Counter-Strike: GO goes Venetian in new map Canals

Italy is a hotbed of international terrorism in Valve's Counterverse. The level Italy sees terrorists take market stallholders hostage so they can kill their chickens and destroy their watermelons, the revamped Inferno relocated to Italy, and now Counter-Strike: Global offensive [official site] has added a map set in an off-brand Venice. The new map, Canals, arrived in an update last night. It's a pleasant slice of city, with plenty of canals, floating rubbish, and ornate architecture -- some of which is targeted by terrorists. They really do have it in for Italy.

Canals is currently in the Reserves pool, outside the competitive map group. I've not played enough to get a good sense of how it works, so I'll turn you over to Valve's words:

"The map is based on real-world environments that give each area its own architectural style as well as gameplay, and produce an unconventional layout. The CT side is composed of a large, wide open area while the T-controlled territory forms a crescent of smaller spaces around it and provides multiple approaches to each bomb site."

"The bombsites require different tactics and weapon choices for each team. Site A is set in the open CT territory and rewards the use of smoke grenades as well as rifle skills, while site B is located in the interior where submachine guns and shotguns will prove most useful."

I certainly have enjoyed exploring, though. It's a jolly pretty map with some great architecture and decor, and a nice contrast between the gleaming tourist-y areas and grubbier backstreets where people actually live. I'm also into the unnervingly milky water, garbage and all.

The update also overhauled the Phoenix terrorist player model, added a new case with new weapon finishes, improved performance of the new HRTF sound, and fixed and tweaked odds and ends. Hit the changelog for more.