Counter Strike: Global Offensive Beta Review

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO) is an online first-person shooter based game currently in development by Valve Corporation and Hidden Path Entertainment, who also co-developed Counter-Strike: Source. It is the fourth game in the Counter-Strike franchise. The game is currently in beta and the only way to play it is to obtain a beta key.


CS: GO features new maps, characters, and weapons and delivers updated versions of the classic Counter Strike content. In addition, CS: GO introduces new game play modes Demolition and Arsenal(gun game), as well as matchmaking, leader boards and stunning new visuals.

Like previous titles in the Counter Strike series, the game consists of two teams, Counter Terrorists and Terrorists. The objective for each team is to eliminate the opposition and achieve the objective of the map by either planting/defusing the bomb, rescuing the hostages in a set amount of time or progress through each gun in arsenal mode. There is a buy menu to purchase your weapons and equipment.

There is no regeneration of health and when you die you must wait till the round is over. By completing achievements you earn different titles which currently only you can see. There is no sprinting in this game and no ability to go prone. Global Offensive adds new weapons and equipment not seen in previous installments, most notably the molotov cocktail/incendiary grenade which temporarily covers a small area in fire, making it impossible to pass through without taking significant damage. The game also features a couple of new sub-machine guns and heavy machine guns as well as a taser gun.

There are two modes to play the classic counter strike maps on Casual mode which earns you more money per kill and automatically buys you body armour and a defuse kit if on Counter Terrorist and on a demolition map. Players can talk to each other on opposite teams and when dead you can spectate any enemy as well as your own team.  Finally, there is competitive mode which is focused on professional gaming and involves less money per kill, players must purchase body armour and defuse kits. When you die you can not spectate enemy players as you could tell your team where they are and you can only talk  to your team even when dead.

Personal Ratings:

Graphics:
10/10 The graphics are a great improvement from the previous titles and live up to current gaming standards.
Sound:
10/10 The sound is great and easy to hear enemy positions.
Gamplay:
9/10 The gameplay is good for being in beta stage, however there are issues with recoil as it is currently too strong and a few bugs which is understandable and these should be improved as the game continues development.
Overall: 9/10
Overall i give this game a 9/10 as it plays great with only a few bugs and is still in beta stage. With the help of current professionals in the franchise titles and player feedback in the beta forums this game should bring Counter Strike back as the ultimate fps game provided the developers listen to the community.