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Have You Played... Counter-Strike: Global Offensive?

For the FPS purists

Compared to many of the latest FPS offerings out there, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is a fossil. It's such a simplistic looking game, right? A bit bland and archaic, lacking that colour and pop that the likes of Apex Legends and Valorant possess. But to pass it off as dull and basic is to do the game a disservice, as it's more refined than basically any of its competitors.

Cover image for YouTube video3 BEST ONE WAY SMOKES INFERNO - CS:GO 2022

Looking back on it now, CS:GO is an FPS that I took for granted. I used to play it semi-seriously, warming up my aim like some wannabe professional in an attempt to climb the ranks. I'd watch videos on how to chuck grenades at certain angles to block an enemy's vision from very specific points. Whenever the esports tournaments were on, I'd tune in and support my favourite teams, or absorb some of the tactics they employed. I was fully on board and totally focused on getting better at this simplistic shooter with serious depth.

Never once did I question the game's maps or its guns or its rhythm. It delivered on all fronts! Even if it was quite an unforgiving time, it rewarded proper positioning and all those hours I'd spent honing my aim. And while I have no desire to turn back the clock and give the competitive queue another whirl, I can't think of another FPS I've played since that's come so close to its shootybang purism.

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In this article

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Mac

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About the Author
Ed Thorn avatar

Ed Thorn

Reviews Editor

When Ed's not cracking thugs with bicycles in Yakuza, he's likely swinging a badminton racket in real life. Any genre goes, but he's very into shooters and likes a weighty gun, particularly if they have a chainsaw attached to them. Adores orange and mango squash, unsure about olives.

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