Joystiq hands-on: Team Fortress 2
Let us give you the quick version, if you're a complete TFC noob. Two teams, each competing for one objective. Each team is populated by very different classes of characters, each with their own special abilities. Team Fortress Classic is one of the all-time favorite multiplayer shooters, and as 1/3 (or 1/5, depending on your view) of the Orange Box, TF2 is looking to reinvent the game.
Gallery: Half-Life 2: Orange Box
What you'll first notice (what you've probably already noticed) is the graphical style, which is somewhere between a well-animated cartoon and spy shooter No One Lives Forever. In fact, with its pseudo 60s pastiche and retro sound cues, the game owes a lot to that series.
It's also similar to NOLF in its flair for the comedic. In addition to the genuinely entertaining narrator and character voices, each of the classes is just entertaining to watch. It's hard not to let a chuckle slip after you're killed by a heavy weapons guy and see the stupid grin on his face.
But once you get past those trappings, you'll notice that there's a really practical reason for the look: All of the character classes have a very distinct appearance, which is so refreshing, you'll wonder why more games don't do it. From a good distance away you can tell what sort of enemy you're facing, so you'll know what sort of tactic to employ, whether you should run or start blasting.
Though said running and blasting is satisfying for old hands at the game, where TF2 really shines is in the way in can accommodate new players. Though you have your traditional killing machines, there are also support classes, like a medic and an engineer.
Even if you can't snipe worth a damn you can still feel a part of the battle if you build a turret in the right place as an engineer. You can even have a more direct role if you wish as the medic, following your tank into the thick of battles and helping to keep him juiced with your health gun.
Other concessions are also made for accessibility's sake, like a little tutorial video that can play on each of the maps giving an overview of how they operate.
We haven't played the full game yet, so it's hard for us to give a final verdict. But between Team Fortress 2, Half-Life 2: Episode 2 and Portal, it's hard for us to see how this package won't be a required purchase when it ships today (or unlocks on Steam early tomorrow).
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jsn @ Oct 9th 2007 11:22AM
sleeper hit of the year right here. Although I'm not sure how such a popular and anticipated game can be called a sleeper, but I'll go with it. Great game, great gameplay and one of the most polished out of box experiences I've had in a while (and that's playing the beta!).
Dolorous Dave @ Oct 9th 2007 11:26AM
I've been playing the TF2 beta and it is easily the most fun I've had since the early days of Counterstrike.
sicsided @ Oct 9th 2007 11:32AM
SCOUT RUSH!
jsn @ Oct 9th 2007 11:31AM
yep, I agree. It's old school in feel like an old straight up TDM game, but with the objectives thrown in to keep it fresh. It drops all the over-played realism so many games are going for and gets back to being a fun team game.
Jake @ Oct 9th 2007 12:19PM
Did you just call Half Life Orange Box a potential sleeper hit?
I'd agree, but I really think this year's sleeper hit will be between Mario Galaxy and Halo 3 when it comes down to it.
:P Yes, I understand you may have been just referencing TF2 itself. God I hope so. I mean, Half Life Orange Box is a pretty well known, well hyped piece of equipment. I've already seen the commercial a few times and we've gotten plenty of teasing.
Kyle @ Oct 9th 2007 2:35PM
Did you just say halo 3 is a sleeper hit! Maybe you do not understand the term Sleeper as it is being used. Everyone and there momma knew that halo 3 was coming. Most casual gamers have not heard about TF2, how long do you think the line will be at your local Best Buy tonight?
Mystic @ Oct 9th 2007 6:46PM
Great game play my ass. It's exactly like DoD! TF2 is WAY over-hyped. Shadowrun kills this game.
blooh (CDF - Ass Ring) @ Oct 9th 2007 11:25AM
sounds fun. i'll get it when it's seperate for 10bux
blooh (CDF - Ass Ring) @ Oct 9th 2007 12:18PM
i got voted down for that? jesus
alex @ Oct 9th 2007 12:22PM
It won't be 10 bux. It's too good. Trust me. Get it now for 30, or better yet get the Orange box for 45 on steam. It'll probably be game of the year (this, or maybe Portal).
