Counter-Strike: Condition Zero

71%
Game Brain Score Based on 7,473 reviews
  • story
  • graphics
  • gameplay
Counter-Strike: Condition Zero Game Cover
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Counter-Strike: Condition Zero is a tactical first-person shooter game that offers an extensive single-player campaign, with a Tour of Duty mode and over 12 bonus missions. It includes a variety of skirmish modes and updated content for Counter-Strike's multiplayer gameplay, providing a vast selection of single and multiplayer experiences. The game is a must-have for fans of the franchise seeking both new and classic gameplay modes.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows
  • Linux
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

71%
Audience ScoreBased on 7,473 reviews
story240 positive mentions
stability31 negative mentions
  • story1,109 mentions

    The story aspect of "Counter-Strike: Condition Zero" is primarily delivered through its single-player campaign, known as "Deleted Scenes," which features a series of unconnected missions that players can complete. While some players appreciate the nostalgic and varied mission designs, many criticize the lack of a cohesive narrative, with each mission feeling like a standalone scenario rather than part of a larger story. Overall, the game offers a mix of engaging gameplay and basic storytelling, appealing to those who enjoy mission-based experiences but may leave others wanting a more substantial plot.

    • “Even though this is an old game, the way it is made and the storyline it has is awesome.”
    • “The campaign mode introduces a compelling storyline that immerses players in a world of covert operations and intense combat scenarios.”
    • “The deleted scenes game only adds more content to Condition Zero with new missions all over the world where you play as different units with a story behind each mission and a lot of objectives to follow.”
    • “If you want something more story-based, this is not your game to pick, because there is literally none.”
    • “The story for all the missions is bland and boring; the voice acting and presentation is dull, playtime is short, and the graphics, considering its release time, are really outdated and unacceptable.”
    • “The actual story is in the deleted scenes game that comes with it and not in the main game.”
  • graphics379 mentions

    The graphics of Counter-Strike: Condition Zero are generally viewed as a modest upgrade over its predecessor, Counter-Strike 1.6, featuring improved textures, character models, and environments. While some players appreciate the nostalgic charm and the enhancements made for its time, many criticize the graphics as outdated, especially when compared to more modern titles like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Overall, the visuals are considered decent for a game released in 2004, but they do not meet the standards of contemporary gaming.

    • “The graphics were out of this world, and the gameplay was smoother than a jazz solo.”
    • “While still retaining the iconic Counter-Strike aesthetic, the updated visuals and sound effects make for a more immersive experience.”
    • “Counter-Strike: Condition Zero is a revamped version of the original Counter-Strike with new maps, improved graphics, a couple new weapons, and some interface improvements.”
    • “The graphics are also really ugly (even for 2004).”
    • “The problem is that neither the physics nor the graphics have aged particularly well; if you're looking for a next-gen FPS, this is not it.”
    • “Although the graphics are mediocre (this game is outdated), it's still fun to play!”
  • gameplay333 mentions

    The gameplay of Counter-Strike: Condition Zero is a nostalgic blend of classic mechanics from the original Counter-Strike, enhanced with improved graphics and new modes, including a single-player campaign. While some players appreciate the return to familiar gunplay and strategic team-based action, others find the gameplay outdated and lacking innovation compared to modern shooters like CS:GO. Overall, it offers a mix of fun and frustration, appealing primarily to long-time fans of the series who enjoy its traditional gameplay style.

    • “The addition of new weapons and polished visuals enhances the experience, but the core gameplay remains faithful to its predecessors.”
    • “Counter-strike: condition zero introduces several new gameplay elements to the series.”
    • “The gameplay is stunning, it takes drama, stealth, action, and morphs it into an amazing game.”
    • “It doesn't offer any new gameplay mechanics or significant changes to the formula, which can make it feel stale or outdated compared to other contemporary shooters.”
    • “The game is still fun to play, but it does not quite live up to the standards set by the original Counter-Strike. The single-player campaign is lackluster with poor AI and repetitive gameplay; additionally, the multiplayer mode lacks the same level of intensity and strategic gameplay found in the original game.”
    • “The gameplay is predictable, with all the enemies showing up exactly where you expect them to.”
  • music52 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising the catchy main menu theme and the overall crisp sound quality, while others find the soundtrack to be generic and forgettable. The mix of electronic and orchestral compositions by notable composers adds a professional touch, but many players feel that the lack of music during gameplay is appropriate for a tactical shooter. Overall, while the soundtrack enhances the game's atmosphere, it is not a defining feature for most players.

    • “The game's soundtrack is also noteworthy, featuring a mix of electronic and orchestral music composed by Harry Gregson-Williams and others.”
    • “The music for this game is pretty good though and the gameplay maintains the roots of the original Counter-Strike.”
    • “Soundtracks: very good and well designed based on the scenario, including its main theme in the main menu.”
    • “For obvious reasons, the soundtrack is limited to the main menu and is not impactful during gameplay.”
    • “Because during the match, every footstep is valuable information and music can get in the way of hearing it.”
    • “The story is great, but the levels could use a little more music.”
  • humor49 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely appreciated, with players finding the AI's antics, voice acting, and mission dialogues to be particularly entertaining. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to create funny moments through its quirky characters and absurd situations, often leading to laughter during gameplay. Overall, the humor adds a lighthearted charm to the experience, making it enjoyable despite its dated graphics and design.

    • “The missions are memorable and fun, the voice acting is hilarious.”
    • “Hilarious voice acting... the game is so corny it actually is fun to play.”
    • “It's fun and funny too.”
  • stability34 mentions

    Overall, the stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many users reporting frequent bugs and glitches that detract from the gameplay experience. While some players found the game relatively playable with few issues, others experienced significant problems, particularly on certain platforms like Windows. The consensus suggests that while the game can be enjoyable, its stability is often compromised by technical flaws.

