HL2 Orange Box and TF2

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 10:46 am

Only people who hate cake do not like Portal.

One of my best gaming experiences of the year.

Naples39 · Post by **Naples39** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 1:32 pm

Tried some TF2 last night, and I wish I could be as positive about that as I was about Portal. I really wanted to like it, as I dig the graphics and atmosphere , but the player running speed and the class system really rub me the wrong way. I'll still give it some poker nights before I reach a conclusion though.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 2:36 pm

Portal is unlike any game that has come out in a long time. Very fun.

WillHunting · Post by **WillHunting** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 2:47 pm

Naples39 wrote:Tried some TF2 last night, and I wish I could be as positive about that as I was about Portal. I really wanted to like it, as I dig the graphics and atmosphere , but the player running speed and the class system really rub me the wrong way. I'll still give it some poker nights before I reach a conclusion though.

Yah my first time was not very memorable. But the 2nd time, I played much better. The variety of class makes this game a chess match.

I would suggest you try demolition man class. It is easier to play and alot of fun.

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 2:53 pm

Naples39 wrote:Tried some TF2 last night, and I wish I could be as positive about that as I was about Portal. I really wanted to like it, as I dig the graphics and atmosphere , but the player running speed and the class system really rub me the wrong way. I'll still give it some poker nights before I reach a conclusion though.

I don't like the very 'gamey' things that can go on with TF2, like soldiers blowing themselves up pre-round so their medics can heal them for a quicker uber once the game starts, the rocket jumps, everyone constantly shooting teammates to detect spies, etc...

It's okay, IMO. Just not one of my favorites.

Naples39 · Post by **Naples39** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 2:56 pm

WillHunting wrote:
Naples39 wrote:Tried some TF2 last night, and I wish I could be as positive about that as I was about Portal. I really wanted to like it, as I dig the graphics and atmosphere , but the player running speed and the class system really rub me the wrong way. I'll still give it some poker nights before I reach a conclusion though.
Yah my first time was not very memorable. But the 2nd time, I played much better. The variety of class makes this game a chess match.

I would suggest you try demolition man class. It is easier to play and alot of fun.

Ya, I tried 4 or 5 different classes across a few games and definitely had the most success with demoman. I thought I turned it around on my first life with the demoman as I got 4 kills on that life, and nearly more, but then reverted to sucking it up.

pigpen81 · Post by **pigpen81** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 3:16 pm

I loved the original Team Fortess Classic. Will #2 hold up for DSP Poker nights?

Zeppo · Post by **Zeppo** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 3:54 pm

pigpen81 wrote:I loved the original Team Fortess Classic. Will #2 hold up for DSP Poker nights?

To be honest piggie, it's very doubtful. There are only about four or five of us here who actually like the game, at least judging from the comments throughout this thread, and that's just not enough to keep it going for long.

If it had a party system like Shadow Run, I'd say to you 'who gives a s***?' because even though there were only a few of us who liked that game at all, we were still able to play it a lot and have a ton of fun, thanks to the party system. With this one, I'm not so sure it will be as easy to do so.

macsomjrr · Post by **macsomjrr** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 4:11 pm

Zeppo wrote:
pigpen81 wrote:I loved the original Team Fortess Classic. Will #2 hold up for DSP Poker nights?
To be honest piggie, it's very doubtful. There are only about four or five of us here who actually like the game, at least judging from the comments throughout this thread, and that's just not enough to keep it going for long.

If it had a party system like Shadow Run, I'd say to you 'who gives a s***?' because even though there were only a few of us who liked that game at all, we were still able to play it a lot and have a ton of fun, thanks to the party system. With this one, I'm not so sure it will be as easy to do so.

Agreed. It's a great game but it is such a pain in the a$$ to find friends to play with without the party system (I hear Zeppo is upset about this but I'm not really sure). I wonder if this isn't something that could be added with an update? Maybe Valve doesn't really care that much though seen as there are about a billion new FPS's coming out in the next few months. Have you guys seen the new Turok vids over on IGN??? Wow, sign me up for killing some dinos in the future.

JohnnytheSkin · Post by **JohnnytheSkin** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 2:59 pm

I'm loving TF2, but yeah, you have to play with friends. Randoms, as in pretty much every shooter, suck.

Naples39 · Post by **Naples39** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 3:12 pm

After spending some more time with TF2 last night with randoms, I think I have a better grip on why I don't like the game so much -- it's not really a shooter.

I feel like something can't really be a shooter without any sub/light machine guns. That's really the core of any shooter - getting a bead on an opponent, putting a few shots in his ear, then moving on. TF2 is far, far from that concept. Instead you've got scouts screaming around the level, engineers building turrets, spies disappearing then wearing disguises, demomen lobbing grenades all over the place.

The game is played from an FPS perspective with FPS controls, but it's not a shooting game.

RobVarak · Post by **RobVarak** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 1:04 am

Excellent new Penny Arcade shirt:

http://www.pennyarcademerch.com/pat070411.html

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 10:07 am

couple of questions before I pick this up....

1) How do the graphics and gameplay of HL2 on the 360 compare to the PC version, for those who previously played it on PC? I played HL2 about halfway through and am wondering if it's worth it to complete the game on the 360. I for one, like using a controller for shooters over a mouse/keyboard. I know that "PC Shooter afficianados" won't agree, but I just find the controller more relaxing to use.

2) Besides HL2, everyone seems most into "Portal". Is Portal multiplayer only or is it solo or both? This certainly seems like a lot of content for $60. Is this game a no brainer pickup if you like shooters and have a 360? It got a 9.5 in OXM.

WillHunting · Post by **WillHunting** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 10:11 am

JackB1 wrote:couple of questions before I pick this up....

