When we remember the times of computer clubs (and this is approximately the 2000s), several truly legendary games come to mind, the mention of which evokes a powerful feeling of nostalgia. Among these are Warcraft III, Heroes of Might and Magic 3, Diablo, Max Payne, Need For Speed (especially the two parts of Underground). However, a special place among all these masterpieces was occupied by Counter-Strike 1.6.
Not surprising, because this shooter has simple and understandable mechanics and game rules. At the same time, players were offered a wide variety of maps and the unrealistic ease of creating a skating rink online. As a result, as soon as evening came, a crowd of boys gathered in the computer club, who practically occupied all the tables at once and started a real hack-and-slash game, and this could go on for hours (especially on maps like Aztec and Assault).
How it all began
Incredibly, Counter-Strike was not originally planned as a full-fledged computer game. Developer Valve focused directly on the well-known Half-Life with its fascinating plot and interesting mechanics. At the same time, CS was, in fact, DLC. However, this addition was so popular with the players that the company decided to buy the project from the authors, refine it and release it as a full-fledged toy. Release date: November 8, 2000.
People definitely liked it, and therefore the developer continued to work on the game, releasing new versions. As a result, in 2003, the very popular variation of Counter-Strike 1.6 appeared. It showed good physics and mechanics, interesting maps, skins and other details that made up the gameplay. It’s difficult to single out anything specific. Let’s just say that at that time Contra was simply the perfect shooter, no matter how you look at it. How else can you explain the fact that the game is already 20 years old, and it is still alive and well?
Of course, Valve didn’t stop there, and the world saw Source, Global Offensive and Counter-Strike 2. However, undoubtedly, CS 1.6 did not disappear anywhere. The online presence here may not be as large as in CS2, but the servers are still crowded, and it’s not difficult to find a skating rink even late at night. At the same time, both the old ones and the relatively new generation (under 25 years old) play.
Why is Counter-Strike 1.6 still alive and worth playing?
First of all, CS 1.6 can be launched simply for the sake of nostalgia. Remember what the weapons, skins, and famous maps looked like (especially since some of them were officially cut from CS:GO, and subsequently CS2). Still, in the 2000s this shooter was legendary. For many, this is their first computer game. And first love, as you know, is not forgotten.
However, beginners should try this game for a number of reasons (even if you look at the graphics, Minecraft is incredibly popular, and why is Counter-Strike worse?).
Availability of mods
In CS2, one of the popular themes is the pursuit of cases, all sorts of loot boxes, etc. That is, people will donate (and sometimes unreal money) just to somehow modify their character. There is no “gambling” in Counter-Strike 1.6. There is no official customization system.
However, there are enthusiasts who develop and roll out all kinds of mods. If you wish, you can install some build CS 1.6 with weapon skins, player models, updated maps, etc.
For example, assembly CS 1.6 from Russian Butcher (a popular YouTuber who produces videos on Counter-Strike games) adds one of the most expensive AWP skins in CS2 – Dragon Lore. The player can not only fire this weapon, but also trigger an inspection animation.
Low entry threshold
Understanding Counter-Strike and remembering physics is not difficult at all. In all sorts of fighting games, you need to play hundreds of hours just to get the hang of any character. With Contra everything is much simpler. There is no need for any training or a bunch of tedious information.
You just want to, launch a training rink with bots (for example, and there you can just fly online, why not), remember how to buy weapons, how they work, etc. Half an hour or an hour and you will already be playing confidently, like in the good old days.
In addition, players of completely different gaming levels sit on the servers. There are professionals there, and even former cybersportsmen, and just standard gamers who just want to have a good time in their free time. In addition, the game offers several modes, and therefore it is not difficult to find a “comfortable environment” for yourself.
Undemanding on computer power
One of the obvious problems of modern gaming is that games require unrealistic hardware power. To simply run what you want, you need to have a good video card, processor and system unit as a whole. In our realities (at high prices) it is very expensive to assemble such a car, and therefore not everyone can afford such a pleasure.
If you have an old laptop or PC, then don’t despair. There are many interesting games at your disposal, although not the hottest new ones. Counter-Strike 1.6 is one of them. Even at release, this shooter was not considered power-hungry and ran reliably on computers of that time. Nowadays, you can probably run it even from a calculator.
Moreover, even despite modern versions of Windows and technological progress in the computer field, this game still works well and there will be no problems with its installation.
