Micro Counter Strike

If you enjoy playing first person shooters then there’s only one thing I should say to you… Micro Counter Strike.

This game is a shrunk down version of the classic PC game Counter Strike. Although some games of this type are more engaging with a really deep plot and lots of twists and turns, this game’s far more straight forward. Your mission is simple, you play a Special Forces agent who’s challenge is to search different maps and eliminating any terrorists you find.

In truth, from my experience, the terrorists will find you and have an uncanny ability to shoot you at great distance. Fortunately they’re not the smartest of opponents and do tend to run straight towards you – so as long as you’re able to shoot faster, and more accurately than your opponent, you’ll win the duel. The advantage that the opposition have on you is that there’s only one of you and normally three or more of them.

There are six maps to choose from including; military base, command, street, depository, fortress and construction sites. These locations are well designed and offer a unique experience and a different challenge from each other.

In this cat and mouse style game, you have to be able to explore the area whilst not blowing your cover. You must try to spot the terrorist soldiers who are fairly well camouflaged – particularly at distance. I believe the camouflage is not necessarily by design, due to the rather stick-figured opponents blending into the background. From the experience I had when playing this game, the only thing that gives these opponents position away is the occasional muzzle flash from the end of their gun as they’re shooting at you!

The nice thing about the game is that it’s pretty realistic. For example when in the military base, there are tar paling tents which may obstruct the opponents line of sight but not the bullets, whereas brick buildings and other structures will not just mean you can hide but also take aim and fire at the terrorists but giving you some protection at the same time.

The unfortunate thing about this game is there’s no ability to change any settings. You are timed in your mission and so only have 3 minutes to clear the level, so this does give you a bit of a challenge, but for more advanced players you may wish to half the time allowed. To be honest though, if you manage to live for three minutes you’re doing well!

The AI is a little unrealistic, as the terrorists can hit you from far away but when close they run around like headless chickens and you’ll have to move fast in killing them. This would be a fairly easy task to do, but sadly the controls are a little unresponsive and means that you will have to play the game two handed (one for the movements and the other for the fire button).

Overall then this game is a very enjoyable challenge and will certainly give you a great way to release some pent up frustration. There are some very entertaining elements about the game but the poor controls and un-editable settings do take the shine off a well rounded game.

Rating 74%

Positives

Great first person shooter

Challenging

Interesting levels which will keep your interest going

Negatives

Enemy AI is not balanced – they’re sharp-shooters at distance and sitting ducks up close.

Pretty bad controls

No option to change settings