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Shortly after playing Army of Two, I made my way over to Valves little section to try out Team Fortress 2. All of the little teaser videos and character profiles were really building up my excitement for the game. So it was really disappointing to realize five minutes into the first match that I would probably never play this game ever again.
Hit the jump to see why I might be the only person on Earth who doesn't really think this game is all that special.
[Update: Added gameplay video at the end of the story.]
First thing I want to get out of the way is that this game is great looking. The "Roger Rabbit" style of the game really makes this game stand out. Now that is such an obvious statement, but you don't really realize how unique this is until you actually get into a match and blow your enemies up into pieces.
The matches would start off with a small timer going down while either team could run around and collect weapons and such. One team was stuck inside a room with the doors locked up while the other team had free reign of the entire map. Once the countdown reached zero, the team that was locked up is released and all hell breaks lose.
At any point in the battle, you can switch out to any of the nine different classes available:
The Spy: Has the ability to camouflage himself as the enemy. You can run around the map without worry as no one will shoot at you since your own team still sees you as the Spy. If you use a weapon though, your camouflage will disappear so you have to make your attack count. You can also run up to turrets and destroy them without them firing on you.
Sniper: He shoots shit from a distance, duh.
Medic: I never used this class, but he was able to heal teammates during the battle.
Heavy: He's slow but that's because he has that giant ass chain gun that will destroy anyone in your path in mere seconds.
Demoman: He has a grenade launcher and a sack filled with dynamite that he can chuck at people.
Pyro: He will totally flame you.
Soldier: The class everyone seemed to use the most. Probably because he has a rocket launcher and it's the fastest and easiest way to kill your opponents.
Scout: He's fast!
Most of the classes will on average have three weapons: The strong/main gun, a weak gun and a melee weapon like a bat or knife. The Engineer and the Spy were the only character (of the ones that I played with) that had a couple of extra weapons so they could use their special tactics.
As far as the gameplay is concerned, it plays like your standard FPS shooter but on crack. The action is very fast and frantic. Yet, at the same time, if you take the time to make a plan with your teammates and come up with a plan, you can totally own a map.
Now I did have fun playing the game, but I just can't see myself ever playing it again. I will be picking up Orange Box of course (Portal!), but it just grew stale on me way too fast. I think it mostly has to do with the lack of depth that I saw in the game. After I got over the eye candy and messing with most of the classes, I just had to wonder what else was there? Even though each class brings something unique to the table, they all still felt the same to me.
All in all, I left disappointed. You all probably think I'm on crack but for you PC gamers, you'll be able to disagree (or agree) with me come this Monday.
I think TF2 will be a fun game to play against other people online so considering it's only one gem in the loot bag you have to wonder why more developers don't do this.
I was one of the people that was completely addicted to playing the first one. I got talked into a clan and everything. I was a complete bastard too because I always made it my mission to destroy the other persons base which is hard because their doors don't open for you so you have to wait for someone else to open them. Then you run in *pray* that someone is entering/leaving the control room set a charge on the command computer thing and usually get killed by like 5 guys at the same time. It's totally worth it though because they can't capture any flags for like 5 min or something. I hope you can still do that.
Wow, have you never played TFC? It's the simplicity of it that makes it perfect. I will be playing this more than any of the Halo games, you can guarantee it. Different strokes I guess...
CTZ did you ever play any of the previous iterations of TF? Your class descriptions do not provide all the much detail into all the weaponry and functions each class provides.
TF (Quake community made mod) is perhaps one of the greatest examples of game balance in a class based team shooter. TFC was the same as TF with the exception of updated graphics and an improved UI (no more autoexec files to run in the ~console). Those of us that are really looking forward to TF2 want to return to that formula with updated graphics.
And yes, I preordered and my loins are currently being girded.
@CTZ: Thanks. I was trying to gage the your TF background. If an old hat TF'r were to say that TF2 was crap then I would be disappointed. Thanks for the disclosure. So I will disregard your comments and just remain jealous that you got to play it. *shakes fist at sky*
TF2 will definitely catch a certain breed of fanboy wrath. Valve has been taunting us TF fans for years, so it better live up to our expectations! rawr!!
#1 CTZ is going to get flamed by me because he doesnt understand fortress in any way.
