|
PODBot 2.0 Review
13 June, 2001 - theFragile
The Counter-Strike, which is based upon Valve Software's Half-Life.
Introduction
Now unless you have been away backpacking for the last 2 years, you should know about this bot. POD-Bot (Ping Of Death Bot) was initially released in the tidal wave of Counter-Strike bots back in October 2000.
It had a lot to live up to with the likes of RealBot and NNBot already having a strong hold on the Counter-Strike fans. But POD-Bot had something special, with regular updates and major new features added on each release; it soon grew in popularity. With the ability to rescue hostages, plant and defuse bombs, use grenades better than most real players.
POD-Bot's user base grew, overtaking RealBot and NNBot. Now, with the release of version 2.0 and a sack full of new features, POD-Bot is set to be crowned the ultimate Counter-Strike bot.
You can download the bot by clicking here.
Gameplay
Ditlew was the first person to implement bot code that was able to accomplish tasks in Counter-Strike like planting and defusing bombs with his NNBot.
Features like this have become common place in the main Counter-Strike bots, but POD-Bot has gone a step further. Skilled online players know a lot of tricks on Counter-Strike, where the best sniper spots are, how to reach high ground by using crates, etc. Version 2.0 takes advantage of this and using well made waypoint files; the bot is able to pull of some amazing moves in-game.
 
While testing this bot, I stopped repeatedly just to watch the bots climb up a set of crates or smash a window and jump through it. Another amazing moment was on cs_office. While rescuing the hostages a terrorist ran into the room, saw me, took a shot and ran back out of the room. Nothing unusual there for a bot, but then a grenade flew towards me and landed at my feet, exploded and then the terrorist ran back in shooting! Not only did the bot use the grenade to provide cover for himself, he also waited until it had detonated and came back into the room to finish me off.
This is the sort of strategy you expect to see from veteran Counter-Strike players not computer controlled bots.
Camping! It's a controversial tactic. Many people complain it destroys the flow of the game, others say camping is a real life tactic so why not apply it to a real life simulation like Counter-Strike. Whatever your view is, you will be glad to know that POD-Bot has got the balance just right. Yes, the bots do sit on top of buildings with an AWP aimed at entrances but unlike most people, they move on from that position after a few minutes.
 
Weapon selection has always been an important part of winning in Counter-Strike and it's great to see the bots discard their existing weapon and pick up ones laying on the ground when necessary. This really does add to the realism of the game.
Conclusion
This new version of POD-Bot has been a long time coming. Dogged with hoax release dates thanks to some forums. But it has been worth the wait. This is a landmark in Counter-Strike bots. Bot movements, actions and weapon use have all been improved and imitate real-life players with great accuracy.
If you have Counter-Strike on your hard drive then you should have this bot too, not only is a great practice for newbies but it's great fun for even the most experience player.
|
|
