleted Scenes, including the M72 LAW Light Anti-Armor Weapon, and the M60. Some are limited to the AI terrorists, such as the machete and Rogue Entertainment's controversial suicide belt. Some reconnaissance weapons including the blowtorch, radio, fiber optic camera and RC bombs. Players can also carry up to three HE grenades instead of the usual one. Moreover, the power of players' Kevlar Armor is boosted, better protecting players from many projectiles and bullets.[8]

Some weapons were completely reanimated. This includes the Maverick M4A1 Carbine, Clarion 5.56 and IDF Defender with the exception of the Krieg 552 which uses its "beta animations". Weapon textures are also slightly modified. The weapons are colored a bit differently from their Counter-Strike counterparts, such as the Magnum Rifle which is now brown instead of green, the Bullpup and the M4A1 are now two-tone police black instead of the usual colors. It initially came with twelve missions, but later Steam updates added six additional missions that were cut from the initial release. There is a small community for Deleted Scenes, and a few custom maps have been released.[9]

These are the missions that were cut from the retail version of the game, but later added through Steam updates. (They are not connected to the storyline missions, but they can be chosen from the World Map):[10]

  • Fastline (July 14, 2004)
  • Truth in Chaos (June 28, 2004)
  • Run! (June 28, 2004)
  • Pipe Dream (July 14, 2004)
  • Sandstorm (July 14, 2004)
  • Miami Heat (June 28, 2004)
CSGO Logo.jpg

Counter-Strike Global Offensive

CS:GO facing terrorists; using customized skin AK-47 Blue Laminate to kill three enemies

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive was released on August 21, 2012, and made available for Microsoft Windows and OS X on Steam, Xbox Live Arcade, and a US-only version on PlayStation Network. It is the fourth game in the main Counter-Strike franchise. It features classic content, such as revamped versions of classic maps; as well as brand new maps, characters and game modes. Cross-platform multiplayer was planned between Windows, OS X, Linux, and PSN players, but was ultimately limited to Windows, OS X, and Linux because of the differences in update-frequency between systems. The PSN version offers three input control methods, which include using either the DualShock 3 controller, PlayStation Move or USB keyboard/mouse.[11]

With the newest addition to the Counter-Strike series, Global offensive brings about quite a few drastic changes while keeping the core dynamics of the gameplay the same. First and foremost, the graphics received a major alteration. Anti-aliasing, shader rendering, smooth edges are just a handful of changes that made the graphics look more realistically 3D, compared to the blocky and pixelated Counter-Strike version 1.6. In regards to the gameplay, players can not longer choose their desired character models. All counter-terrorists start with the same outfit, as well as terrorists with their outfits, respectively. This change was implemented due to the fact that new players had difficulty distinguishing various outfits in respect to their teams.

Another change was the removal of purchasing the night-vision goggles and tactical shield, simply because it was too rigged. The purchase of bullets were also removed, as now players will start with maximum capacity of ammunition with the purchase of their gun. A lot of the textures were revamped also, making most brick and concrete walls un-wallable, such that bullets will not penetrate through them. In the older versions of Counter-Strike, bullets would unrealistically penetrate a 50 inch thick concrete wall or steel beam with ease. Shooting mechanics and bullet spray patterns were also tweaked from gun to gun. Damage output per bullet of various guns were slightly adjusted too.

Perhaps the most dramatic change resided in the grenades. High explosive or frag grenades will no longer damage players through walls. In the previous versions, grenades dealt significant damage even through a 50 inch thick steel wall, which was unrealistic because grenades in reality work by exploding shrapnel metal fragments, not radiate beams of particles that permeate walls. Along with the frag grenade, the smoke grenade received a drastic boost. It actually blocks vision and creates a smoky effect on impact. In earlier versions, smoke grenades looked like a slight fog or water vapor which can be clearly seen through. In addition, two new grenades were implemented into the game. Molotov grenades create a path of fire on impact that deals damage over time in an effected area. The decoy grenade, which makes a mock noise of your primary weapon when thrown at a location, plus places a false position pointer on enemy radars.

