Counter Strike 2: Global Offensive is a modern-day remake of the online phenomenon from Valve Software called Counter Strike, originally a Half-Life multiplayer mod where players are divided up into two teams: Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists.
A first-person shooter, the two teams scramble to either kill off the other team, or complete their mission before the other team including planting bombs or rescuing hostages. With missions and weapons varying depending on what team you are on.
Before the match starts, weapons are chosen and purchased, and money is gained through kills and wins, with your weapons and cash being kept if you win, and lost if you lose. If you die, you become a spectator who can only watch the battle unfold. Additionally weapons are extremely effective and you are easily killed; no regenerating health here!
Counter Strike 2: Global Offense largely keeps this same exact gameplay intact, mostly upgrading the graphical fidelity and allowing PC, Mac and console players to compete on a level playing field. This is the first time that a core game in the franchise has hit the modern day consoles with full online support and at the same timeframe.
Counter Strike 2: Global Offensive is scheduled for release in 2012 for Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, PC and Mac (via Steam) with a beta being exclusive to the PC.
Key changes are also being made however, including a new Gear item, a weapon in the form of the Molotov Cocktail, which create a giant fire bed that covers a large area, and damage over time to anyone who steps in the flames, while decreasing the damage over time if you step off the fire. This will make map control easier and will have a significant impact.
Other new features include Leaderboards, new Modes, new Weapons, Matchmaking and more. As you can see in this video preview.
Key features of Counter-Strike 2: Global Offensive include:
Visual Upgrade
The graphics in the game have been significantly upgraded to give Counter Strike 2: Global Offensive an all-new sheen.
More Maps
All of the classic maps will return in the game along with some all-new ones with all-new objectives and strategies in tow.
More Game Modes
All-new game modes will be inserted along with the classics, pumping new life into this beloved team-based FPS.
More Weapons
All of the old weapons have been upgraded and new weapons have been included, such as the Molotov Cocktail!
Cross-Platform Play!
For the first time ever, PC and Mac players will get to face off against console players on the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360! The PS3 version will also support the PlayStation Move Motion Controller system as well as Mouse and Keyboard Controls.
Here is the announcement trailer for Counter Strike 2: Global Offensive.