When it eventually arrives, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive will have several game modes available without the need for mods. One of those game modes is called Arms Race, however most CS players will still refer to it as Gun Game.
For those of you new to the franchise, Gun Game was an extremely popular mod for Counter-Strike which grew a huge following. As a result the developers were hired by Valve to create an official mode for this release.
The Basics
Arms Race starts all players with the same weapon, the MP9. New weapons are awarded by getting kills, and you win the match by being the first player to get a kill with every weapon. There are 26 weapons to use, it is instant respawn, friendly fire is on (by default) and team collision is off. If you don't like sitting around waiting for the round to end, then this could be the fast-paced action game mode you've been waiting for.
The Maps
Unlike the Gun Game mod, Arms Race has its own set of maps created specifically for the game mode. The beta includes two maps; Shoots which has a number of spots to hide, and a upper walkway is great and fast paced. Baggage is set inside a baggare area in an airport, with converyor belts and an upper and lower section. Shoots is by far the superior map, but when it comes to CS map design, both of these maps offer something truly unique to the series.
Weapon Progression
MP9
MAC-10
MP7
PP-Bizon
UMP-45
P90
Nova
MAG-7
XM1014
Sawed-Off
Gaili AR
FAMAS
AK-47
M4A4
SG 553
AUG
AWP
M249
Negev
Glock-18
P2000
Tec-9
P250
Desert Eagle
Five-SeveN
Dual Barettas
Gold Knife
The Verdict
Something about Arms Race feels right, placing it an inch or two higher than the mod it is based on. Having it as an official mode was a smart move by Valve, adding a different way to play for the masses, that should open it up to a new market. If you're a fan of Gun Game, you're bound to love Arms Race.
By Stephen Heller - Bio