HL2 Orange Box and TF2

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Fri Oct 12, 2007 12:36 pm

Oh, and I love portal. I'd *love* to see that gun surface in a multiplayer shooter eventually...

Zeppo · Post by **Zeppo** » Fri Oct 12, 2007 12:41 pm

That was really fun last night. It's a damn shame the thing has no party system, just bad, but so far the randoms we've run into have been perfectly fine.

Danimal, if you were getting dropped after every match, that's weird. Spooky got bumped out early on once, and Rob had the same thing happen, but otherwise it seemed there were few problems. I had the 'auto balance teams' option set to on, so that's why it switched you when someone dropped out or got disconnected. I also had the 'change teams' option set to on, which I took advantage of when a 13th guy entered the room at one point, so that I could rejoin the DSP side. There are stick sensitivity adjustments you can make in the options if you want to try to find a sweet spot that works. My first few games, I didn't have any idea how to do anything, but I kept asking questions and people were pretty cool about helping me out, at least if they knew the answer to what I was asking.

I enjoyed the control points game quite a bit, especially after the first round once we better understood the layout of the map. I believe there are a lot of nuances to the maps and key points that we were completely oblivious about. I can see engineers being useful in that game type by fortifying key positions in defense, especially because of the symmetrical and linear layout of those maps, as opposed to a more circular or ring shaped layout where all the points are equally available to both teams.

However, having played the bulk of my games so far on the 2 fort map/ game type (that's the CTF style game) I enjoy that the most so far. That map is becoming more interesting to me the more I get an understanding of the nooks and crannies. It is a bit of a shame that there is only the one map for that game type, but it's a great one. While the games so far seem to feel sort of the same to me in terms of what I am trying to fortify, etc., I can clearly see that there are a lot of strategic choices to be taken advantage of once i get a better handle on the map.

I've only given the the engineer and the medic a good try so far, and the medic not at all on the 2 fort game. I'd need a good heavy or soldier to work with in an attacking group as a med on that map. My attempts at demo man and especially spy have been really lacking, but I am looking forward to getting the hang of all the types as I get more used to the game. That one episode as pyro on the control points game was actually really, really fun I must say. It's nice you can change class whenever you want in a game, and I can see that kind of adjustment becoming a key element within a round as the games get more sophisticated.

I really like the visual style of the game. I find it very helpful to understanding what's going on in individual encounters, and it also adds a good dose of humor to the whole thing. Staying away from an ultra-realistic style seems to help the game move insanely smoothly as well, but that doesn't mean the environments aren't interesting to look at or poorly dressed.

Needs a party system, needs a party system, needs a party system. Still, I can see myself playing a lot of this game.

macsomjrr · Post by **macsomjrr** » Sat Oct 13, 2007 12:16 am

I had fun playing with you dudes last night too. This game is a lil' bit buggy though which was a bit unexpected considering how long it took them to release it. There was an update today that I hope fixes everything. For example, I was running around as a spy last night and I on one map (2Fort) I didn't have a sapper when I cycled thru all my weapons. Also, I never played HL2 (or HL) some I'm having fun playing through the story even if I really have no idea what is going on. Still haven't touched Portal...

Slumberland · Post by **Slumberland** » Sat Oct 13, 2007 12:59 pm

Portal is awesome. I like the visual style of Team Fortress 2, but I'm realizing that fast paced class-based shooters leave me colder than a witch's tit. I'll probably play through Episode 1 & 2, Portal, then send it back.

macsomjrr · Post by **macsomjrr** » Sat Oct 13, 2007 1:27 pm

Slumberland wrote:Portal is awesome.

I didn't think this was gonna be the case be you're right. Portals is really good.

Teal · Post by **Teal** » Sat Oct 13, 2007 3:08 pm

Slumberland wrote:Portal is awesome. I like the visual style of Team Fortress 2, but I'm realizing that fast paced class-based shooters leave me colder than a witch's tit. I'll probably play through Episode 1 & 2, Portal, then send it back.

This will probably be my assessment as well, but it's on the way from GF, so we'll see. Hit you guys up next week probably...

