Counter-Strike clone runs at 60 FPS on original PSP using Rust-based engine

OpenStrike Overview

OpenStrike is a proof-of-concept project that reimplements Counter-Strike for the PlayStation Portable (PSP). Made by modder Yifeng Wang, also known as doodlestrike, the project utilizes a custom Rust-based engine called Pocket3D alongside a JavaScript engine for game logic and UI. This project is significant due to the age of the hardware it targets, as the PSP was released over 22 years ago.

Technical Achievements

Wang optimized the game to run at a steady 60 FPS at the PSP's native 480x272 resolution. This was achieved by pre-processing graphical assets to include baked lightmaps in vertex colors, instead of relying on real-time calculations. The game employs an older rendering method called Binary Space Partitioning (BSP) for efficient visibility culling, demonstrating a blend of nostalgia and practical performance enhancement.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

In addition to the PSP, OpenStrike is compatible with the PS Vita, which has a higher resolution of 960x544. The game runs natively on the Vita without upscaling and can also be played on desktop setups and the PPSSPP emulator. Modders can utilize their own Counter-Strike asset data to play the game, similar to past ports like Doom.

Modding Friendly Design

Wang designed both Pocket3D and PocketJS to be generic, allowing other potential games to be built using these engines. OpenStrike is not just a standalone game but a demonstration of a system where key game mechanics (like event handling) are decoupled from rendering, enhancing performance and modding capabilities. Interested developers can explore the OpenStrike repository for more details.