Yellow, blue, indigo, pink, green, orange vertigo… Wait, vertigo? Isn’t that the name of one of the free maps released to all Counter-Strike: Global Offensive players?
Yep, you heard right guys. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive was updated today, bringing two new maps into the Counter-Strike map rotation. Vertigo, a ‘Classic’ map (being that you can play it in both classic casual and classic competitive) has been recycled from the original counter-strike. Don’t worry, it’s not using old textures or anything like that. Infact, it looks pretty nice, if I do say so myself. The other map, monastry, is also an updated version of an old map. I don’t actually recall playing this map, ever, but from what I’ve read it is infact just an updated version of an old map. Either way, it’s pretty badass. Only problem is, it’s Arms Race only. Neither of these maps are cross-gamestyle.
So, let’s delve a little deeper.
Map One: Vertigo
Vertigo takes you and your team to the top of a skyscraper, what can only be described as a truly epic location of battle for both sides. I’m assuming that as the terrorist side your goal is to completely obliterate the skyscraper, and therefore obviously your task as a CT is to stop that occuring. At first look, the map confused me very slightly. Infact, one my first attempt at this map, I fell off a construction rig and got shot in the face with an AK. Brilliant.
Once you get over the slightly-confusing map layout, you’ll realise it’s actually pretty good, tactically. CT’s have multiple locations to defend the area, whilst the terrorists have both sneeky and gun-ho methods of completing their goal. Both methods make for an interesting finish. The combat on this map is pretty close, so I’d reccommend either an SMG or a shotgun for this map, mind you if you go with the shotgun, I’d have to suggest it being auto. So far whilst playing this map I’ve been shocked and been put very close to having a heart attack by the large amount of enemies that appeared out of nowhere. You won’t do too well without an automatic shotgun.
If, however, you’re too 1337 for a shotgun and decide to go with another weapon, snipers are ALMOST out of the question. If you’re sniping, you’re either going to have to pretend you’re playing CoD and quickscope (PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS), or sit at the back and cautiously move around long hallways. Most of which an AR will have a better time than you. If you’re going with the AR or SMG, it’s really up to personal preference. Any gun will do the job well in these two sections.
Overall, Vertigo is a pretty good map. I can certainly see myself having this as the only map in rotation for a few hours.
Map Two: Monastery
Monastery is a very small map, like all (Ahem, both) Arms Race maps. Also like both arms race maps, monastery has multiple levels of battle. You can fight on the ground, on top of buildings or anywhere in between (Quite literally. Most buildings have holes or windows to shoot out of). This is a really well done map. It works for all gun types as far as I can tell. AR? Watch the pathways. SMG? Go hard, and go fast (No that is not what she said). Shotgun? Stick to the walls and clear out rooms. Sniper? Here’s the fun part, sit at the top of one of the towers and sneakily pick off your enemies as you so wish. Even hanguns will have a nice time playing this map, you’ll just have to be slightly more sneakier.
The monastery itself is covered in snow and rubble. Overall, it looks pretty damn sweet. It has that barren sort of feeling, yet making you feel like you could walk into the entire enemy team at a corners turn. It’s a good mix. I like it. Gameplay wise it’s extremely fun it play on. Due to the map layout, you can jump from building to building, picking off foes who will stand in your way, all the time unlocking different weapons. There’s only one slight problem with this map. Due to the terrorists spawning on the top of one of the towers, an effectively co-ordinated CT team can simply camp opposite it, easily picking off the enemies. The terrorists only hope then is that they will spawn at the bottom of the tower, which occasionally happens. Just hope there isn’t anyone down there, too.
Verdict?
Hell, this doesn’t need a verdict. It’s free. It’s good. You already have it (Provided of course, you own CS:GO). Well done Valve, thanks for proving to us yet again you know how to give good support post-release.