What makes Global Offensive extremely unique is the new internal competitive rankings and game play. Unlike casual mode, competitive mode always pits two teams of 5 against each other in a 30 round match. It is not possible to switch sides during the game except at the halftime. After the first 15 rounds, the game reaches halftime and the two teams will switch sides. The first team to score 16 points wins the game. If both teams score a total of 15 points by the end of the 30th round, the match will end in a tie. Games can also end prematurely if one team surrenders to the other. A vote to surrender must be unanimously agreed upon, and the vote is locked until a team member abandons the match.

Differences from casual modes

  • The economy of the competitive mode is different from that of the casual mode.
  • All kill awards are doubled compared to the casual mode, the money cap is $16000, and all players start the pistol round with $800 instead of $1000.
  • Other differences include the ability to purchase two flashbangs instead of just one.
  • Friendly Fire and team collision is always on and cannot be turned off.
  • Armor and kits are not received automatically, and must be purchased at the start of the round.
  • Spectating is much more limited compared to the casual mode. Players are only allowed to spectate other players on their own team and third-person view is not possible." [12]


Weapons and Equipment

Pistols

A picture of the Desert Eagle. The Desert Eagle holds 7 rounds per magazine. It is the only pistol capable of killing an enemy with a helmet on in one shot. It is referred to as the "Hand Cannon".
  • Glock-18 (exclusive to Terrorist)
  • P2000 (exclusive to Counter-Terrorist)
  • USP-S (exclusive to Counter-Terrorist)
  • P250
  • Desert Eagle
  • R8 Revolver
  • Dual Berettas
  • Tec-9(exclusive to Terrorist)
  • CZ75 Auto
  • Five-SeveN (exclusive to Counter-Terrorist)


Heavy

  • Nova
  • XM1014
  • Sawed-Off (exclusive to Terrorist)
  • MAG-7 (exclusive to Counter-Terrorist)
  • M249
  • Negev

Submachine guns

  • MAC-10 (exclusive to Terrorist)
    One of the most popular rifles in the game. It can only be purchased while playing on the Counter-terrorist side. The M4A1-S is the Silenced counterpart of the M4A4. It holds 20 rounds per magazine compared to the M4A4, however it is difficult to detect due to it's silenced nature. Due to it's very quiet nature, it is used for quiet kills while keeping an unknown location. This weapon is deadly at all ranges. It is very accurate even at long distances. The downside to this weapon is that it can not kill an enemy wearing a helmet in one shot, even if it is a headshot.
  • MP9 (exclusive to Counter-Terrorist)
  • MP7
  • UMP-45
  • PP-Bizon
  • P90


Rifles

One of the most popular rifles in the game. It can only be purchased while playing on the terrorist side. The AK-47 is a very powerful rifle capable of killing enemies with a single shot to the head regardless of whether the enemy has an helmet equipped. It can be deadly in close range as well as long range combat. Each magazine holds 30 rounds. This rifle is extremely loud.
  • Galil AR (exclusive to Terrorist)
  • AK-47 (exclusive to Terrorist)
  • SSG 08
  • SG 553 (exclusive to Terrorist)
  • AWP
  • G3SG1 (exclusive to Terrorist)
  • FAMAS (exclusive to Counter-Terrorist)
  • M4A4 (exclusive to Counter-Terrorist)
  • M4A1-S (exclusive to Counter-Terrorist)
  • AUG (exclusive to Counter-Terrorist)
  • SCAR-20 (exclusive to Counter-Terrorist)


Equipment

  • Kevlar vest
  • Kevlar + helmet
  • Zeus x27
  • C4 (exclusive to Terrorist, also known as bomb, can not be bought, one play is selected to carry this at the beginning of each round)
  • Defuse kit (exclusive to Counter-Terrorist)

Grenades

  • Molotov cocktail (exclusive to Terrorist)
  • Decoy grenade
  • HE grenade
  • Flashbang
  • Smoke grenade
  • Incendiary grenade (exclusive to Counter-Terrorist)[13]


Counter-Strike Global Offensive: Competitive Ranking System

Ranks.jpg

Since the update on October 25, 2012, a ranking system has been introduced in order to explain to players how the competitive matchmaking system worked. When a player joins a competitive game, the matchmaking system attempts to place the player with other players around the same skill group.

