Counter-Strike: Global Offensive or CS:GO as it’s being referred to is Valve’s latest entry in the Counter-Strike franchise, making it the fourth entry following Counter-Strike 1.6, Counter-Strike: Condition Zero & Counter-Strike: Source. CS:GO will be released on the PC, Mac, PlayStation 3 & Xbox 360 on August 21st, 2012 and will cost 1200 MS points for the Xbox 360 and $15.00 for PC, Mac & PlayStation 3. All platforms will support dedicated servers, Mouse & Keyboard support, Cross Platform Play (Original for all platforms but now restricted to PC & Mac) and Move support (PlayStation 3 Only).
Currently Valve is holding a sale on Steam where you can pre-purchase CS:GO and get access to the beta for $13.49 (PC & Mac Only) as well as the CS staple, the AWP for sniper in Team Fortress 2.
So is it good and should you pick it up? Well let’s see……
Not only does CS:GO include the same modes that were introduced in the original Counter-Strike but also introduces two new modes that are similar to the Gungame mode from CS & CS: Source; Arms Race & Demolition, both referred to as Arsenal Modes. Arms Race is a spin on the conventional death-match mode where every time you get a kill you get a new weapon. The winner is only determined when a player gets a kill with each weapon acquired. Demolition is the complete opposite which pits players in around based mode that takes away the players equipment and weapons on every kill that make. The name of the game here is challenge & skill.
Wait, did I say only 2 modes were added. I must be other of my mind or perhaps the Zombies ate it.
That’s right, CS:GO will also include a Zombie mode (well technically it’s a mod) courtesy of Plaguefest.com that will allow players to get their Zombie on.
What would Counter-Strike be without weapons? While there were balances made to existing weapons several weapons were 
replaced; P250 replaced by the P228, Nova replaced by the M3, Mp7 replaces for the MP5, SSG 08 replaced by the Schmidt Scout, SG 553 replaced by the Krieg 552), P2000 replaced by the USP, MP9 replaced by the TMP, MP7 replaced by the MP5, M4A4 replaced by the M4A1 and the SCAR-20 replaced by the SG550. So while there were replacements there are also 2 new weapons in the game, the Molotov Cocktail (which if you seen the trailer the poor Counter-Terrorist got smashed by it) which has a AOE effect and engulfs the ground in a fire that damages players unless they leave that area and the Zeus Stun Gun, seems to be a close up weapon (like a tazer).
Maps that CS players know and love (and loathe) are also making a return; Dust, Dust 2, Aztec, Office, Nuke, Italy, Inferno, but have gotten some make overs to make them look more modern.
So back to my original question, is this worth picking up? So far other than a few minor issues that Valve is aware of , CS:GO has been getting positive reviews from beta feedback. Sure there are those that don’t like the new changes to the game but those ar also the same players who hated CS:Strike and would play CS 1.6 forever. The times have changed and Counter-Strike has changed with them and the changes are for the better.
This is still the same CS we’ll grown up with and it’s a welcome change from the fast paced, spawn based, frag and fast shooters that are shoved in our faces year after year (I’m talking at you Call of Duty!). Counter-Strike is a tactial FPS, rushing in with weapons blazing will only result in you waiting the entire round while your team is still fighting the good battle. If you can understand that then I highly recommend CS:GO. So come August 21st you end up being fragged by “Shadowhaxor”, that’s just me saying hello.
