Counter-Strike Online

A free-to-play tactical shooter for the Asian market.

Nexon, with Valve's oversight, developed Counter-Strike Online, a tactical first-person shooter for the Asian market that launched in 2008. Based on Counter-Strike, it employs a micropayment system run through a customized Steam client.

Quick Facts

Developer: Nexon
Engine: GoldSrc (Online); Source (Online 2)
Series: Counter-Strike
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Genre: Tactical first-person shooter
Modes: Multiplayer

Facts from the source article.

Did You Know?

The World Cyber Games 2012 Grand Finals in Kunshan hosted a Counter-Strike Online tournament, won by the TYLOO team from China.
Counter-Strike Nexon: Zombies, released via Steam on October 7, 2014, was the first adaptation of Counter-Strike Online on Valve's Steam platform.
Counter-Strike Online was discontinued in Singapore/Malaysia (ENGLISH) six months after the release of Counter-Strike Nexon: Zombies.

Overview

Counter-Strike Online introduces female characters, numerous new weapons, and weapon skins not found in the international Counter-Strike. Most weapons are locked by default, requiring virtual cash or in-game points to purchase; special weapons, skins, and power-ups can be bought with cash points, while other items are obtainable with in-game points earned through kills and objectives. The game is free to play, but some weapons bought with real-money points expire after a set time, though permanent purchases are occasionally offered during promotions.

Game modes are grouped into six categories: Classic (Bomb Defuse, Hostage Rescue, Assassination, Basic), Deathmatches (Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Gun Deathmatch), Zombie Infection (four variants: Original, Mutant, Hero, Darkness), Scenarios (Zombie Scenario and Human Scenario, where ten players fight computer-controlled enemies and bosses), Fun (Hidden, Bazooka Battle, Soccer, Challenge, Item Battle), and PvPvE (Zombie Union, Metal Arena, Battle Rush, Zombie Shelter, Beast).

Sequel

On April 5, 2012, Nexon and Valve announced Counter-Strike Online 2, built on an enhanced Source engine with improved graphics, impact physics, and new features. It uses the same Source version as Counter-Strike: Source, but all models, maps, and sounds were rebuilt by Nexon. Targeted at Asia, it followed the free-to-play micropayment model of its predecessor. A closed beta test ran on November 16, 2011, and an open beta test in June 2013; the game was released in December 2013 in Asian markets and closed on April 26, 2018. Maps are taken from Counter-Strike: Source, with some heavily modified (e.g., Dust II, Inferno, Italy), and exclusive maps were added. Weapons from Counter-Strike: Source appear alongside new ones, with heavily modified and reanimated models; some are free, others require points or achievements, and some need kill points to unlock.

Reception

Online reviewer MMOhuts gave Counter-Strike Online a 3/5 rating, noting its similarity to the original and criticizing lag outside Southeast Asia. NoGameNoTalk was more favorable, praising the new deathmatch, team deathmatch, and zombie modes. FilePlanet gave a moderately good review (7.1/10) for gameplay and weapon availability, but cited lag outside Asia and a dated look and feel.