In order to receive a rank, you must first win at least 10 matches. Because players with no ranks are generally new to the competitive scene, these players are placed with others who are also without a rank or in a low rank. Players without a rank are limited to two competitive match wins a day.[14]

Skill Groups (Ranks) from highest to lowest:[15]

  • The Global Elite (GE)
  • Supreme Master First Class (SMFC)
  • Legendary Eagle Master (LEM)
  • Legendary Eagle (LE)
  • Distinguished Master Guardian (DMG)
  • Master Guardian Elite (MGE)
  • Master Guardian II (MG2)
  • Master Guardian I (MG1)
  • Gold Nova Master (GNM)
  • Gold Nova III (GN3)
  • Gold Nova II (GN2)
  • Gold Nova I (GN)
  • Silver Elite Master (SEM)
  • Silver Elite (SE)
  • Silver IV
  • Silver III
  • Silver II
  • Silver I

Counter-Strike Global Offensive: Competitive Matchmaking Cooldown

Cooldown.png

When a player has abandoned a match, cheated, or otherwise poor sportsmanship, the player will receive a competitive matchmaking cooldown. During this cooldown the player cannot participate in any competitive matches for the duration of the cooldown. A yellow banner is displayed on the top of the main menu page to notify a player of any existing cooldowns. This banner displays the reason for the cooldown and the remaining length of the cooldown. Similar to ranks, there are also levels to a cooldown:[16]

  • Level 1: lasts 30 minutes
  • Level 2: lasts 2 hours
  • Level 3: lasts 24 hours
  • Level 4: lasts 7 days
  • Level 5: given by overwatch, time can vary based on the unjust action

If you haven’t received a cooldown for a week, your cooldown level will go down by a level each week, starting after any existing cooldowns have expired. For example, once a 24 hour cooldown is over you would have to wait a week till the cooldown level (if you do trigger another cooldown) goes from 24 hours back to 2 hours. Cooldown levels drop by 1 level after a week with no additional offenses. There is no known limit to how many levels a person can get.[17]

There are many reasons a player can receive a cooldown. Most are from actions that occurred during competitive matches. While most infractions result in a temporary ban or cooldown from competitive matches, when a player is caught cheating through overwatch or Steam's Anti-cheating system known as VAC, the player is permanently banned from using Steam's servers. This means that the player can no longer use that account to play on games hosted by Steam and they are no longer allowed to play competitive matches. The following is a list of reasons that a user can receive a cooldown:

  • Abandoning a match or leaving a competitive match mid-game
  • Team disruption (teamkilling, excessive team damage, being repeatedly vote-kicked)
  • Cheating (competitive or casual matches)
  • Idling (competitive or casual matches)
  • Attempting to excessively kick people

Vac.png

Customizations in Counter-Strike Global Offensive

CSGOskin.jpg

The release of Counter-Strike Global Offensive featured a new system in place - one that allowed users to customize their weapons with various looks and finishes. These "skins" applied to almost all weapons, including knives.

In order to obtain these skins, they are found randomly, after playing games (with a cap of drops per week), or can be obtained by opening special boxes, which are opened with a key. Once opened, the user is given a new gun/weapon at random, from the rolls available in the box. These keys are purchasable from the Steam store for $2.49. [18]

Each item has two ranks - one that dictates its rarity, and the other that dictates its exterior visual appearance.

  • White (Common) - Consumer grade
  • Light blue (Uncommon) - Industrial grade
  • Darker blue (Rare) - Mil-spec
  • Purple (Mythical) - Restricted
  • Pinkish purple (Legendary) - Classified
  • Red (Ancient) - Covert
  • Gold (Exceedingly Rare) - ★ Melee Weapons (these refer to knives)
  • Light Brown (Immortal) - Contraband (discontinued)

Each weapon skin also has a quality assigned to it.

The exterior quality hierarchy is the following, from best to worst:

  • Factory New (FN)
  • Minimal Wear (MW)
  • Field-Tested (FT)
  • Well-Worn (WW)
  • Battle-Scarred (BS)
StatTrak.jpg

Factory New weapon skins have little to no blemishes, whereas Battle-Scarred weapon skins will most likely be chipped and faded. Factory New and Battle-Scarred are the most uncommon, as it is based on a bell curve.

