Monday, July 13, 2009

Weekend Gaming: TF2

This Sunday I purchased The Orange Box for my new PC. As you probably know, The Orange Box come with Team Fortress 2, Portal, and the second episode of Half-Life 2. I had previously played Portal on my Xbox 360 and hadn't beat HL2 yet, so I decided to get started on TF2.

To start off, if you are looking for a life-like FPS similar to Counter-Strike Source, then TF2 probably isn't going to be for you. Valve went a different route with this game. The characters and game play are very cartoonish (but attractive/appealing). The visuals were actually what got me interested in the game in the first place.

Don't be fooled by the playful graphics though. Underneath the surface is a FPS unlike any other that I have played. Of course every team-based, online game has to incorporate strategy...TF2 just does it in a slightly different way. There are 9 characters to choose from and each character has a purpose. You have your offensive characters, your defensive characters, and your support (There are 3 of each). Mixing and matching different characters can completely switch up the strategies of the game. It isn't just a run and gun. You have to think about who you should be, and where you should be in relation to your team mates.

One of the most prominent features of the game is the upgrading of weapons and attributes. There is a list of about 240 achievements to earn. These are class-specific and general achievements. The more you earn, the more weapons and upgrades your character can unlock. Playing against someone who has leveled their Scattergun (Scout class's shotgun) to level 10 can quickly create jealousy and a drive to earn the achievements to avenge your death.

Overall I am fairly impressed with Team Fortress 2. If you are looking for another first person shooter to play in your spare time, you should check it out.

-Scott

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