New Counter Strike Source Maps

Good news arrived via steam last week...new and redone maps for Counter Strike Source are still on track for release "in a couple of weeks." Valve has published a strategy guide for the new map, de_port. The other map, de_inferno is a remake of the original. It's a great map - if you haven't played it a community version of the map runs on the CSGZ server. While not the official version it will give you a taste of the overall layout of the map...assuming that the official remake will follow the same map concept...

Here's the news from Valve:

"This week we'd like to give everyone some information on our new Counter-Strike: Source map that we've been working on.

It is a bit daunting to learn a new Counter-Strike map right as it's released, so we've gone through de_port and tried to give people an idea of what our design intentions were. Click here to get to a page that outlines six different strategies to try once the map is available. We're still shooting for release of de_port (along with a redone de_inferno) in a couple of weeks. Next week's Steam news will include some pictures showing off what de_inferno looked like as it was being built from scratch.

de_port pre-release strategy guide "

Counter-Strike Source Map Contest FAQ

Q: There are other contests going on out there. Can I enter a map in the CSGZ map contest that I have entered elsewhere?

A: Yes. As long as your map meets the contest criteria it's perfectly acceptable to enter more than contest.

Q: Can I enter more than 1 map?

A: Yes, you can enter as many maps as you want.

Q: I made a map a couple months ago that I would like to enter in your contest. Can I add the www.csgamezone.com reference somewhere, recompile and enter it in your contest?

A: Yes.

Q: Where does the www.csgamezone.com reference have to be in my map?

A: Anywhere that's visible. It can be graffiti on a wall, a street sign, words on a picture, etc, etc.

Q: Including the www.csgamezone.com reference is kind of pain. Why do I have to include it?

A: If you think including a reference is a pain imagine sorting through hundreds of submissions that are just maps stolen from the original author. We have neither the time or desire to "background check" hundreds of maps to make sure they are legit. It would be a horrible ending to the contest to award someone the prize only to find out after the fact that they stole the map from someone else.

Q: What are you going to do with my map when you get it?

A: Your map will be available for download by anyone who visits our site. We're not keeping the maps secret or trying to charge people for access or anything like that. In the order in which it was received, it will be uploaded to our dedicated Source server and played/tested by our admins and the general public. The winning map will be added to our server's map rotation for at least a month or two.

Q: I don't have any space to host my map so people can download it. Can you help?

A: Sure, no problem. Just e-mail your map & screenshots to counterstrikemaps@gmail.com

Q: I think your contest is BS and you won't pay anyone anything. How are you making money on this?

A: We will pay as we have agreed. We have a sponsor who has already provided us with the funds. Feel free to stop in the forums and ask questions or post your concerns. We have nothing to hide and are more than happy to answer any questions. We're not making a cent off this contest. We're just a bunch of guys (and girls) who like CS:S and found ourselves in a position to "give a little back" to the community.

Q: If I win will you mail me a check or send me cash?

A: No. Payments will be made via PayPal ONLY. There will be no exceptions to this rule.

Q: I heard a rumor that the first place prize might be going up higher than $300, and, you're going to offer a second place prize as well. Is that true?

A: hehe...we'll never tell! (word on the street is watch for an announcement that answers both of these questions in the next 1 - 2 weeks)

Q: How are you going to judge the maps - what are you looking for?

A: Well, there will be about 15 people voting on the maps so we'll have a wide variety of opinions and factors that come into play during voting. To summarize quickly the two most important elements will be "how does it look and how does it play?" Game play and appearance will be two very important factors.

Q: Is there any advantage to getting my map in early?

A: The sooner we get it the more time we'll have to play it. So yea, the sooner the better.

Q: Does it have to be a certain kind of map? de_ or cs_ for example.

A: No. All map types are welcome.

Have more questions? Go to www.csgamezone.com and ask away!

Xbox 2...15+ Games on Release?