    • “Really good and is playable, no glitches so far.”
    • “Runs great on any computer post-2000, so if you can't run CS:GO, this is pretty good.”
    • “The windows port is a broken, buggy, laggy nightmare though, so don't bother playing it on Windows.”
    • “Counter-Strike Condition Zero is a buggy mess that has so many problems it ruins the gameplay for me.”
    • “Very buggy: sometimes you can't climb a ladder or sometimes you have to load a previous save because something that was supposed to happen didn't happen.”
  • replayability21 mentions

    Overall, the game's replayability is bolstered by the introduction of new maps, game modes, and challenges that encourage players to experiment with different strategies and playstyles. While some modes and missions suffer from linearity and lack of depth, the variety of content available and ongoing updates contribute to a generally positive replay value. However, certain aspects may leave players wanting more, particularly in terms of freedom and engagement in specific missions.

    • “The addition of new maps and game modes enhances the replayability, ensuring that each match feels fresh and exhilarating.”
    • “Experimenting with different weapon combinations and attachments adds replay value and encourages players to adapt their playstyle based on the situation.”
    • “The tour of duty mode adds challenges and requirements for completion which add a genuine level of replayability and depth to the same maps we've all played a hundred times already.”
    • “Replay value: 1/10”
    • “The missions were also criticized for their linear structure and scripted sequences, which limited player freedom and replayability.”
    • “You can finish the game pretty quickly and there's little to no replay value, so if it goes on sale, feel free to buy it if you want to waste a couple of hours shooting NPC targets.”
  • grinding20 mentions

    Players consistently express that grinding in the game is excessively tedious, often requiring an unrealistic time commitment akin to needing "a second life." The repetitive nature of grinding detracts from the overall experience, making what could be an engaging campaign feel overly long and frustrating.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “The game is best on full-out warfare instead of stealth-type missions; I find it a bit tedious if you slightly fail on the stealth mission.”
    • “On that note, the requirements to pass a level are rather tedious.”
    • “It takes what could have been a nice simple campaign and makes it very tedious and overly long.”
  • atmosphere8 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its immersive sound design and distinct mission environments, which enhance the overall gameplay experience. Players appreciate the tension created by iconic sound effects and the varied atmospheres across different missions, making the single-player campaigns engaging and enjoyable. While it offers a more fun experience compared to competitive titles like CS:GO, it still retains a nostalgic charm reminiscent of earlier games in the series.

    • “The atmospheric sound design further enhances the gameplay, immersing players in the tense and action-packed environment.”
    • “The iconic sound effects, such as the echoing footsteps and the distinctive gunfire, contribute to the game's immersive atmosphere.”
    • “While faithful to its predecessors in core gameplay, these additions contribute to a more refined and immersive atmosphere.”
    • “It has a really different atmosphere compared to CS:GO or CSS. I would say it is more fun, but on the other hand, CS:GO is more competitive with the ranking/matchmaking system.”
    • “Nice action in the campaign; different missions have their own atmospheres and you feel the differences between missions, plus funny dialogues sometimes.”
  • optimization8 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is praised for its performance on lower-end laptops, with many players experiencing smooth gameplay and improved shooting mechanics compared to previous versions. However, some users report significant issues with particle effects causing severe frame rate drops, and inconsistent bot performance can detract from the experience. While the game generally runs well, there are notable exceptions that affect playability on certain systems.

    • “Great game and very optimized even on a poor laptop.”
    • “Excellent optimization; shooting is much better than in 1.6; it is a pity that many do not understand this.”
    • “Gameplay is identical to that of cs:cz, with graphics and performance being the same.”
    • “Bot performance is very inconsistent; for example, bot Tex was extremely good on one mission, so I kept him in my loadout for the next mission where he only got four kills.”
    • “On the other hand, I cannot appreciate the severe lack of optimization of the particle effects, which cause framerate drops from a stable 70 to unplayable 10fps.”
    • “Gameplay is identical to that of CS:CZ, with graphics and performance being the same.”
  • emotional6 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its heartbreaking story and beautiful graphics, which evoke strong feelings in players, leading to moments of genuine sadness and connection. Many users express that the narrative is impactful enough to elicit tears, showcasing the game's ability to resonate deeply with its audience. Overall, the combination of a compelling storyline and engaging gameplay creates a memorable emotional experience.

    • “Heartbreaking story”
    • “This is beyond wholesome gameplay”
    • “Made me cry”
  • monetization4 mentions

    Users express frustration with the monetization strategy, criticizing the presence of ads and fake servers that clutter the server browser. They argue that microtransactions detract from the game's integrity, suggesting that a focus on quality and positive reception would be more beneficial for the developer than cash grabs.

    • “Microtransactions?”
    • “See, Gaben, you don't need the cash grab; you can win by getting good press, which in the long run would be better for you to show you are not like EA and others.”
    • “Valve must have known that Counter-Strike wasn't as good as its deleted scenes since most of the advertisements show deleted scenes levels.”
  • character development4 mentions

    Character development in the game is a mixed bag; while some players find it engaging and immersive, others criticize the lack of depth and design, leading to a disjointed experience. Overall, the effectiveness of character development seems to vary significantly among players.

    • “Character design: they really capture the vibe perfectly.”
    • “The character development is rich and engaging, making each character feel unique and memorable.”
    • “I love how the characters evolve throughout the game, their backstories and interactions add so much depth.”
    • “No character development.”
    • “There is very little character design, and the levels appear muddy and washed out.”
    • “It might sound bad, but it can easily suck you in with its character development.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

60% average critic score

Buy Counter-Strike: Condition Zero

Play time

9hMedian play time
110hAverage play time
4hMain story
17hCompletionist
6-241hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 11 analyzed playthroughs

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