The Blog Roll: The Eternal Appeal Of Team Fortress 2
Team Fortress 2 is possibly the most fun you could possibly have while playing a online shooter. Not only is it the most fun you can have, but it is also the only game impossible to ‘rage’ over. Team Fortress 2 has transcended the realm of merely being just another online shooter, it’s became a phenomenon. Sure it’s not as widely appreciated by the gaming community on the whole, but this is mainly due to the limited nature of the console version. The chances are if you asked any active PC gamer if they had played Team Fortress 2 the response would be yes.
The online presence of Team Fortress 2 in undeniable. The community is constantly thriving with creativity. Be it fan art or user created items/maps, its undeniable the Team Fortress 2 community is strong. The game obviously benefits from the strength of its community and new content is constantly flowing into the game, be it official or user made. The community (at least the majority of them) is both talkative and welcoming, a rarity in modern day online multiplayer games.
The primary reason for Team Fortress 2′s success is its balanced, accessible and (most importantly) fun gameplay. With each class comes a new play style to enjoy and master. This is where the fun really kicks in. Switching between each class and learning the ins and out adds a level of depth to the game. Class choice has a large impact on not just your playing experience but your teams experience.
The strategic side of Team Fortress 2 is somewhat forgotten amidst the fast paced limb littered action. Placing Engineer’s turrets, dispensers and teleporters can turn the tide of any game, regardless of game type or map. The way in which a team can change its fortune in a heartbeat keeps each game engaging and exciting. It’s a small touch to the game which results in coating the experience with nothing but quality.
The item system present within Team Fortress 2 adds a layer of depth to the game, both in play and in the menus. Finding items mid game always carries a sense of giddiness and excitement, similar to the feeling you get after finding a rare item in a game such as Diablo. The range of items (and the items stats and effects) allow the player to change their class set up to match the way they wish to play. Sure unlockable weapons and class customization is common place, now but Team Fortress 2 doesn’t treat it as a ‘novelty’.
The chaos that each game offers is full of gleefully destructive moments. Rockets flying around, grenades ping, spies stabbing people in the back; pure chaos. The occurrence of comedy moments is delightfully high. Watching a sniper explode into a cloud of limbs after being victim of a stray rocket. Viewing a Pyro charging into a group of players and setting them all on fire is a wonderful sight. Seeing the combination of a Heavy and Medic moving up on your position inspires panic and thoughts of ‘run, run now and never turn back!’. The small niggling voice in the back of your head that the guy next to you is a enemy spy in disguise . The odd feeling of having a jar of wee thrown at you. It’s all part of the charm that Team Fortress 2 has.
The humor weaved into Team Fortress 2 is the reason why it has became such a staple in modern online gaming. It’s typical Valve humour and never fails to hit the mark. The characterization of each class has led to a genuinely interesting group. The series of ‘Meet The’ videos really helped Team Fortress 2 to break into the hearts of gamers everywhere. The sense of humor never ceases throughout the game, it’s almost the perfect counter to any situation a player might be other wise frustrated in. You try getting in a bad mood over a few deaths after being treated to some fantastic one liners, it just cant be done.
In a world where most online games try to do their best at being serious, Team Fortress 2 revels in its relaxed nature. Even when a player is performing badly, the chances are they’ll be having too much fun to care. A flow of new content, plenty of depth and bucket loads of fun in one accessible (and free) package, what else could you ask for?
Team Fortress 2 is a constant state of quality and fun, it’s a game people should champion in a market that is expanding, and growing larger and larger.
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