Get It Now. Trust me, you won't regret it. This game singlehandedly got me back into online gaming after about 5 years.
Jake @ Oct 9th 2007 12:22PM
Of course you got voted down. You just implied you don't wish to purchase HL:Ep 2 or Portal. You just as well have called Halo 3 mediocre, Galaxy a Ratchet ripoff, and called Gran Turismo a poor man's Forza. ;)
blooh (CDF - Ass Ring) @ Oct 9th 2007 12:26PM
no, i'll get portal for 10 bux too, and episode 2
you know they'll be that cheap eventually
i just hate the idea of the oj box, having to rebuy 2 games i already have
and it's not like i have free time now anyway, i'm ass-deep in 360 games i'm catching up on, with more on the way
Jeff @ Oct 9th 2007 12:32PM
I wholeheartedly agree, sir. Eff buying stuff a second time; regardless of if it's a good deal, I'm not supporting that business model.
Moreover, I don't like half-life. There: I said it.
wyrdtoo @ Oct 9th 2007 12:51PM
If you have a friend or two that don't have HL2 or HL2:E1, Valve lets you "gift" your current licenses for those games to someone else if you buy the Orange Box. Then get your friend(s) to pony up for pizza or something as payback. Play the games AND share the luv. Best of both worlds!
Poisoned Al @ Oct 9th 2007 11:27AM
Let me say this. Even if you hate on-line games, I'll bet you you'll like TF2. Even if you can shoot for shit, there's still a role you can play. It doesn't matter if you hate shooters and like stealth games because you can be a backstabbing spy bastard. Like strategy? Here's you engineer's helmet. Hell, even campers have a real role to play in the team.
Jake @ Oct 9th 2007 2:11PM
What if I like shooters? Having a game where some n00b can compete with me just because there is a class requiring no skill doesn't exactly sweeten the pot.
I am getting TF2, but I have a hard time believing it is as good as people on here say it is. I know three people who have played the TF games and all three say they suck.
Then again, TF2 is supposed to be a lot better and different.
Poisoned Al @ Oct 9th 2007 3:48PM
If you Do like shooters, the the scout is for you. It's the hardest of the shooter classes by far and you have to be a total twitch to master it.
FOXHOUND @ Oct 9th 2007 11:28AM
can't wait to pick this up...!! It's definitely my vote for GOTY.
THE ORANGE BOX has to be the best bargin set of games for us since the old Blizzard "BattleChest" set of 'craft games.
James @ Oct 9th 2007 11:57AM
The beta put every other online game to shame, IMO. It's so well crafted, I've sunk hours into this game where I normally get bored after 30 mins. It's addictive, funny and I wish music would loop when on the title screen :p
jsn @ Oct 9th 2007 12:05PM
yah seriously. I was playing the QW demo before and thought it was a really well done game and was looking forward to playing it with my team. Then TF2 went beta and QW was forgotten. it sucks because it's a fun game in its own right, but TF2 is nearly perfect.
jps @ Oct 9th 2007 12:05PM
If ever I will be compelled to plunk down the 100$ for a copy of XP and start running boot camp on my mac, it will be for this game.
Damien @ Oct 9th 2007 6:17PM
Sister joystiq blog tuaw announced that crossover works for TFC2.
http://www.tuaw.com/2007/10/04/crossover-6-2-supports-team-fortress-2/
Only 60 bucks and no partitions or anything. Just an alternative if you want.
eddyk @ Oct 9th 2007 12:11PM
Can't wait to play it after work with my colleagues !!
Jake @ Oct 9th 2007 12:28PM
I can't wait to get Orange Box. As soon as Halo 3 unleashes me from its all consuming grip, it will be the first game I get (or Mass Effect depending on timing).
I have one question for people that have played TF games and the beta. My buddy, a PC-only gamer, asked me if I knew of any shooters coming out because him and his LAN party crew were getting tired of BF:2142 or whatever year it is.
I mentioned a few, and he told me that TF sucked because it required little to no skill. He implied the same to a lesser extent about UT.
