Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

While the action in this shooter is fast-paced and okay, the dated gameplay and toxic nature of this community really ruins the enjoyment for virtually all gamers. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive tries to take the older team based ideas of "Cops and Robbers Cops and Robbers” with players splitting off into teams and competing to prove which side was better to the next level. It takes that formula and gives it a more modern flavor, pitting teams of terrorists and counter-terrorists against one another with recreations of real-world weapons and tactics in team-based matches. While the shooter has evolved somewhat over the years, most notably ditching its retail package in favor of a free-to-play model, the core mechanics haven’t changed much. Unfortunately, that also means it’s built on a framework that’s well past its prime and is starting to show its age. Compared to other shooters, it's starting to feel like a bit of a relic that’s struggling to stay relevant.

Although CS:GO is still a serviceable shooter, its gameplay is quick, dirty, and very repetitive. Outside of some very recent additions, such as the Danger Zone battle royale mode, the bulk of the game is little more than slight variations on the same two or three objectives. That wouldn’t be so bad if not for the overwhelmingly toxic community that’s built around the game over the years. There’s no way to avoid getting flooded with offensive language and poor sportsmanship before, during, and after matches. Not only is this hyper-competitive atmosphere not inviting to newcomers, but it’s often an almost prime example of how NOT to behave in any social setting. Worse still, there’s very little that can be done when confronted with such behavior. For the more jaded veterans of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive combat, this might just be par for the course, but for anyone else looking to just have some competitive fun, there are many better quality opportunities out there, with much less toxic environments to put up with.