Why is Counter Strike so popular?

I don't understand how any counter strike game is popular. The graphics are sub par, the animations are clunky, the models look weird and un realistic, and the game is just so.. slow. I tried watching streamers and even a tournament but all I see them do is hide behind cover until one of them decides to pop out and die. I am not denying it takes a lot of skill, but I just can't see why so many people play it. Heck, Insurgency is a harder tactical FPS with better graphics, animations, and it looks and plays realistic. Oh, and did I mention it was made by a group of modders? I would rather play any FPS than Counter Snooze.

September 5, 2014

14 Comments • Newest first

Sleepyx714

[quote=Senpaishotgg]Insurgency.[/quote]

Any counter-strike veteran with over 1,000 hours on CS 1.6 would have a cake walk through this game. All CS games are popular because the community is mainly filled with 1.6 and css vets who loves a challenge. Insurgency and any other game doesn't have a hardcore try hard community that's as big as CS, the challenge is non-existent and is just pure casual play; I stand by my previous point.

Reply September 7, 2014 - edited
Senpaishotgg

[quote=Sleepyx714]It's fun because it's a competitive FPS that takes actual skill.[/quote]
Insurgency.

Reply September 6, 2014 - edited
Sleepyx714

[quote=Senpaishotgg]But how is it so fun? Most maps have a few chokepoints where you sit looking at until you die or kill an enemy then move to another chokepoint. Every match is so similar. In other games like CoD, BF, and Halo you have many different choices, the movement is more fluid, and the animations aren't crap. In insurgency you actually have to use tactic and it is really suspenseful when you are the last person on your team and you can actually outplay the enemies using mindgames and maneuvering around the map instead of just staring at a chokepoint hoping you don't mess up. I can't believe this game is popular.

In CS you are limited to the equivalent of CoD camping and have no options on how to move around the maps. You can't rush, you can't run, you can't zoom in on most guns, can't go prone, can't go on crazy killstreaks, can't jump around and be effective, can't use vehicles.... there are just so many limitations that I am astounded that people play it.[/quote]

It's fun because it's a competitive FPS that takes actual skill. People love it because killing someone in the game feels satisfying and accomplishing. It's not an arcade FPS shooter like CoD or an over the top "simulator" like BF. It's straight up tactical shooting where if you make a mistake your team loses the game, noobies aren't welcomed and are frowned upon. A lot of people play CS for the competitive rank mode, where everyone on the team has to be good enough to clutch when the time comes and they are the last man on the team. It takes an awful lot of skill to take on 3-4 guys by yourself in CS compared to CoD where u can just run around with a 1 hit sniper rifle / shotgun and knifing people.

Reply September 5, 2014 - edited
Quasar

@Senpaishotgg: First of all, just because it isn't fun for you, doesn't mean other people can find it fun for themselves.

In the pc version of counter strike, you can download maps created by other players which can be better than the maps the game comes with. Maps can be played on differently depending on the game mode. The maps are small so the pacing is fast, which is fun for most people. Also CS has more gun on gun combat so there are no explosive spammers, instant kill (on full heath) melee weapons, no annoying vehicles that are hard to destroy and have unlimited ammo that can easily kill people. Just shooting people in a video game is fun.

Reply September 5, 2014 - edited
Xerepic

I remember watching my neighbor play Counter Strike while we were in elementary school I'm always surprised to hear people still play it

Reply September 5, 2014 - edited
Senpaishotgg

[quote=Quasar]People mostly play fps games for fun, not for the being the most "realistic". So counter strike is fun for a lot of people.[/quote]
But how is it so fun? Most maps have a few chokepoints where you sit looking at until you die or kill an enemy then move to another chokepoint. Every match is so similar. In other games like CoD, BF, and Halo you have many different choices, the movement is more fluid, and the animations aren't crap. In insurgency you actually have to use tactic and it is really suspenseful when you are the last person on your team and you can actually outplay the enemies using mindgames and maneuvering around the map instead of just staring at a chokepoint hoping you don't mess up. I can't believe this game is popular.

In CS you are limited to the equivalent of CoD camping and have no options on how to move around the maps. You can't rush, you can't run, you can't zoom in on most guns, can't go prone, can't go on crazy killstreaks, can't jump around and be effective, can't use vehicles.... there are just so many limitations that I am astounded that people play it.

Reply September 5, 2014 - edited
drager260

Graphics aren't everything. CS 1.6 was amazing for its time and still is.

Reply September 5, 2014 - edited
NameSpoof

It kinda like maple. Why play this game when the graphics aren't great unless you like cute things and the game play is just horrid compared to new released games.

Reply September 5, 2014 - edited
simaini

counterstrike is classsssssssic

Reply September 5, 2014 - edited
Quasar

People mostly play fps games for fun, not for the being the most "realistic". So counter strike is fun for a lot of people.

Reply September 5, 2014 - edited
YungRickOwens

It's like a streetfighter thing, sure you can play other shooters with better graphics but you play CS for the challenge/nostalgia etc.

Reply September 5, 2014 - edited
Senpaishotgg

[quote=iDrinkOJ]It was good when it was out. The team play, map strategy involved, physics of the game, voice chat to your team and all, the mechanics, head shot, recoil, recue hostages, bomb missions, t vs ct, certain way to aim, strafe, various weapons, grenades and popular maps like de_dust, de_dust2, de_inferno.[/quote]

After playing on a map 10 times it starts to feel like you are doing the exact same thing over and over. Atleast in other FPS the maps are not linear and don't have 2 or 3 forced chokepoints like CS does.

Reply September 5, 2014 - edited
iDrinkOJ

It was good when it was out. The team play, map strategy involved, physics of the game, voice chat to your team and all, the mechanics, head shot, recoil, rescue hostages, bomb missions, t vs ct, certain way to aim, strafe, sniping with awp, various weapons, grenades and popular maps like de_dust, de_dust2, de_inferno. This GUI and camera chasecam, pro gaming CS international tournament events.

Reply September 5, 2014 - edited
Chuseyo

don't get it either. I have counterstrike, but I don't like the fact how you can't zoom in w/ most guns. I think the graffics and everything r fine! Counter strike is supposed to be a fast action and fast paced game, and its more for crazy FPS pros so its harder to kill lololo

At least thats what I've heard^

Reply September 5, 2014 - edited