A CS game with stunning visuals
Counter-Strike 2 is a premium action game for PC by developer Valve Corporation. It is the successor to the massively popular and longest-running first-person shooter franchise, Counter-Strike, or simply CS. It will also be a free upgrade for those who already purchased and own Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
Compared to its predecessors like Counter-Strike: Source or Counter-Strike: Condition Zero, Counter-Strike 2 will be the biggest visual and graphical overhaul that the series has had since its first release. The game will also be conducting a Limited Test phase with select players before its release.
More realism, more action
The main selling point of Counter-Strike 2 is its improved realism compared to its predecessor. Although the trailer was revealed using Unreal Engine 5, the actual game uses Unity, which will lead to mismatched expectations. Despite minor visual differences, the volumetric smokes are definitely here for players to enjoy. Smoke grenades now respond to the environment such as movement, gunfire, and explosions, making them more lifelike.
In terms of the action, the UI and the gameplay receive their respective upgrades. Bullet impacts are made more distinguishable, allowing players to read gunfire and movement even better. Paired with directional blood impact, you’ll find new pieces of information for your tactical advantage. Valve also reworks environment VFX, from more realistic explosion mushrooms to creeping flames, everything is designed to make every round more immersive.
The next evolution
It would not be a stretch to say that the Counter-Strike series is one of the progenitors of modern first-person shooter games. In particular, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive(CS:GO), continues to be an influential force in the gaming industry and competitive e-sports since coming out 11 years ago. After more than a decade, a successor is finally coming in the form of CS2.
Utilizing the in-house Source 2 tool and engine, the game has built its world from the ground up with overhauled graphics, maps, animations, and effects. The Smoke Grenade is an indispensable and tactical tool in your arsenal. It’s more dynamic as it expands to fill spaces and objects, and is now reactive to environments and external forces, such as lighting effects, gunfire, and explosions.
Other notable improvements include a new sub-tick system to help reduce delay for near-real-time events and actions and reworked audio for improved spatial awareness and accuracy. All your weapons will also be imported and benefit from the visual changes. As of this writing, the game is currently available as a Limited Test so players need to check its official website for more news and announcements.
Waiting in anticipation
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is still such a fun and visually impressive shooter to this very day. However, the industry moves ever-forward and Counter-Strike 2 is a means to keep up with the times, a worthy successor that new and long-time players can enjoy, and attempt to set the standard for the industry yet again. Now is a great time to be a fan.