Does that make any sense to any of you PC pros? My experience in PC shooters is limited to CS, Half Life 1 & 2, and old school stuff. I've tried a few others for an hour or something.
blooh (CDF - Ass Ring) @ Oct 9th 2007 12:32PM
i dunno about skill level, but i played about 5 minutes of the original tfc and couldn't figure out wtf was going on and I kept being killed outta nowhere (and this was after i'd been playing CS a few years). it was vastly different than a normal shooter
the new one might be different though? i dunno
Vidikron (FU) @ Oct 9th 2007 1:02PM
I don't know much about TF, but I have heard similar complaints about UT. The complaint is usually grounded in the belief that the weapons are "too spammy". Which makes no sense to me. The top rate players always separate themselves anyway. I've played some UT CTF with some top players and it's amazing the moves they will pull off with the teleporter.
I was once playing with some very good players and a guy grabbed our flag. Me and a teammate were chasing him down. I was back from the action a bit, but I could see what happened clearly enough. The guy with the flag suddenly jumped, spun, and shot the teleporter into the air behind my teammate. He then teleported which cause the flag to drop since you can't teleport with the flag. So, of course, my teammate kept going stright for the flag. But the guy who teleported whipped out a rocket launcher and shot my teammate in the back before he even landed from his teleport. He then picked up the flag and kept going on his way. The speed at which this maneuver happened was astounding.
Marty @ Oct 9th 2007 1:47PM
Simply put, do not judge this game based on TF1 / TFC / whatever the first one was called. I played it back when it was a mod of Half-Life 1, and I hated it immensely. TF2 is a whole different game, completely redone and highly polished, and will make you forget all about how bad the original was, if you didn't like it.
Poisoned Al @ Oct 9th 2007 4:18PM
It depends on the class. Being a medic is a bit easy while being being a scout or spy is as hard as coffin nails made of diamonds. The medic, tho a vital member, is never the hero. A good scout or spy can steal victory against the odds.
But you will die. A LOT.
Gary Combs @ Oct 9th 2007 12:37PM
I've been waiting for The Orange Box to come out since it was announced. I haven't played HL2, as once it went down to #30 news of the Orange Box came out. Look, for those complaining about the price, Circuit City has it for $38. Seriously, its going to be good I can't wait for TF2... Yes, apparently I could since I didn't hop on the beta bandwagon... But still...
Ted @ Oct 9th 2007 12:42PM
I've been playing this almost every day since the pre-order became available. Never have I been so enthralled with a multiplayer FPS. It laugh out loud funny, deep with strategy and tactical possibilities and aesthetically gorgeous.
Please, EVERYONE buy this game and propel it to the glory it deserves!
WiNG @ Oct 9th 2007 1:21PM
Team Fortress 2 is, simply put, an A-rate game, and puts the multiplayer of most shooters, including Halo. Team Fortress is funny, dynamic, gorgeous, deep, and FUN.
Anyone saying it doesn't take skill or practice is a liar and a noob who can't figure out the "Medic" not healing him is a spy, or that the laser sight on the wall means he is about to get his head ripped off.
"Say goodbye to your head, wanker!" hahahaha
Last night I had more points as spy than all other players' scores combined. So, hahah I love the people who are clueless. Just stand still one second longer, please!
Get this game. You will NOT regret it on ANY platform. The fact that it comes with 4 other gems, and even Peggle Extreme (if you preorder on Steam), is amazing.
"Some people think they can outsmart me. Maybe so. But I have yet to meet man who can outsmart bullet!"
mfed3 @ Oct 9th 2007 1:26PM
yea, youre extremely impressed. a real trustworthy source when you think sing star is a good game. sick of these non hardcore gamers reviewing games.
Tyler @ Oct 9th 2007 2:22PM
sick of these people who think dedicating your life to games is the only way to enjoy or have an opinion on them
WiNG @ Oct 9th 2007 1:30PM
Also I thought I would post a guide to choosing good spy disguises, for make benefit readers of Joystiq. And also I'm a hardcore gamer and love this game so get off your high horse, mfed3 with your Haloz avatar.
WiNG's quick GUIDE TO SPY DISGUISES
IMO this is the order of disguises from good to bad:
1. Sniper: Nobody will question you standing in the back lines or behind people. Nobody will wonder why you are not shooting a lot or changing weapons. The "real" sniper is unlikely to notice you unless he happens to be aiming in your direction, which you can easily avoid.
