I've enjoyed playing CS since 2000. It took me a little while to move to CS:S because in my personal group of players, several of us had a lot of time and investment in making maps for the older version. My first feeling on CS:S was that movement was "odd". But that feeling quickly disappeared.
When our group moved to CS:GO, several people complained similarly to the OP. But I was and am skeptical of most criticisms. For me, CS:GO is the same game if playing competitive and classic modes, and the addition of Arms Race makes a lot of sense because many servers have run (and many players have enjoyed) that mode as modded versions of the game.
I've heard people claim that the game play is
totally destroyed. I disagree*. Essentially, the same scales, same goals, same general tactics apply. The fire grenade adds a new tactic so some play changes there; and on hostage maps you only need to rescue one hostage now... so this does offer a general change on hostage maps.
*The one change that I want to see fixed is a serious flaw. There is a footstep sound bug that some players (myself included) have had where you hear loud footsteps and think someone is around the corner... but in fact no one is within a hundred yards. Maybe this bug has been fixed... but it is certainly a bug that has lasted far longer into the game's life than it should. (Please, Valve, fix things like this before making little cute hats for chickens!)
Anyway, I think CS:GO is a great step forward especially for those of us who like to create environments for playing CS.
PS. Bring back VIP and the Tactical Shield!