Furthermore, sometimes a weapon obtained from a box may be a StatTrak weapon. The weapon with the StatTrak feature will have a small digital counter displaying numbers attached to it. The purpose of the counter is to count the number of kills that the owner receives using that weapon. For example, At the beginning of round 3, Player A has a StatTrak AWP(Sniper rifle) that displays the number 249. Over the course of the round, Player A kills three enemies using the AWP. The next round, Player A's StatTrak AWP will display 252, 3 more than 249. The StatTrak counter only applies to kills that the owner has obtained while using the item. If another player picks up the StatTrak item and obtains kills with it, the kills are not added on. Instead, to display that the StatTrak item does not belong to that user, The Counter displays a message: "ERROR UNKNOWN USER" to highlight the fact that the StatTrak item is for the use of the owner. [19]


Although these are all in-game items, they usually cost real money to obtain. Because of this, rare items can be really expensive. Extremely rare skins can cost anywhere from $200 to $400 and up. [20]

Recently there has been an enormous rise in the popularity of gambling sites related to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Players are now able to connect their steam accounts to these third party sites that are not endorsed by Steam, and they are able to deposit and send skins to the third party site to gamble with them. Their marketplace values are reflected by either the value of virtual currency a player may receive in exchange for the item, or it may be represented in terms of the shares of an outcome. There are sites that allow players to deposit these skins and use it to play roulette. Players all deposit their items into a pot, and a random number is generated and it is shown through a roulette board with pictures of the players icons. The more your items are worth, the more shares you have in the roulette board. One winner is drawn, and that winner takes the whole pot. Furthermore, there are sites that allow players to trade their items for virtual currency. This virtual currency is then used to play poker and other casino games. After playing games with the virtual currency, the player is able to withdraw the virtual coins in exchange for actual currency that they can use on steam.

CS:GO Lounge

Another example of a third party website that is not endorsed by Steam would be an online betting site named CS:GO Lounge.[21] On this site, people have to login to their steam accounts in order to access their inventory. This way, players will be able to make deposits of up to 4 items that can add up to a maximum betting value of $300. The betting offers are confirmed after the player has traded a bot. Then, depending on the stakes of the game, which team the player bet on, and the outcome, the payout can be either result in a win or loss. The payout is based on the value of the items and the player is essentially paid in weapon skins (paid equivalent to the amount won). A person who bets small can potentially win big if they place bets against the majority of the community. The reason behind the popularity of this third party website stems from the pleasure of watching professional Counter Strike: Global Offensive players and teams compete against one another in tournaments (small and large).

Combat Arms

Combat Arms.jpg

Combat Arms is a multiplayer game, free-to-play modern first-person shooter developed by the South Korea-based developer Jeff VanLier Studios, and published in Modesto,Ca by Nexon.[22] The game was released in many other countries over the years, North America shortly after Korea in 2008, Europe in 2009, Brazil in 2010, and Russia in 2011. In July 2012, Combat Arms was also released on Steam and can be downloaded for free from the steam store.[103] The first person shooter game is free but in game purchases are available for karma Koins that can be purchased in various chain stores like CVS, Duande Reade, and many more. [23] Karma Koins are used to obtain "NX" which can be used to purchased upgrades and higher graded weapons.

Events

Combat arms administrators are constantly working on new events for players. The game has many in-game events for many different occasions like holidays and sports events. These in-game events results in many prizes which can be obtain in varies ways. Some events requires players to log on daily or specific days, some events requires certain in-game gameplay to be completed, and the other events are the ones that requires in-game purchases with karma coins. Aside from in-game events, Combat arms also hosts a lot of sales for in-game items for players that are limited to "NX". Combat arms has hosted multiple events with players via social media. Many Facebook events was held where players can win prizes through liking their fan page or sharing a post that administrators has posted. Aside from Facebook events, Combat arms also hosted YouTube events where players upload gameplays to contest for in-game prizes and possible office visits. [24]