2. Spy: Again, nobody will think it is weird that the spy on their team is running around doing God knows what. Hell, if you run straight from your teammates into their base with "no disguise" most people would think that's normal, whereas most other classes would be fighting it out. The only issue with being a spy is that you could be right next to the spy you're impersonating and not know it!
3. Engineer: As long as you don't hang around other engineers wou will usually be fine. But this is such an overused disguise that you will get spy checked quite often. Also most engineers camp their SGs ( and rightly so) so if you are at the front lines without a toolbox you look suspicious.
4. Demoman: Again nobody will find it too odd that you are standing around not doing much, but don't spend a lot of time at cap points or intel rooms or they'll wonder why you're not laying down stickies. There is also a high chance you will run into your "twin".
5. Pyro: This is not bad. You still move fast and can sometimes trick a medic into healing you as you "charge into battle". The main problem is that pyros are great spy checkers, and they WILL notice you instantly as not one of them. Plus since Pyro's cant be put on fire, everyone will notice if you catch fire.
6. Soldier: This is a good disguise but it slows you down making it harder to backstab. Plus it looks too weird if you are found just milling around in the back lines not firing. Also if the "real" solider finds you, you're dead FAST.
7. Heavy: Slow speed sucks and it is obvious you're not real sicne you won't be as trigger happy as every other Heavy. Only benefit is that you might trick a medic into ubering you. But that is quite rare and usually signalled with voice chat you can't use.
8. Scout: You move too slow to be a real scout. You are not shooting unlike real scouts that shoot everywhere, you can't double jump, and you are expected at the front lines. This is a bad costume.
9. Medic: You are running around with the needle gun, and you have no ubercharge meter, so anyone speccing you from a mile away can tell you're a spy. The only benefit is that people don't care you stand behind them, but once you go 1 second not healing the jig is up. Don't use this!
The other thing to point out is to not choose disguises that aren't on their team. If they have no Pyros, everyone will notice there is a random pyro. Plus normally if you choose, say, sniper, if you stay away from their sniper he won't know there's a copy of him. But if you choose a class that's not there, you will get a random name, and you won't know who you have to avoid!
Also I find it useful to take the disguise of whoever I just killed. That way someone who sees an engineer run into the back room (where say, you're hiding) will not find it weird to see an engineer come out. Whereas if they see a sniper go to a ledge, and see a demoman come down, red alerts will go off.
MOST IMPORTANT:
TO BE A GOOD SPY, you MUST PLAY ALL THE OTHER CLASSES. You will never figure out how to trick a Demoman or a Medic until you play as a Medic. Then you will learn what is suspicious behavior. When you play Pyro you will see how easily they can catch spies, and how bad spies make it obvious they are running from you. So make sure you avoid Pyros without LOOKING like you're avoiding them. Play all the classes a little bit and you will become a much better spy.
James @ Oct 10th 2007 12:48PM
Disagree about Engineer being overused -- if they have more than one engy, that disguise is probably the best excuse to be wandering around their home turf not (apparently) doing anything. Also, I find that for unorganized (read: not clan-based) teams, Medic works pretty well for getting through the enemy offense on the way to their base. If you're not taking the same path they are, enemy offense doesn't notice you not healing them.
One thing not mentioned: USE YOUR CLOAKING ABILITY. Use it often; a full "Cloak" meter probably means you're not cloaking enough. Be aware of who can see you, and only cloak/uncloak when you're alone (obviously). Most maps are designed (it seems) so that you can just about sprint through any open stretches while cloaked, if you start with a full bar. As soon as you backstab anyone, cloak and run for privacy, hopefully away from anybody who saw you do it. I'm not sure if you can select a disguise while cloaked, but if you pick one then immediately cloak, you'll finish applying it while invisible. I've gotten up to about 8 backstabs in one life doing this, and I've only been playing for a few days. Also, if you're in your *own* base and stumble into an enemy (especially with poorly-chosen or no disguise), cloak, *change direction*, and look for someplace safe nearby.
