Counter-Strike 2 Critic Reviews

In an era of flagging service games, it is refreshing to se an old favourite so thoroughly rejuvenated. Blizzard, take note: this is how it's done.

CS2 also proves that despite their reluctance to do so, Valve still has all the chops whenever they choose to put their game developer hat on. Nearly all of the changes in Counter-Strike 2 meaningfully enhance the experience without compromising what made the game special in the first place. With the foundation set for another multi-year run, I’m excited to see how Valve and the community evolve Counter-Strike 2.

Counter-Strike 2 brings many new things to the franchise that both veterans and newcomers alike can enjoy, especially the updated graphics on the Maps and guns. Moreover, numerous systems are straight-up an upgrade from CS: GO, such as the Loadout and Smoke Grenade, which makes Counter-Strike 2 more enjoyable and fair. However, many things are still not in the game, which might deter many players from trying the game just yet, though the ones that are now available are more than enough to enjoy a good Counter-Strike match.

Much like the great explorers of the past, Valve embarked on a grand venture - the quest to further enhance the world's most popular FPS, driven by the curiosity to unveil what lay beyond the horizon of perfection. They did so, fully aware that the transition to Source 2 might potentially disrupt the balance that the CS:GO gameplay reached over ten years of updates. Yet, after several hours spent in the lobbies of Counter-Strike 2, we can confidently say it was absolutely worth it.

Counter-Strike's great and ageless gameplay gets a much-needed tech update, but still lags CS:GO in precision and scope.

Counter-Strike 2’s wall of noise and violence will feel impenetrable to newcomers but a welcome upgrade for long-term Counter-Strike fans. It’s the best competitive shooter on the market, but it’s so difficult for new players to get on board that it won’t be for everyone.

Counter-Strike 2 is a mostly positive update to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. The enhanced visuals that range from improved textures to lighting and particle effects help bring the graphics up to date while keeping the required specs low enough where the experience isn’t limited to those with super expensive gaming rigs. The removal of Demolition and Arms Race is choice that likely won’t sit well with most fans, but there’s hope these modes will return someday. Even with all the changes that were implemented, Counter-Strike 2 plays like an old friend who is returning after a prolonged absence. It has a new look and made a few changes, but essentially it’s still Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and those who enjoy team-based shooters will still enjoy spending countless hours with the upgraded version.

Counter-Strike 2 is a solid package in many ways. It's still the best in its sub-genre and I can see myself playing it for thousands of hours, as I did with its predecessors.

Valve has improved the Counter-Strike formula with the release of CS2, even if there’s still a lot of work to be done before it’s feature complete. While we’re in the dark on specific timelines, the developer’s work rate has been promising since launch, and if it continues at this pace, we’re in for an exciting 2024 as Valve ushers in a new era of Counter-Strike.

For all its foibles though, I have confidence that Valve is at least pushing the game in the right direction. After all, both CS: Source and CS:GO evolved considerably after their initial launch and became classics in their own right, and all the building blocks are here for Counter-Strike 2 to follow the same trajectory - and from a much better starting position. The bottom line? This is already an incredible game that's well worth playing - after all, it is Counter-Strike, too.

Though this sequel might one day become a legendary classic, Valve´s newest sequel in the multiplayer saga has as many stumbles as good steps forward.

Counter Strike 2 did not pass the weapon to the left. This is evidenced by the many players still on the title but also the modifications made more in form than in substance. Thanks to the new Source 2 engine, maps that players have known for more than 20 years are getting a makeover without changing one bit the range of possible tactics or the gameplay sensations. Basically, this update called Counter Strike 2 seems to be more about getting up to speed with the competition than attracting a new audience. What's the point of revolutionizing a team that's already winning?

Quotation forthcoming.

CS2 is like a giant patch to CS:GO. Although it's not better than CS:GO at the moment, it has a potential to surpass all of the achievements of its predecessor in the future.

I think my CS days are behind me. It's an FPS that requires a lot from you, and those after a shooter you can sort of switch your mind off to should look elsewhere. But if you're a newcomer, lapsed player, or veteran, I think CS2 offers up thrilling matches that can twist and turn after a smart play or a remarkable shot. Many will find it's rather close to CS:GO with neat upgrades to grenades and extra pop to maps, while another portion of the community might just want CS:GO back. Right now CS2 is a great iterative update to a tried and true formula... that's missing an awful lot of fan favourite stuff. Give it time, though, and I think it's onto something pretty special.

With such a wide array of tweaks, updates, and iterations, Counter-Strike 2 is a significant move forward for the franchise. The community is alight again, and I’m as excited as I’ve been for Valve’s shooter in more than 10 years. Counter-Strike is back, and if the current trend of improvements continues, it’s only going to get better from here out.