Action Quake had quite different gameplay mechanics that made it difficult to get into. The movements were very fast and similar to Quake. Most of the weapons had very specific ranges (sniper rifles were useless at close range, shotguns were useless at long range). Each shot could cause bleeding, which had to be stopped with a tourniquet. Bleeding reduced your health bar and left a trail of blood behind you. Headshots weren't really emphasised. So as a beginner, you'd arrive on the map, take one or two shots from long range, then bleed to death or get finished off with a shotgun within the first 15 seconds. Counter Strike was much more accessible.