Counter-Strike 2D Editor's Review

Don't be confused by this game: it's not Counter-Strike, the hugely popular title developed by Valve Corporation as a spin-off from Half-Life. Instead it's an independently produced game that's designed to be more of a tribute than a knock-off.

The big twist here is that the game is in two-dimensions, meaning you get a top-down view that will be familiar to those who've played the earliest incarnations of the Grand Theft Auto series. The downside is that the graphics are incredibly basic by modern standards. The good news is that as your computer is powerful enough to run a web browser and read this review, it's almost certain to be able to run Counter-Strike 2D without a hint of problems. In fact, the game doesn't even need to be installed: you just download, click and start playing.

The game is a first-person shooter, which makes the top-down approach a little jarring at first, and it's not instantly immersive. However, the gameplay soon overcomes this, and its a classic case of something that's simple enough to play but complex enough to be compelling.

The developers have gone to town with making this as customizable as possible. There are all sorts of game modes and multiplayer options, from a simply assassination to a zombie modification, which you certainly won't find in the original! There's also something of an online community for user generated maps, meaning you'll never run out of new settings to play the game.

Pro's: Great range of gameplay; simple but fun; wide range of weapons.

Con's: Bare-bones graphics.

Conclusion: It's a freeware title which means not only is there no purchase price, but there are no restrictions on gameplay and no nag screens. All the game is going to cost you is your spare time, and that's a price well worth paying.