During today's Xbox 2 related browsing I came across this site which reports "According to the latest rumors, the Xbox 360 will debut with roughly 15 to 20 games, with additional waves being released every few weeks." I haven't read any other reports that would validate that information but it seems logical that the Xbox 2 (Xbox 360) will need to have a nice sampling of titles available when the console hits the shelves. After all, who the heck is going to spend $300 - $500 on a console that only has 4 or 5 titles available?

The same article mentions "Halo 2.5". There's speculation that not only will Halo 2.5 be ready at the time the Xbox 360 is released, but that Xbox 360 will come with Halo 2.5 pre installed on the console's hard drive.

I think to really get off to a flying start Microsoft and the Xbox 2 team need to work without pause to make sure the selection of titles available at release has some weight behind it. Without a decent selection of game titles to choose from I think sales will suffer. As I mentioned earlier, who wants to pay top dollar for a system with a handful of games ready?

Empire Earth II Out Tomorrow

Attention all you RTS fans - the long awaited sequel to Empire Earth, fittingly called Empire Earth II, will be released tomorrow, April 26, 2005. Empire Earth II has received great reviews from just about every source that's had a chance to take a look at it. Having played both the single and multi player demos I know I'm personally excited to get my hands on the full blown version of the game.

If you're just getting up to speed on Empire Earth II you can check out a few demos and get some more info the game here:

http://www.empireearth2.com/gallery_videos.html

So far I've been unable to locate any information on the possibility of downloading the game instead of buying a retail copy off the shelves of your local computer game store. The EEII to site lets you pre-order here:

http://store.vugames.com/product.asp?cookie%5Ftest=1&product%5Fid=B645784A

If you come across some news regarding the availability of this game for download online (legally of course) please stop in the forums and let us know.

You can also check the official Empire Earth II forum - it's here:

http://community.vugames.com/WebX?13@190.zMYFeG4ZpEL.0@.f0088b2

[CSGZ] Dominates in CAL Opening Match

[CSGZ] won a commanding victory over Pirate Ninjas (#pn-css), 28-2!

1st Half: Devastated pN by taking it 15-0. With some good work by our resident awp whores Soldat and WillTheThrill. Especially good from will since he hasn't really played much Source but "once an awp whore, always an awp whore" as they say.

2nd Half: We won pistol round and GG. The rest of the rounds were just us messing around but they did take a couple of rounds so not a complete blow-out.

Not bad for a team that hasn't scrimmed yet.

Stop in an give the [CSGZ] team a pat on the back. You make us proud! (as long as you keep winning)

Xbox 2 Preview Coming - Madden 2006

EA (Electronic Arts) will offer game enthusiasts a glimpse of what it has in store for its next generation console games on a "to be played only once" commercial this Saturday. The commercial is set to air during the first hour of the NFL draft on Saturday, April 23rd and will contain "photo realistic graphics and heart pounding football intensity". During this commercial EA will show the first live video for Madden 2006. EA has indicated that Madden 2006 is being developed for all next generation consoles but will most likely make it's debut on Xbox 2 (Xbox 360) before January 1, 2006 rolls around.

Will you be impressed? EA seems to think so. They are advising viewers to set their VCR's or other recording units "because you may not believe what you are going to see". I'm sure it will be impressive but think EA may have slightly underestimated the gaming communities' expectation for the next generation consoles like the Xbox 2. The expectation is that the next generation consoles, such as the Xbox, will revolutionize console gaming and bring an unprecedented level of realism to every game title developed for each system. In other words if what EA demos on Saturday isn't by far the most impressive looking game we've ever seen in our entire lives the gaming community will be disappointed.

Expectations are high EA, don't forget that.

On a side note, I'm sure the footage of the commercial will be available online about 3 seconds after the commercial is over. I wouldn't worry if you can't catch it on television.

Who's Going to get an Xbox 2?

We have Xbox fans. We have Playstation fans. We have PC fans.

I would classify myself as an Xbox/PC fan. I will own an Xbox 360....I'll probably even be one of those people who pre orders.