Marty @ Oct 9th 2007 1:42PM
This game is worth the price of admission alone... it's my new Counter-Strike. Gameplay is more tactical, more fun, and there is a far greater variety. I also love the in-depth statistics, and just the overall quality of the game. You can tell Valve had a blast putting this game together, because it's a blast to play.
snookcat @ Oct 9th 2007 1:58PM
I love TF2!! I have been so hooked on this game since the beta came out. Been waiting a loooooooong time for this one. I've been sad to be missing out on all the great stuff on XBOX 360, but with games like this I don't mind it so much. :)
1 request. If you don't have a mic... buy one!! Not enough folks out there are using voice chat, but it makes life so much easier when you do.
WiNG @ Oct 9th 2007 2:23PM
Yeah, especially when you say "Hey wolvie73x, are you in the intel room right now?"
wolvie73x: "no, why?"
you: //laughs as you gib a spy with your rocketlauncher//
LaughingTarget @ Oct 9th 2007 3:47PM
I'll say it right now, if your idea of balanced is everyone is 100% identical, you'll hate TF2. Yes, some guy who doesn't have that well advanced Halo 3 twitch will be able to rock you, but you have just the same chance of rocking them back. Their skill just happens to be different. Still, if you're like that martial artist that thinks the guy with the gun is a pussy becuase he doesn't fight on the exact same level as you, even though you know damned well he hasn't got a chance if he does, then TF2 isn't your cup of tea, stick with Halo or any deathmatch-bent shooter on the market.
However, it is important to realize that while there are 9 classes and just about anyone can jump in and play, and play their roles well, every role has its foil. Yes, that engineer can roll over the twitch aimed scout or soldier, but part that same guy from his turret (preferrably with some help from a spy), and he's toast.
The biggest feature of TF2 is the fact that "team" actually means something here. If everyone goes along that gun-happy solo mode so many other shooters have conditioned gamers to be in, that team will get whipped badly when the other guys are properly positioning gun turrets or sending in the dreaded instrument of destruction combo of the Heavy and Medic. TF2 is not a single-player multiplayer game like so many other games are.
If your idea of multiplayer is an incohesive brawl, which is a completely legitimate preference, then TF2 isn't your thing. If you like the idea of having to constantly adjust your strategies when combating 9 different character types and working as a real unit to get the job done, TF2 is a full-on masterpiece.
chispito @ Oct 9th 2007 4:23PM
I posted this on the demoman video post, but it bears repeating that the graphics are absolutely phenomenal in this game, and the animation even better.
Even if you already have been playing the beta, it's worthwhile to just run around and look at all the different characters, watching their faces and the way they run and walk and shoot.
Oh man, I hope Valve gives all the people who worked on this a raise and sets them to work on something bigger and grander in scope, but with the same art direction.
busydoingnothing @ Oct 9th 2007 6:24PM
I've been waiting for TF2 for what, ~8 years now? While the original design sounded awesome, I think that concept has been played out within the past eight years, and this design is a fresh and welcomed change. I'm loving it and I can't stop playing. The humor involved makes it all the more enjoyable, and actually helps to keep me from tossing my wireless mouse across the room in frustration. I
James @ Oct 10th 2007 12:51PM
I love this game, don't get me wrong, but doesn't it feel kind of... same-y? I mean, I played a ton of TF and TFC, and it really seems to me like they took out a couple of things (grenades, the ability to rotate your sentry gun) and added one or two (scout double jump, spy cloaking, ubercharge) -- and made it prettier. And that's it. I'm still glad to have it and all, but I guess I expected a little more "revolution", or something. As it stands, I feel like it's TF:Source, more than TF2. Maybe I just got my hopes up while waiting 8 years...
beanstheclown @ Nov 23rd 2007 1:14AM
I fooled around with tfc a while over the past couple of years. Always found it fun but just not stay up till three in the morning fun. However, tf2 has accomplished that level of fun for me. Like others said, if you want to solo it you'll get your butt handed to you, but if you appreciate teamwork you'll find somewhere to fit in. And there is a class for everybody. I myself love to play second fiddle and be support. Hence I play the medic. And while I don't get the number of kills a soldier or sniper does I'm just as valuable to the team. That's the kind of game it is . It's because of this built in team mentality that I love the game and recommend it to any other teamcentric gamers out there.