• Review: Team Fortress 2

    by
    Tankosaurus
    Published on 07-01-2011 05:06 PM
    3 Comments Comments


    Team Fortress 2

    Developer: Valve Corporation
    Publisher: Valve Corporation
    Platform: PlayStation 3, XBOX 360, PC, Mac OS X
    Genre: First-Person Shooter
    Rating: Mature
    Release Date: October 9, 2007

    Surely reviewing a game that's nearly four years old is a bad idea, right? Not when you consider that on June 23rd, 2011 Valve announced Team Fortress 2 would be Free to Play. And not when you consider that Valve has been releasing a steady stream of updates since the original release that has dramatically added value to the game. As of the time of writing this review, there have been 223 updates to the original game. A review of the game today would be different than a review of the game four years ago, because the game has changed so much that it's like playing a new iteration of the game.

    Presentation

    Team Fortress 2 revolves around two teams competing against each other to complete various objectives. The back story for TF2 is that the RED (Reliable, Excavation, and Demolition) and BLU (Builder's League United) teams are holding corporations that control the governments. This is never actually explained in-game and the plot is a bit nonsensical, but it can afford to be. The main objective for the game's creators was to create a team-based multiplayer FPS and for that, the flimsiest of plots can be afforded.

    Graphics

    Team Fortress 2's extremely unique style is instantly recognizable. Even though the game was released nearly four years ago, the cartoony graphics hold up extremely well with more modern games. Even better, some of the updates that Valve has released have contained graphics optimizations that make the game run smooth even on older machines. Whether using the Pyro's flamethrower or the Scout's bat, TF2's unique look and feel remain consistent and beautiful throughout.

    Sound/Music

    "MEDIC!!!" Even though there isn't a huge range of different phrases in the game and you'll hear repetition within minutes, the voice acting for this game is absolutely phenomenal. Mowing down the opposition while listening to the Heavy maniacally laugh is insanely satisfying. Check out the latest "Meet the ____" video to see some of the excellent voice acting.



    Even the automatic phrases that the characters say when interacting with other classes make the game feel like you're listening to an actual team. A Scout getting healed by a Medic will yield an automatic, "Thanks, Doc!" in a thick Brooklyn accent.

    Voice acting aside, however, Team Fortress 2 is most fun when your team is equipped with microphones. The real chatter throughout the game is one of the best components to this game and Valve has done an excellent job of integrating voice chat to carry out difficult maneuvers against the opposing team.

    Gameplay

    This is where TF2 really shines. Teams in Team Fortress 2 are comprised of nine classes, each with their own abilities and a never-ending arsenal of weapons. The classes are Scout, Heavy, Sniper, Pyro, Medic, Demoman, Soldier, Spy, and Engineer. One of the more impressive feats accomplished by Valve is how well-balanced the gameplay is. None of the classes are overpowered and your team will fail if you don't work together and choose the right spectrum of classes.

    There are four main game modes with several variations of those modes in the game. Many of these have been added in various updates throughout the life of the game. Capture the Flag and Team Deathmatch (or Arena, as TF2 refers to it) are self-explanatory. Control point modes and Payload require a little bit more explanation.

    There are several variations of Control Point game modes. In one, the teams attempt to control the various control points on the map. In another, one team defends and the other attacks. If the attacking team captures enough control points within a certain period of time, they win. Another only allows for the capture of an active control point at a time meaning that all the action is focused on one point at any given moment. Next, there is a King of the Hill type variation where each team attempts to control a center control point for a certain period of time. Finally, a recent update introduced Medieval Mode where players are restricted to melee weapons and bows.

    Finally, Payload has the teams trying to escort a bomb on a track to the other team's base through a series of checkpoints. There are variations where there is a single bomb and one team is attacking or there are two bombs and both teams are attempting to detonate their bomb first.

    Each game mode is just as satisfying as the last. The thrill of TF2 is hard to match when you get into a groove where your team is working together and executing plans via voice chat. Sending in a well-placed spy or using the Medic's ability to make himself and another character invulnerable for a small period of time can devastate the opposing team, leaving your team to sweep in and claim victory.

    Lasting Appeal

    Valve's continued support through updates and patches has kept me playing this game more than any other game I've ever played. The lasting value of this game has lasted four years for me and I still play this game on a consistent basis. With new maps, weapons, hats, and game modes being released periodically, it's hard not to get addicted.

    On top of that, the achievements in this game are some of the most fun and interesting achievements I've ever seen in a game. The first time you get an achievement for tricking an enemy medic to heal you (Master of Disguise Achievement) or killing an enemy with a taunt (Omgwtfbbq Achievement), you'll be itching to try to get more.

