14 DAY TRIAL // Valve has confirmed quite a few new details about its upcoming Counter-Strike: Global Offensive multiplayer shooter. These include two special game modes plus the fact that the title’s PS3 edition supports not just the regular Dualshock 3 controller, but also the PlayStation Move as well as the mouse and keyboard.
Valve is continuing its close partnership with Sony in terms of PlayStation 3 titles and, after Portal 2’s cross-platform multiplayer between the PS3 and PC or Mac platforms, the studio has announced some of the special features that are included in the PS3 edition of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
Besides featuring the classic Counter-Strike gameplay as well as improved visuals and a skill-based matchmaking system, Global Offensive on the PS3 has support for different types of control inputs.
“Developing for PlayStation 3 gave us a great opportunity to take advantage of the unique qualities of the platform. For example, we’re supporting a wide range of input devices including the PlayStation Move, PlayStation Move sharp shooter, and even keyboard and mouse,” Valve said.
PS3 owners shouldn’t worry about being paired up with players that are too powerful for them, however, as the matchmaking system will take many things into account.
“Naturally, support for these devices means that different players in the same match might be using different controllers. Our matchmaking system allows us to support all of these input devices without disrupting the balance of the game – you’ll be matched against players who perform at your skill level, regardless of what controller you (or they) choose to use. The system maintains a separate ranking for each input device, so players should feel free to experiment with each one.”
Besides the support for multiple controllers, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive also has two special game types, in the form of the Arms Race and Demolition modes that both feature gun progression mechanics, meaning players start out with one weapon and, as they kill enemies, get better and better gear.
In the Arms Race, players take part in a massive deathmatch with instant respawns, where new weapons are awarded immediately after a kill. Backstab an opponent to take them down a level, and rack up kills as you work toward the final weapon: a golden knife.
Demolition mode provides a twist on the classic bomb-planting formula. Players attack (and defend) a single bombsite armed with similar starting weapons. Get one kill and you’ll receive a new weapon in the next round. Get two or more kills in a round and you’ll be rewarded with bonus grenades. Dominate the match and get a kill in every round to reach the ultimate weapons: powerful sniper rifles. Special maps designed to encourage the fast-paced gameplay are available for both modes.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive will be released on August 21 for PC, Mac, PS3, and Xbox 360.