Counter-Strike: Condition Zero

Counter-Strike originated as a mod for Half-Life and quickly became one of the most-played multiplayer titles in history – a clash between terrorists and a counter-terrorist unit, decided by weapon-purchase economics, team communication, and a single precise shot rather than reflexes alone. But this very uncompromising focus on live opponents also meant that a player without access to a server full of people, or without the nerve to face an experienced community, had no way to try the game out alone and learn the basic maps, buy zones, and typical tactics of both sides without the risk of being knocked out of the game in no time by more experienced players.

Condition Zero was the answer to this question. It added a cohesive singleplayer campaign made up of dozens of missions, in which the player commands an AI-controlled team and completes classic Counter-Strike objectives – defusing a bomb, rescuing hostages, or eliminating the enemy team – this time against computer bots instead of live players. The game went through a complicated development that was reworked several times, with several studios gradually taking part before it reached its final form, and alongside the campaign it also includes the standard multiplayer maps and modes that Counter-Strike players were used to from the original game. It was thus a variant of the same core experience, adapted specifically for playing without needing to connect to a server full of live opponents, with the option to gradually get familiar with the series' weapons and tactics at your own pace and without the pressure of being judged for a missed shot or a poorly chosen position on the map. The AI of both teammates and opponents responds to the player's commands much as a real team would.

Why play: Condition Zero suits anyone who wants to practice Counter-Strike's mechanics against bots at their own pace without the pressure of live opponents, or who wants to enjoy the series' classic experience offline as well, in the form of a cohesive campaign with a story framework.

Why play: For practicing Counter-Strike's mechanics against bots at your own pace without the pressure of live opponents, or for those who want to enjoy the series' classic experience offline as well, in the form of a cohesive campaign with a story framework.