Do you think the new Xbox 360 will win over die hard Play station or PC gamer fans? Hop in our forums and cast your vote!

Two New Source Maps Coming Soon?

When you restart Steam you'll see the news that two Counter Strike Source maps are set to be included in the next update. I'm glad to see an official version of de_inferno is on the way. It's a great map.

There was nothing included in the news that indicated how soon the update will be released.

From Steam News:

"The next big Counter-Strike release is set to include two maps. The first map will be de_port, previously mentioned here. This map is set in a resupply port for outgoing ships. The gameplay is designed for a balanced layout employing a mix of long sightlines with cover and close quarters fighting environments. The second map will be a completely redone de_inferno, a historical favorite at CS tournaments and competions. We'll be releasing some screenshots or other media from both of these maps in the next week or two."

The update also included a screen shot of the upcoming Half Life 2 expansion, Aftermath. The Half Life 2 sequel is set to be released this summer.

Empire Earth 2 Release Date

It's been announced that Empire Earth 2 has already gone gold due to pre orders for the popular RTS sequel. Having had a chance to play both the single and multiplayer demo I can see why. If you were fan of the original title, you will not be disappointed with Empire Earth 2.

EE2 is due to hit shelves here in the US on April 28th. It's suggested retail will be something most gamers are used to, $49.95. I've got a copy reserved already...how about you?

How Much will Xbox 2 Cost?

Over the past 24 hours rumors and speculation have been running wild about the upcoming Xbox 2. Supposedly "leaked" photos of the Xbox 2 controller have been everywhere and speculation on the sale prices and release date for the Xbox 2 have been a moving target. I made the prediction, which I still think is as good a guess as the next guys', that Xbox 2 will be released this November and will be approximately $300.

I came across an article this afternoon where similar predictions are being made. They also indicate that some feel that Microsoft will try and boost the price to over $400. I don't know about that...since when has Microsoft tried to overprice anything...wait, never mind.

I think $300 is pricey for a console system, but lots of people (myself included) will still pay it. $400 though...I would rethink that price if I were you Mr Gates.

Half Life 2 Coming to Xbox

I picked up this story here.

One of things that really caught my attention with this story was the suggestion that certain graphics elements of Half Life 2, such as the lightning, will be "better" on the Xbox version of Half Life 2 than they are on the PC version of the same game. As the author in the story linked to above said, "that I have to see".

Another interesting aspect is that initially there will not be any multiplayer support for HL2 on the Xbox. I say give that 6 months a to a year, then Microsoft will find some way to squeeze a little more $ out of Xbox owners for a multiplayer Half Life expansion for the Xbox. That's just a guess though...maybe Mr. Gates will surprise me and offer the multiplayer capabilities at no additional charge.

Personally, I think Half Life is a game that should be played on a PC, not a console system. That's just my opinion though, and my opinion plus $1.25 will get you a cup of coffee;-)

Game on gamers.

Xbox2 to be Unveiled on MTV

Microsoft has announced that it has entered into a marketing alliance with MTV to help promote the hopefully soon to be released Xbox2. Microsoft has announced that the Xbox2 will be unveiled in a 30 minute special on May 12, 2005 on MTV called "MTV Presents: The Next Generation Xbox Revealed". The special is set to air on MTV channels across the world within a 24 hour time period.

I own an Xbox that's been collecting dust (not even hooked up since last August) for almost a year now. If Microsoft wants the Xbox2 to be a success they will need to make sure they have a larger library of games available, and, that larger library should consist of QUALITY games. Of the 50 + Xbox games I own or have played maybe 2 or 3 of them have held my interest for more than a day or two. Lots of Xbox games of mine were played once for less than an hour and haven't been touched since.

I personally don't think they should waste their efforts on games designed for the PC - Counter Strike being a good example. Sure it will sell a couple copies, but some games were designed with the PC in mind and that's what they should be played on. That's just my opinion...for what it's worth.

I'll wrap up this entry with a prediction:

Xbox 2 will be released in November 2005 and will cost over $300 (US).

