Counter Strike Death Match, commonly abbreviated as CSDM, is an FPS (First Person Shooter) team deathmatch game. The main objective of this game is to beat the opposing team by eliminating all members of their team or, if you have joined the terrorist team, planting a bomb and successfully lighting it when the time is up. This type of team deathmatch usually begins with players choosing their side (terrorist or counter-terrorist) and then purchasing the weapons and ammunition they would like to use during the course of the game. As a terrorist, players can have the bomb in their possession and can choose to plant the bomb, or just go with the old style of winning a team deathmatch: “kill ’em all”. As a counter-terrorist, players can purchase a bomb disposal kit, so that the terrorist team is forced to fight, instead of gaining instant victory by exploding a bomb. It is implied that the entire area or map is destroyed when a bomb is detonated.
Counter Strike has been around for a couple of years, but its gameplay and replayability are still some of the best the gaming industry has seen of its genre. DIY programmers and modders are still developing maps and mods (mods) even after years of the game’s release. Proof of the lasting appeal of this game can be seen in how many players or people continue to play CSDM over a LAN (Local Area Network) or over the Internet. Young and old like this type of team deathmatch because unlike normal first person shooters, where you play through different levels and campaigns, CSDM can offer that special reaction to the players. A person is not just shooting at an enemy AI, but at another intelligent human being who can change their tactics on the fly.
Another draw that CSDM has on gamers is the supposed realism of this multiplayer game. Players can choose weapons from a list of actual weapons used in modern warfare. Players often claim that each weapon type would react differently when fired. For example, an AK47 rifle deals a lot of damage, but it can be quite difficult to aim at a target since the recoil forces the muzzle to point up every time a player fires. A dual pistol is available as a sidearm and definitely deals more damage than a single pistol, but of course when it comes time to reload, the player wielding the dual pistol would be at a disadvantage because it would take longer to reload.
However, the main thing that got video game players hooked on CSDM is the depth with which one can choose their strategy. One can be a sniper or heavy infantry. One can also be a stealthy terrorist ready to plant the bomb at any moment or one can be a cunning counter-terrorist, ready to deal death with a simple knife. All in all, this deathmatch game is something of a gem in the gaming industry. Its staying power is proof that people just want to have good old fashioned team games using advanced technology. It doesn’t matter what age group you are. Once you hear your teammates’ call buzzing through your receiver, you can’t help but reply, “Got it.”