#2 CTZ is going to get flamed by me for posting a version of this story admitting to only playing 2 classes and then in his stealth edit to "add video" he conveniently took out the part where he admits he didnt play any classes and changed his terminology to 'most'.
Asstard.
This game has more depth than any shooter out there right now. There's more teamplay and positioning in fortress than any other style of game in general, and this game is no exception. your lack of understanding of the merits of this game type does NOT make the game bad.
Spend more than 5 minutes playing a game before you sling mud at it, youre just irresponsible.
If anything, CTZ's description of the various classes makes me want this even more. It sounded like he ripped the description from the original TF, save the spy info. If this is a modern version of the original TF, then I shall already consider a large portion of my life gone due to this game.
Any big "mehs" are uncalled for until someone who has played TF can compare and contrast the two.
CTZ I can understand your position, I have met many with the same opinions, especially if you are a gamer who has never touched the team fortress series, so your conclusions are completely understandable.
HOWEVER! (DUN DUN DUN!) The class descriptions do fall short of what each class is really capable of, for instance the medic has an option where if he is healing a player long enough he and the player he is healing will become invulnerable for 10 seconds (this can be an excellent use of strategy for pushing the map forward). The scout, has a double jump to his movement along with his speed which can allow him to get around certain map obstacles that a normal player would not be able to, he would be an evasion character worth targeting. And there are many many little features with all the other characters that really do bring out the gameplay in team fortress like its always been.
Those core features with each character, and the team work involved can really change the experience of the game. I'm not sure how long you really got to play TF but its definitely not a game you can play for 30 minutes and make a conclusion off of, it really does take some skill and practice to really understand the game to its fullest.
Overall I loved the write up, it got me even more excited for the game, especially that you said it was fast and frantic (one of the key gameplay elements of team fortress that should never go away!)
This looks just a teensy bit slower than Resistance online, a hair less frantic too. But, tons of people are going to buy this for Portal or Episode 2 that hopefully there will be a huge online community. I personally haven't played through HL2, so I'll be getting this for all the games.
since you were at ea, I'm guessing that you played the PS3 version. Was it supposed to have Keyboard/mouse support like UT3 is, or am I hitting the bong?
brainderailment: There was no PS3 version, just the 360 and I think PC (maybe).
djRoME: Aren't you that guy from that shitty Innernet show?
The only class I didn't play with were the Medic, Scout and Demoman. I didn't have much to say about the other classes because there wasn't much to say. Mostly because I didn't know what else those classes could do as I couldn't find to tell me how varied each class was.
And my "stealth edit" was only adding the video. I didn't change a thing from my original write-up. Fucking fanboys are funny.
Simple is better, as far as I'm concerned, since without this forced "complexity" that most games try and shove down your throat to appear deep, actual fun can be had that doesn't revolve around exploiting oversights by the design team.
As for the multiplayer, the most important thing is...other people. That's right. Other people are important when playing multiplayer. A good game is only good if you're playing with a decent crowd. Who were you playing against at the demo?
TFC was like foosball. Everyone knew the rules, the depth was not really there, but I'll be damned if it was not a fucking fun (and skilled) battle between two teams almost every time I played. You just can't say that for most "modern" games. Hopefully they kept the formula the same with this one.
This review sucks ass. I just played team fortress a couple times but this really looks sweet!! If all the people were picking the same character and playing like any other FPS well DUH its going to look uninspired, but, with all the different team combinations and special abilities this definetly will be a huge success.
Im expecting this game to have 8.5+ on scores. And with all that is included this will get a 9.5 to 10. Metacritic always tells the truth.
TFC didn't appeal to everyone, nor did TF, so it's quite likely that TF2 will be exactly the same. Some will embrace its simplicity, others will despise it. It doesn't make the player any better or worse -- it's just not a game everyone can get on with. From what I've seen, those of us who were TFC enthusiasts are quite likely to love this game. Those who're only attracted by the graphics/hype and haven't really played a TF game before (Hamza CTZ Aziz, perhaps?)... maybe not.
That said, one of the things that attracted me to TFC was its very accessible, simple gameplay, but with the depth there to become incredibly skilled and almost untouchable if you put the time in. TFC had all sorts of tricks and whatnot you could use to surprise the enemy, so hopefully TF2 is the same.
I disagree. I believe Team Fortress 2 is a great game, and I enjoy it a great deal.