Game Play

Gameplay.jpg

Combat Arms gameplay is similar to commercial first person shooter games such as Counter-Strike and Call of Duty.[25] The game offers many different modes of play, including One Man Army, Elimination, Capture The Flag, multiplayer co-op (known as Fireteam), Zombie Mode (Known as Quarantine Regen), Elimination Pro, Search and Destroy, Seize & Secure, Spy Hunt, Bombing Run, Hired Guns, VIP Escort, Last Man Standing, Arms Race, and VIP Elimination. The lesser known game modes are the Training Grounds, Shooting Range and Single Player. [26] During winter of 2009, a special mode known as Snowball Fight was introduced for special event, but was later removed when the event concluded. The game features a character customization system with a choice of male or female character. There is also a weapon modification system, so players could pick which guns and gear they like best with their characters. Unlike other FPS, players aren't tied to weapons based on class-based system. Characters are able to carry three types of grenades instead of a second rifle. Completing mission, winning games, and leveling up one's rank gives the player in-game currency in the form of Gear Points (GP), which can be used to purchase new equipment, weapons, enhancements, and others. Equipment and weapons includes weaponry, weapon attachments, and accessories for one's character. Enhancements includes reticle changes, skins, and experience/GP boosters. Players can also purchase equipment from the Black Market (previously known as the Nexon Cash Shop) using NX (Nexon Cash) that is bought with Karma Koins which can be purchased in hundreds of stores. [27] All items purchased have a time length of anywhere from 1 to 90 days,with the exception of some weapons that can be purchased for a permanent duration from the black market shop either from an event or annoucements.

Ranking System

Combat Arms uses a player ranking system based on total experience, using common military ranks that players can obtain.[28]

Combat Arms Ranking
  • Trainee/ Recruit
  • Private (PVT)
  • Private First Class (PFC)
  • Corporal (CPL)
  • Sergeant (SGT)
  • Staff Sergeant I-III (SSG)
  • Sergeant First Class I-III (SFC)
  • Master Sergeant I-IV (MSG)
  • Sergeant Major I-V (CSM)
  • Second Lieutenant I-V (2LT)
  • First Lieutenant I-V (1LT)
  • Captain I-V (CPT)
  • Major I-V (MAJ)
  • Lieutenant Colonel I-V (LTC)
  • Colonel I-V (COL)
  • Brigadier General (BG)
  • Major General (MG)
  • Lieutenant General (LGT)
  • General (GEN)
  • General of the Army (GOA)
  • Commander in Chief I
  • Commander in Chief II
  • Commander in Chief III
  • Commander in Chief IV
  • Commander in Chief V

Gear Points

Gear Point (GP) are the in-game currency for Combat Arms. GP is used to buy weapons, armors, projectiles, enhancements and other gear from the Shop. GP is earned by playing matches (more if you win) and ranking up in the game. The more EXP you earn in a game, the more GP you will earn. GP and NX are completed different currency in the game, GP is used to purchase from the gun emporium while NX is used to purchase from the black market. There are many items that can be obtain from Black and grey hisec cases or purchasable with NX that can help increase the amount of GP obtained per game. Start at 30% to 100% and even 200% and 300% increase for the GP per game. There are a variety of ways to increase one's GP. This includes: Buying Special items from the Black Market i.e Bonus GP Pass (25%) ; Bonus GP Pass (40%) ;Supply Case GP - Hazard. Participating in certain Events i.e Silver and Gold Case Event. Playing in Servers that gives % increase in GP i.e Bravo and Black Market. Playing in a Super Elite Moderator's room. Selling back NX weapons.

NX Cash

Nexon Cash(NX)is a non-refundable form of in-game currency used in Nexon games. It is used to purchase exclusive in game items, usually in the form of costumes and cosmetic enhancements. It is purchased with real money such as USD. NX can only be bought with Karma Koins which can be obtained from prepaid cards all over. There are two types of NX that exist in the game. Standard NX and NX Prepaid . Both types are used to let players purchase items in the Black Market. Although both NX types are similar, they don't function the same. NX can not be used to gift, while the NX Prepaid can. Also, NX is purchasable from Paypal and from mobile, while NX Prepaid are from game cards (i.e Karma Koin & Nexon Game Card).