1) How do the graphics and gameplay of HL2 on the 360 compare to the PC version, for those who previously played it on PC? I played HL2 about halfway through and am wondering if it's worth it to complete the game on the 360. I for one, like using a controller for shooters over a mouse/keyboard. I know that "PC Shooter afficianados" won't agree, but I just find the controller more relaxing to use.

2) Besides HL2, everyone seems most into "Portal". Is Portal multiplayer only or is it solo or both? This certainly seems like a lot of content for $60. Is this game a no brainer pickup if you like shooters and have a 360? It got a 9.5 in OXM.

No clue about 1 in terms of comparison, but HL2 looks great on 360.

Portal is solo only. It is not a long game but really fun and works your brain.

It is definitely alot of content, I have not played thru HL2/EP1/EP2, so TOB is a ridiculously good value. Definitely worth a pickup and then we have more ppl to play TF2 together.

James_E · Post by **James_E** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 10:14 pm

Another thumbs up for Portal. Holy crap that was fun playing through that.

Had the whole family (wife and 2 boys) watching for most of it. It's fun, and also FUNNY. Definitely worth at least renting to play through Portal.

macsomjrr · Post by **macsomjrr** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 4:32 am

James_E wrote:Another thumbs up for Portal. Holy crap that was fun playing through that.

Had the whole family (wife and 2 boys) watching for most of it. It's fun, and also FUNNY. Definitely worth at least renting to play through Portal.

Can't say this enough. YOU MUST PLAY PORTAL IT IS AWESOME:)

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 9:57 am

macsomjrr wrote:
James_E wrote:Another thumbs up for Portal. Holy crap that was fun playing through that.

Had the whole family (wife and 2 boys) watching for most of it. It's fun, and also FUNNY. Definitely worth at least renting to play through Portal.
Can't say this enough. YOU MUST PLAY PORTAL IT IS AWESOME:)

Avatar-Altering Awesome!

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 9:15 am

I know I only got in a couple of late rounds, but last night was probably the most fun I have had with TF2 yet. Several memorable moments: crazy ubercharges, some sick scout runs, a daisy-chain of backstabbings, etc. Thanks!

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 9:24 am

Yeah, I'd like to echo everyone's sentiments on Portal. What a truly classic and engaging experience. And it wasn't just the fresh take on the puzzle genre (a 1st-person puzzler...GENIUS!!!), it was the voice acting and script that took it over the top. (Are you still there?)

And TF2 is a lot of fun. When we can get a room of 8-10 DSPers and don't have to worry about randoms filling the rooms it really shines. A party system would definitely take this game into another stratosphere. The randoms are generally very good in this game though so that is a plus.

Slumberland · Post by **Slumberland** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 10:02 am

Well, I decided to take advantage of an EB promo and trade this in for just about what I paid for it. Maybe Portal was just so good that everything else was a let down. I don't know what's occurred in between playing Half-Life 2 and now, maybe it was Bioshock, but everything feels so managed in Ep. 1, like there's one way to do everything and I'm having the same experience as 95% of the people who play it. That's cool and all, I mean, I like Disney rides, but it suddenly feels like such a slog, and too cutesy and self-referential at that ("we've got to get you some new batteries for that flashlight, Gordon!"). Maybe if I feel the need I can rent it some weekend when the woman's away and push through it, but that need ain't there at this point.

As for Team Fortress 2, if you gave me the choice between doing the dishes and playing that game, I'd have to think hard on it. I recognize that it's my own limitation, as it just passes the threshold of thought-required vs. time-allowed-for-such-though-to-take-place that makes me totally ineffective and confused, at least without logging some serious hours that I don't care to. I'm that guy who always thinks of the perfect comeback one day later, you know? It's too bad, because the whole retro-Pixar looks really appeals to me. Make an American RPG in that style and I will take my nutrients through a couch-stationed I.V. drip.

I am still singing that Portal song to myself at all hours of the day, however. It might do double duty as Game and Song of the Year.

Teal · Post by **Teal** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 11:55 am

Portal is awesome. I agree. Doing that kind of thing in some MP would be killer.

And Zepp, I owe you an apology. Now that I've been in a room without a party system, I certainly see your point. That sucks. Waiting and hoping isn't what we're supposed to be doing...we're supposed to be PLAYING!

TF2 isn't bad, but it isn't gonna last. The lack of the Party system, and the imminent release of COD 4 will kill it in short order. I must say, however, that if not for the humor of TF2, I don't think I'd like it at all. The style is the thing for me. The substance? Not so much, but I can find a little fun in it, mostly when I stick bombs to the entrance to a room, and watch an enemy explode into a gooey orange mess when he comes through the door...

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 12:16 pm

tealboy03 wrote: Waiting and hoping isn't what we're supposed to be doing...we're supposed to be PLAYING!

Ironic, since your style while you are playing tends to be waiting around and hoping someone wanders into your killzone!

(sniper, demoman, etc)

That's why I'm not crazy about no respawns anymore too, now. More waiting. Though I'm definitely down with the more 'realistic' shooters in most other ways, I have done a complete 180 on the respawn thing.

I also probably won't be playing TF2 much when COD4 is out.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 2:11 pm

webdanzer wrote: I also probably won't be playing TF2 much when COD4 is out.

Giddy up.

RobVarak · Post by **RobVarak** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 3:10 pm

webdanzer wrote:
I also probably won't be playing TF2 much when COD4 is out.

Much like Zeppo with SR, I wll continue playing TF until the last 360 sputters out with the ring-of-death

It's just too much fun.

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 3:18 pm

Rob, no Portal for you? I never see any Portal achievements on your Orange Box hitlist...