I could post a really long thesis on why I like it, and why I think differently than you do, but it isn't really necessary. Different strokes for different folks.
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![EA Showcase: Team Fortress 2: Hands-on [Update] screenshot](http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/43742-teamfortress2.jpg)
52 comments + 134338 views
Wow, this makes the wait feel even longer.
WHY DID THEY HAVE TO PUSH IT BACK?!
You're probably right, but I never expected it to be a definite time filler anyways. Eat candy in moderation!
WANT
Even if TFC does fall short (which I'm hoping it won't) you still have FOUR other games to make up for it. So stoked.
Sounds exactly like the last game, and I played that for years. Especially when I discovered the NeoTF mod.
I think TF2 will be a fun game to play against other people online so considering it's only one gem in the loot bag you have to wonder why more developers don't do this.
I am going to pre-order tonight. Looks great
I never bought Half-Life2 so getting 5 games in one sounds like a good deal to me.
I'm just saddened I have to wait till Nov. 5th. Darned PS3 version coming out weeks after!
I was one of the people that was completely addicted to playing the first one. I got talked into a clan and everything. I was a complete bastard too because I always made it my mission to destroy the other persons base which is hard because their doors don't open for you so you have to wait for someone else to open them. Then you run in *pray* that someone is entering/leaving the control room set a charge on the command computer thing and usually get killed by like 5 guys at the same time. It's totally worth it though because they can't capture any flags for like 5 min or something. I hope you can still do that.
Wow, have you never played TFC? It's the simplicity of it that makes it perfect. I will be playing this more than any of the Halo games, you can guarantee it. Different strokes I guess...
CTZ did you ever play any of the previous iterations of TF? Your class descriptions do not provide all the much detail into all the weaponry and functions each class provides.
TF (Quake community made mod) is perhaps one of the greatest examples of game balance in a class based team shooter. TFC was the same as TF with the exception of updated graphics and an improved UI (no more autoexec files to run in the ~console). Those of us that are really looking forward to TF2 want to return to that formula with updated graphics.
And yes, I preordered and my loins are currently being girded.
sounds like you only played the new version of Dustbowl and not any ctf maps
I think I hear a stampede of TF2 fanboys.
supernaut: This was my first time ever playing any TF. And yeah, I only played the map that was in the video above where you had to capture points.
meh, looks like fun to me.
Portal looks better though. gimme. GIMME!
Why is there a scout? Yeah, he's fast, so what? Did they make a character just for Capture the Flag mode?
Preordered with a "why not"-mentality. Something in there ought to be fun, or atleast all of it combined. Good deal indeed anyway, can't deny.
I'm dissappointed by the review, but with the other games it's coming with, it's gotta be worth it.
@CTZ: Thanks. I was trying to gage the your TF background. If an old hat TF'r were to say that TF2 was crap then I would be disappointed. Thanks for the disclosure. So I will disregard your comments and just remain jealous that you got to play it. *shakes fist at sky*
TF2 will definitely catch a certain breed of fanboy wrath. Valve has been taunting us TF fans for years, so it better live up to our expectations! rawr!!
MUST PLAY! It sounds just like the original... and that's fine!
#1 CTZ is going to get flamed by me because he doesnt understand fortress in any way.
#2 CTZ is going to get flamed by me for posting a version of this story admitting to only playing 2 classes and then in his stealth edit to "add video" he conveniently took out the part where he admits he didnt play any classes and changed his terminology to 'most'.
Asstard.
This game has more depth than any shooter out there right now. There's more teamplay and positioning in fortress than any other style of game in general, and this game is no exception. your lack of understanding of the merits of this game type does NOT make the game bad.
Spend more than 5 minutes playing a game before you sling mud at it, youre just irresponsible.
I love good art direction/style applied to games, as oppossed to 'relaistic' visuals. but TF2 just gets a big 'meh' from me.
wow, that looks like shit. i want portal, but i might reconsider buying the Orange Box now. oh well, there's always Call of Duty 4.....
If anything, CTZ's description of the various classes makes me want this even more. It sounded like he ripped the description from the original TF, save the spy info. If this is a modern version of the original TF, then I shall already consider a large portion of my life gone due to this game.
Any big "mehs" are uncalled for until someone who has played TF can compare and contrast the two.
CTZ I can understand your position, I have met many with the same opinions, especially if you are a gamer who has never touched the team fortress series, so your conclusions are completely understandable.