    Also, since TF2 is such a teamwork based game, it is one of the few games where you can easily make friends with your teammates no matter where they live. There's nothing like finding a good teammate that you mesh perfectly with to create the perfect Medic/Heavy combo.

    Finally, Team Fortress 2 is very customizable. It has a very strong modding community that loves to create maps and gameplay changes to their servers. Just imagine coming into your favorite server one day for this to happen:



    Conclusion

    If you're not playing Team Fortress 2 right now, I don't know what you're doing with your life. It is free. Even before it was free, this game has gotten more play out of me than any other game that I've ever owned. The quirky style, the brilliant voice acting, the multitude of game modes, and the hilarious conversations you'll have while playing make this one of my all-time favorite games. Do yourself a favor and download Team Fortress 2. You will love it.

    Score
    9.5/10
    Comments 3 Comments
    1. Gusto's Avatar
      Gusto - 07-01-2011
      fantastic review man, I'm so glad you did it and nailed it dead on. The world must know TF2 is a must for every gamer on pretty much any console. Great review and great job!
    1. Beatboxtaun's Avatar
      Beatboxtaun - 07-01-2011
      Wow, Tank, this review is amazing! You were right in reviewing a game that has had so much added to it and especially the fact that it is Free to Play on Steam now. I like how you brought up the game's memorable phrases in the music/sound section. Those are the things that players repeat continuously, even in real life. That's when you know you have a passion for a game. The fact that you mention that each level is just as fun as the last, is a must! This leaves no excuse for anyone who has been contemplating downloading this game. I also loved the facts you included in the beginning!

      Thanks for the awesome review!
    1. Kris "Kayris" Cullen's Avatar
      Kris "Kayris" Cullen - 07-02-2011
      Great review bro, you can see your enjoyment in this game, now I'm gonna have to play this!

  • Review Scale

    Score 10- Flawless Victory: A score not handed out to every game. Games earning this rare score sit at the very pinnacle of excellence. These games act as the examples for which all others should be measured with. They are instant classics from the beginning. These games not only deliver what was expected of it, but also exceed the player’s expectations. The game’s features are innovative and original. No game is without its absolute flaws, but the finished product you bring home surpasses the anticipation the game has formed. A day one buy is a must. The game you hold in your hands with this score is a video game jackpot.

    Score 9 - 9.5- Outstanding: Games earning scores such as these absolutely must be played. Games that achieve this high ranking do so because they define the genres that they are in. Flaws are few and barely noticeable. Features seen in the game have been renovated to provide something new and fresh. The story, gameplay, graphics, and lasting appeal are all fantastic and is reason enough to bring the game home and to enjoy with family and friends. Every penny you spend on the game is so worth it.

    Score 8 - 8.5- Great: Any flaw the game may possess is overshadowed by its fun factor. These games would be great for gamers to play. These great games appeal to gamers more and more outside its normal player base because of what it brings to the table.

    Score 7 - 7.5- Good: Flaws do exist in these games, but the positive features of the game can counterbalance the flaws. Additionally, players who are predisposed to liking a game of a particular series or genre with this score should enjoy the game. These are in no way bad games, and much fun can be had with them. An overall good game is worth taking a look at, whether you are willing to buy the game or rent it first. That or you can also wait for the game to reach a good price.

    Score 6 - 6.5- Decent: Games falling into this category may suffer from numerous flaws (for example, graphics or gameplay), but are still worth playing. Granted, the player should be aware that a game with these scores may not guarantee them full satisfaction.

    Score 5 - 5.5- Average: An average game is one in which a game’s features are neither good nor completely terrible. Instead, the finished product is manageable. Little has been done to hold the player’s interest. If anything, rent this game before you consider buying it so that you can at least get a feel for the game’s overall experience.

    Score 4 - 4.5- Poor: Games falling into this category may only keep gamers entertained for a short while. While the game may seem enjoyable for moments at a time, it can quickly grow old and may never be revisited again. The game’s overall function is lacking in quality and may not hold the player’s attention for long. The game leaves little or nothing else to return back to.

    Score 3 - 3.5- Bad: If any positive qualities about a game in this category exist, it is not enough to redeem the game for its shortcomings. Sure you may find yourself playing it, but for how long? You will wind up not giving the game a second glance.

    Score 2 - 2.5- Horrible: Games such as these may not be totally unplayable, they nearly are. Additionally, they may lack, or greatly suffer in, the fundamental functionality of the software as a whole. The game simply does not come close to meeting industry standards at the time of its release.

    Score 1 - 1.5- Appalling: Gamers should avoid this game at all costs. The game was clearly not ready to make its way to store shelves in its status. Save your money and find something else. See it in the bargain bin? No! Stay away! Keep moving and look for something else.