Valve has announced that the popular shooter game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive will be getting a new map named Canals. The map is set in a historic Italian city resembling Venice.
In the new map two important tourist attractions are under threat by an international group of terrorists known as the Phoenix, and SEAL Team 6 has been deployed to stop them.
The map is based on real-world environments that give each area its own architectural style as well as gameplay, and produce an unconventional layout.
The CT side is composed of a large, wide open area while the T-controlled territory forms a crescent of smaller spaces around it and provides multiple approaches to each bomb site.
The bombsites require different tactics and weapon choices for each team. Site A is set in the open CT territory and rewards the use of smoke grenades as well as rifle skills, while site B is located in the interior where submachine guns and shotguns will prove most useful.
The canal that runs below site B also allows a stealthy approach deep into the CT-controlled area and the A site. This area has a lot of cover that makes it difficult and hazardous for CTs to hold.
While the map is based on a real-world location, the aesthetics are intentionally clean and uncluttered for good player visibility. In addition, many of the environmental models are built in a modular fashion so they can be easily re-used by community map makers.
The new map is expected to be released with an update that is scheduled to be released sometime next month.