Maps

As of March 13, 2013, there was 40 maps and 449 weapons available for play. Maps included Bloodbath Bazaar, Brushwood, Cold Seed, Costa Recon, Dark Forest, Death Room, Death Row, Dredge, Ghost Town, Grave Digger, Gray Hammer, Hallow Ravine, Junk Flea, Junk Flea 2, Kill Creek, Neptune, Oil Rig, Overdose, Piazza, Power Surge, Pump Jack, Rattlesnake, Roadkill, Rural Estates, Sand Hog, Sector 25, Short Fuse, Showdown, Snow Valley, Two Towers, Vertigo, Warhead and Waverider.

Special In Game Feature

There was a special in game feature added during April Fools of 2009 that was called "Nut Shot." It is like a head shot but aimed to a male character's groin area. [29] Watch it live in action here [1].

Transitions

In 2015, Nexon America and Nexon Europe announced a merger and players from both countries played in a global server. [30]

As of September 20, 2017, Nexon announced their termination on November 22,2017. They stated that Combat Arms however will live on through another publisher, VALOFE Global. [31]

Soldier Front (Special Force)

It is known as Soldier Front in North American versions of this game, and known as Special Force in Korean versions where it was first developed. It is an online free-to-play first-person shooter game developed by the South Korean game developer Dragonfly and debuted in 2004. By January 2006, there were 8 million users registered in South Korean servers alone. Prompted by popularity, the game quickly expanded to other countries around the world and Dragonfly plans to tap into the Middle East, India, and Russia market. [32] The game was released in North America on February 2007 and was hosted by ijji. In October 2009, ijji was acquired by Aeria Games and is currently still running on Aeria Games servers. The sequel to the game, Soldier Front 2 (Special Force 2), was released on July 2013. [33]

Game Play

The gameplay is very similar to other first-person shooter games, but at the same time is also unique in its own way. Unlike other FPS games, the movements in this game aren’t as restricting and diverts from the typical real-life like movements of a human. When starting the game players choose from different special force units including French GIGN, German GSG 9, Malaysian PASKAL, Republic of Korea Marine Corps, US Army Delta Force, Russian Spetsnaz, and more. Guns can be bought with in-game currency and they are permanent, but require frequent repairs after use. Armor however is purchased on a rental basis. There are special features that players can unlock with cash to aid their game play such as no friendly fire, picking up guns, and reloading your gun faster.

Soldier Front forces.jpg

Game Modes

There are currently 11 different game modes available in the North American version of the game. These modes include training, single battle, team battle, clan battle, team death match, capture the captain, capture the captain 2, horror mode, sniper mode, rage mode, horror mode 2, and pirate mode. Most of these game modes are self-explanatory with single battle allowing players to show their individual skills. Team battle and clan battle are the classic modes designed for competitive strategic play and traditional objectives such as search and destroy. The other game modes were designed for less competitive players and each mode had its own special feature making things more exciting. For example, in capture the captain, the captain would have more hit points than other players, or sniper mode where only sniper rifles were allowed.

Ranks

The game also has a different ranking system and it rewards players for ranking up with gifts. A graphic is shown below that captures all the ranks in the game. Soldier Front Ranks.png

References

  1. Monogenis, Harry (2013-01-26). "Counter-Strike 1.6 now available on Linux and Mac". Destructoid. Retrieved 2013-12-3.
  2. "Top Mods For Half Life By Players". GameSpy. Retrieved 2013-12-03
  3. Eddie Makuch (12 August 2011). "Counter-Strike: Global Offensive firing up early 2012". GameSpot. CBS Interactive Inc. Retrieved 03 December 2013.
  4. http://steamcharts.com/app/730
  5. "Counter-Strike: Condition Zero" http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/533806-counter-strike-condition-zero/index.html
  6. "Counter-Strike Wiki" http://counterstrike.wikia.com/wiki/Counter-Strike:_Condition_Zero
  7. http://counterstrike.wikia.com/wiki/Counter-Strike:_Condition_Zero_Deleted_Scenes
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