Counter Strike Source Map Making Contest

CSGZ is proud to announce our first official map making contest for Counter Strike Source.

We're not Valve so we don't have $5,000 to throw at the winner, but they will get a $300 cash prize and the satisfaction of knowing they made a cool map that some avid Source fans are enjoying:-)

You can find all the contest details here, and can ask questions/make comments on the contest here.

Half Life 2 Expansion Pack Details

PC Gamers latest issue features a 10-page article on Half-Life 2: Aftermath, the first in what I'm sure will be a long line of expansion packs.

Aftermath will present a new story that picks up where Half Life 2 left off. It appears Aftermath will predominately feature Alyx, although not necessarily alongside of our Half Life hero Gordon Freeman at all times.

Valve hinted that the expansion may only be published via Steam in the Summer. Could this signal the end of Half Life products on store shelves? Obviously if given a choice Valve would release all title via Steam and Steam only. Their margin on products delivered via Steam must be substantially higher than products/games sold on store shelves.

Eurogamer has reprinted various sections of the article, all of which you can read here:

http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=58579

Here are a few excerpts from the article:

As Harper asserts in the PCG interview, the rationale is for the player to get a much greater sense of attachment to Alyx, after doing so much to introduce her in Half-Life 2: "It's kind of ironic that despite so much of the theme of Half Life 2 being about other characters and other people, you spent most of the game alone."

"We really want Alyx to grow as a character," he insists in the Gamer piece. "There was the promise of that in the first game, but we spent so much of our time introducing her as a character, we didn't really get a chance to spend time with her for an entire section. She would flit in and out. Since she's with you quite a lot, we're working on ways to make her a lot more interesting to be around, a lot more interesting to interact with." Ahem. A burgeoning romance perhaps?

Let's keep our fingers crossed that Valve can deliver Half Life 2: Aftermath this summer...early this summer:-)

Discuss Half Life 2: Aftermath here.

Steam User Survey Results

There's a pretty interesting survey going on right now (it started April 5th) via Steam. If you opt to participate some of your system information (processor, memory, video card, etc, etc.) will be included in the results of the survey.

In case you opted not participate, here are the results so far:

http://www.steampowered.com/status/survey.html

It's interesting to see how your system stacks up against other Half Life & Counter Strike (among other games) players.

Just on an unrelated side note, I was pretty surprised that at this point over 15% of people have not upgraded to Windows SP2.

Advertising in Video Games

In-game advertisement is becoming big business, and the upcoming Advertising in Games forum will discuss how to turn video games into rich marketing opportunities.

"For the first time, advertisers have real interest in the ability to stay with a prospective consumer as they are immersed in a game," said Christopher V. Sherman, executive director of The Game Initiative, organizers of the event. "The Advertising in Games Forum will provide attendees with real-world examples of the latest techniques."

Advertising in games is still for the most part an untapped market...but mark my words that won't last for long. With the phenomenal rate of growth in gaming industry over the past 2 - 3 years marketers from all sort of industries have their eyes on the game market. Video game advertising offers one advantage that some "traditional" forms of advertising do not... "stickiness". If you're able to get your message or product featured in a video game you can potentially be in front of the person who bought the game every day...for hours a day. If you advertise on TV, radio or in print your message may only be seen/heard once (if at all), whereas an ad in a video game could be seen hundreds, possibly thousands of times by a gamer. As gamers we've all been there - trying 50 times to get past one spot....

Personally I don't mind a little in game advertising, so long as it doesn't become excessive. When I see Gordon Freeman putting on a bio suit from The Gap and taking out his True Value crowbar to bash some monsters after his Honda space cruiser just crashed that's where I'll have to draw the line. Advertising in video games is ok, so long as it doesn't detract or interfere with the quality of the game or the level of game play.

The Advertising in Games forum will be held in New York City's Metropolitan Pavilion on April 14.

What do you think about advertising in video games?

