Counter-Strike For Xbox - Gold, Previewed, Cheat-Free?

Thanks to GamerFeed for reprinting the press release revealing that Valve's Xbox conversion of team-based tactical FPS Counter-Strike has now gone gold, and will be available in stores on November 18th. The console version boasts "seven never-before-seen multiplayer maps, one new counter-terrorist team, one new terrorist team and downloadable maps via Xbox Live", and GameSpot have a hands-on preview that rates the conversion as "a tight incarnation of the PC shooter", and mentions "subtle tweaks to [level] layout that will force veteran players to learn some new tricks." The Microsoft press release also claims: "The secure environment of Xbox Live ensures that gamers will experience nothing but cheat-free play."

Comments

Re:Cheating

[Anonymous Coward]

The Xbox network API by default encrypts all packets. You're not allowed to ship an Xbox Live game that doesn't. You'll have to crack this encryption first. As you do it, you'll have to make sure you don't trigger the cheat detection on Microsoft's servers (ie: you have to get it right in one try).

Then you'll have to contend with being reported to Microsoft by other players if you cheat. They will notice. And since you can't change your online name (that's tied to your account and credit card number), it will be very easy to track you down, monitor what you're doing and ban your Xbox and Xbox Live account from their network. You'll now have a $200 paperweight when it comes to playing online.

Then if you distribute or tell anyone about your cheat, expect to have a knock on the door from the FBI, your computers confiscated and charges filed against you under the DMCA for distupting a business (Xbox Live is not free, remember) by tampering with an encryption mechanism.

Good luck, ciya around when you get out in 10.

In other words: It really isn't worth it.

Just like PC?

[obeythefist]

I assume this is a low res version of CounterStrike, without the fine aiming control of a mouse? Or does it have an auto-aim feature?

I wonder which patch level of CS it will be running from. I found it amusing in the older versions that many "professional" players liked to use a sniper rifle and walk around crouched, and jump up and down in the air to shoot. Just like real life!

This could be a good thing

[Cirreus Krestel]

Cheating in Counter-Strike has been a major problem (The most cheated online game ? Who knows , but I'm sure it'll be in the top 10 for years to come.) Xbox Live does check for inconsistencies in packets & data (to what extent will see) but this is good news to any of us that tired of cheaters ruining the game. If Microsoft can drasticly reduce cheating with it's Live service , there will be more entertaining games (knowing the person kicking your arse is really that good ... or not) & for serious players , more realiable matches , more tournaments & more competitions can be held. And that is good for everyone.

Good to see a classic FPS go to the console

[The Evil Couch]

but will it support a keyboard and mouse if I "accidentally" spliced a USB hub onto a controller extender? :p