HOWEVER! (DUN DUN DUN!) The class descriptions do fall short of what each class is really capable of, for instance the medic has an option where if he is healing a player long enough he and the player he is healing will become invulnerable for 10 seconds (this can be an excellent use of strategy for pushing the map forward). The scout, has a double jump to his movement along with his speed which can allow him to get around certain map obstacles that a normal player would not be able to, he would be an evasion character worth targeting. And there are many many little features with all the other characters that really do bring out the gameplay in team fortress like its always been.
Those core features with each character, and the team work involved can really change the experience of the game. I'm not sure how long you really got to play TF but its definitely not a game you can play for 30 minutes and make a conclusion off of, it really does take some skill and practice to really understand the game to its fullest.
Overall I loved the write up, it got me even more excited for the game, especially that you said it was fast and frantic (one of the key gameplay elements of team fortress that should never go away!)
<3 hearts!
Stab his eyes Rome!!!! ... stab his eyes ...
I think this game looks incredibly fun and I agree with rockvillian, it doesnt seem to be a time filler, which is perfect for me though
I will be whoring the Spy, Engineer, and Medic. FYI.
Me and my friend could really only play the original for like an hour at the most, but we still loved it and came back to it. Engineer FTW!
This looks just a teensy bit slower than Resistance online, a hair less frantic too. But, tons of people are going to buy this for Portal or Episode 2 that hopefully there will be a huge online community. I personally haven't played through HL2, so I'll be getting this for all the games.
since you were at ea, I'm guessing that you played the PS3 version. Was it supposed to have Keyboard/mouse support like UT3 is, or am I hitting the bong?
brainderailment: There was no PS3 version, just the 360 and I think PC (maybe).
djRoME: Aren't you that guy from that shitty Innernet show?
The only class I didn't play with were the Medic, Scout and Demoman. I didn't have much to say about the other classes because there wasn't much to say. Mostly because I didn't know what else those classes could do as I couldn't find to tell me how varied each class was.
And my "stealth edit" was only adding the video. I didn't change a thing from my original write-up. Fucking fanboys are funny.
Simple is better, as far as I'm concerned, since without this forced "complexity" that most games try and shove down your throat to appear deep, actual fun can be had that doesn't revolve around exploiting oversights by the design team.
As for the multiplayer, the most important thing is...other people. That's right. Other people are important when playing multiplayer. A good game is only good if you're playing with a decent crowd. Who were you playing against at the demo?
Ok, I just assumed that because I heard that ea was doing the ps3 version that's all. djRoME ftw
RJG: Bunch of other gaming journalists who had about as good idea as what they were doing as I did.
TFC was like foosball. Everyone knew the rules, the depth was not really there, but I'll be damned if it was not a fucking fun (and skilled) battle between two teams almost every time I played. You just can't say that for most "modern" games. Hopefully they kept the formula the same with this one.
This review sucks ass. I just played team fortress a couple times but this really looks sweet!! If all the people were picking the same character and playing like any other FPS well DUH its going to look uninspired, but, with all the different team combinations and special abilities this definetly will be a huge success.
Im expecting this game to have 8.5+ on scores. And with all that is included this will get a 9.5 to 10. Metacritic always tells the truth.
TFC didn't appeal to everyone, nor did TF, so it's quite likely that TF2 will be exactly the same. Some will embrace its simplicity, others will despise it. It doesn't make the player any better or worse -- it's just not a game everyone can get on with. From what I've seen, those of us who were TFC enthusiasts are quite likely to love this game. Those who're only attracted by the graphics/hype and haven't really played a TF game before (Hamza CTZ Aziz, perhaps?)... maybe not.
That said, one of the things that attracted me to TFC was its very accessible, simple gameplay, but with the depth there to become incredibly skilled and almost untouchable if you put the time in. TFC had all sorts of tricks and whatnot you could use to surprise the enemy, so hopefully TF2 is the same.
well if dys will not plug it :P
http://www.destructoid.com/blogs/dyslixec/destructoid-steam-community-group-let-me-show-you-them--37829.phtml
I disagree. I believe Team Fortress 2 is a great game, and I enjoy it a great deal.
I could post a really long thesis on why I like it, and why I think differently than you do, but it isn't really necessary. Different strokes for different folks.
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