Capture the Flag for Half Life 2

Beta version 1.3 of this hl2 modification is now available! from the reports I've read the people who have played earlier version of this beta really seem to enjoy the game play. One of the major "issues" with Half Life 2 Deathmatch is that it becomes tedious/boring after awhile since there's no real objective. Adding an objective, Capture the Flag, adds a new element to the game and in my onion may help push this mod into the forefront of HL2 gaming. I mean don't get me wrong, running and gunning is fine for an hour or so but being able to run and gun with an actual objective is a big improvement.

Just about every weapon from HL2 is available in this mod...should be fun. I've yet to try it out but it's made my agenda of things to play for this upcoming weekend.

Here's a link to download the most current beta (1.3).

It's 60+ meg so don't try this on your dial up connection;-)

Discuss this mod in the Half Life 2 forums.

Attention Gamers: 4.0 GHz "Dream Machine"

Velocity Micro has announced a new range of PCs that will use Intel's dual-core technology. The new computers will use the Intel Pentium 4 Extreme Edition 840 processor and will ship with speeds up to 4.0 GHz and has a tentative release of "Late 2Q 2005". The new dual-cores feature Hyper Threading which allows for faster performance in software that is built to take advantage of threaded technology....although software that takes advantage of threaded technology won't be widely available for quite some time. These new PCs will ship with Velocity Micro's LiquiCool fluid cooling system.

Randy Copeland, Velocity Micro president and founder was enthused about Velocity Micro's upcoming PCs. He said:

"Working closely with Intel's processor teams, Velocity Micro has been a part of the process for some time. We tested early versions of the Intel Pentium 4 Extreme Edition 840 processor and were amazed by its capabilities, particularly when matched with our liquid cooling solution. As one of the few initial product launch partners for this technology, we are very excited to offer our customers this powerful new processor. It's perfectly suited for power users who run several applications on their computer simultaneously, and as more games are coded to utilize the multithreading capabilities of this technology, gamers will reach new levels of immersive play."

This is good news, although there's no need to run right out and advance order one of these machines just yet. Unless your current gaming rig is really old/slow. As mentioned above until software is widely available that fully utilizes threaded technology you won't see a huge performance gain if you already have a "newer" gaming PC.

News Feeds for Half Life & Counter Strike Sites

I'm slowly but surely building a game news portal. While I had originally just planned on using it myself, a few people had asked that I put it online and give other people access...so here you are:

videogamenews.csgamezone.com

I'm in the process of adding the feeds right now...I'll make it look pretty later:-) Right now the feeds/links on that page update about every 45 minutes....assuming the content on the site it's pulling from has updated. There's a caching system setup so the sites I'm syndicating don't get hit with a request every time that page is loaded.

I'm looking for news feeds (rss/xml) from game related sites to add to the list/page. I'm primarily looking for Half Life / Counter Strike related sites but will add "general" game related sites as well. If you know of any good game related news sites that publish via rss/xml please let me know. You can post the link in our forum in this thread:

Looking for Game Feeds

Thanks fellow gamers!

ps - the page will be up and down over the next few days while I'm working on it.

New Server IP Address

Just a quick update to let you know that the CSGZ server IP changed to:

69.12.89.51:27015

It's still Counter Strike Source, FF=ON

We're still with the same host they just had to do some internal reconfiguration.

Half Life 3 Leaked!

The staff here at CSGZ have managed to get our hands on a fully functional copy of Half Life 3. No that's not a typo, WE HAVE HALF LIFE 3! At the present time I am unable to reveal our sources. I have been in contact with our attorney and am awaiting word on the potential legal ramifications of posting a link so our readers can download a copy of Half Life 3.

As I mentioned I can't disclose our sources, but I will say that Valve was very "sloppy" in protecting Half Life 3. Our source was able to , um, borrow a copy without knowing anything about computers at all.

What's the real news here? The copy of Half Life 3 we have has a playable demo of Half Life 4 included as well.

More details to follow when I hear back from our attorney.