Erik Johnson on CS v1.6 news

Computer Games Online recently held an exclusive interivew with Valve's Erik Johnson about their plans for CS and CS:CZ. The latest CS, v1.6, will feature 2 new weapons and a riot shield:

5. Computer Games Romania: Do you plan to include new weapons, maps, models or options or will you just fix the bugs from the current version?
Erik Johnson: We’ll be adding the Famas, Galil, and Riot Shield to Counter-Strike 1.6. There are a number of smaller changes, but these three will have the greatest effect on gameplay.

16. Computer Games Romania: Today, the concept of "professional gamer" starts to take shape. What conditions do you think a gamer must meet in order to reach this level?
Erik Johnson: With professional gaming still in its early stages, there isn’t a simple metric for deciding that someone is a professional or amateur gamer. Any player that is competing in a game with the goal of winning a prize would probably be the best description right now

Details of the new weapons and items also in that interview are here:

1. Galil (Terrorist Only - $2700):

Israel made this weapon to compete with the AK-47 on the battle field, this weapon actually costs less than the already cheap AK-47. Currently the Israeli's "official" weapon, this weapon holds 32 5.56mm NATO rounds, compatible with the M4A1. Gearbox describes the weapon as like the AK, only heavier and thus more accurate.

2. FAMAS (Counter-Terrorist Only - $2500):

It will cost less than the M4A1 and its alternate fire will be burst fire (a three-round burst). A three-round burst fires three rounds faster than the auto-mode can fire the same amount, but has a delay between bursts. This is the official weapon on the French GIGN and will likely play that role in the single player side of the game. It holds 25 5.56mm NATO rounds per clip (the same round that the M4A1 uses).

3. Ballistic Shield IIIA (Counter-Terrorist Only - Unknown cost):

This item will block small arms fire (pistols, shotguns, sub-machine guns) and slow down high-caliber rounds to a point where they're not as deadly. The shield will take a primary weapon slot and will be bundled with the FN FiveseveN pistol. The shield will usually cover the front of your body while you peer through the small window, but when you move to fire your pistol, the shield will be moved to the side.

From the looks of it, the new weapons will definitely affect the way the game will be played both in public server and also in the competitive gaming world - whether the shield will prove effective in clan wars or not will depend on the price and how quick it will be to shield yourself and take away the shield. However due to the shield taking up a Counter-Terrorist's primary weapon slot, it would most likely not be preferrable.

To read the full article and interview - click here.