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Sat Oct 13, 2007 5:16 pm

tealboy03 wrote:
Slumberland wrote:Portal is awesome. I like the visual style of Team Fortress 2, but I'm realizing that fast paced class-based shooters leave me colder than a witch's tit. I'll probably play through Episode 1 & 2, Portal, then send it back.

This will probably be my assessment as well, but it's on the way from GF, so we'll see. Hit you guys up next week probably...

Yeah...you only like fast pace, classed based military shooters. Right?

Teal · Post by **Teal** » Sat Oct 13, 2007 6:18 pm

Spooky wrote:
tealboy03 wrote:
Slumberland wrote:Portal is awesome. I like the visual style of Team Fortress 2, but I'm realizing that fast paced class-based shooters leave me colder than a witch's tit. I'll probably play through Episode 1 & 2, Portal, then send it back.

This will probably be my assessment as well, but it's on the way from GF, so we'll see. Hit you guys up next week probably...
Yeah...you only like fast pace, classed based military shooters. Right?

I don't HAVE to have a sniper, and a heavy weapon guy, and a rifleman, and close quarters guy to succeed in COD4. What I'm hearing is that this is precisely the case in TF2.

And besides...kiss my ass...

Slumberland · Post by **Slumberland** » Sat Oct 13, 2007 11:26 pm

Yes, funny how Portal is the one I was least interested in going in, but it's by far the most interesting to me right now. Part of it might be that after Bioshock and Halo 3, it's really nice to play a game without constant killing. But the whole tone of it, and the voice work, it really excellent.

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Sat Oct 13, 2007 11:30 pm

tealboy03 wrote:
Spooky wrote:
tealboy03 wrote:
This will probably be my assessment as well, but it's on the way from GF, so we'll see. Hit you guys up next week probably...
Yeah...you only like fast pace, classed based military shooters. Right?
I don't HAVE to have a sniper, and a heavy weapon guy, and a rifleman, and close quarters guy to succeed in COD4. What I'm hearing is that this is precisely the case in TF2.

And besides...kiss my ass...

JRod · Post by **JRod** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 12:34 am

SR and TF are much more fun than Halo.

LAking · Post by **LAking** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 1:53 am

Just purchased it through steam today and i've played a couple hours or so of episode 2. I must say the source engine is holding up quite well. Although it's no UT3 engine it has evolved nicely. I love watching the human facial expressions.

I'm also happy that maybe an hour in and i'm already experiencing environments that are completely unique and not just rehashes of stuff i've seen throughout HL2 and Episode 1.

macsomjrr · Post by **macsomjrr** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 2:33 am

Slumberland wrote:Yes, funny how Portal is the one I was least interested in going in, but it's by far the most interesting to me right now. Part of it might be that after Bioshock and Halo 3, it's really nice to play a game without constant killing. But the whole tone of it, and the voice work, it really excellent.

I totally agree. The voice was one thing that kept me plugging away throughout as I just couldn't stop until I figured out what the whole Portal thing was. It's a really unique game and storyline. I'm hoping that this spawns some more first person puzzle games or maybe even a new Portal game from Valve that involves a new weapon or tool of some sort (I don't know how they would beat the portal gun though).

JRod · Post by **JRod** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 4:44 am

I think TF has replaced Shadow run as the most fun. Sure there are skill guys that always get a huge amount of kills, but if you play smart you can counter most anything in this game.

The capture points are much more instense than Halo, and if feels a like you have a chance of taking them back.

In the last game, as the demo-man, I was able to take out a few turrets by playing riccochets to blow them up. Very satisfying.

RobVarak · Post by **RobVarak** » Tue Oct 16, 2007 3:39 pm

Patch on the way...eventually:

http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/16/valve ... ag-on-360/

Macca00 · Post by **Macca00** » Tue Oct 16, 2007 11:48 pm

Sorry 'bout my no-show tonight, got into a bunch of really intense matches in Halo 3 with some buddies and stuck to the twitch gaming.

RobVarak · Post by **RobVarak** » Wed Oct 17, 2007 7:39 pm

Hell, even Yahtzee likes Portal. "The most fun you can have with your PC until some invents a force feedback codpiece."

http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/17/zero- ... es-portal/

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Wed Oct 17, 2007 8:11 pm

RobVarak wrote:Hell, even Yahtzee likes Portal. "The most fun you can have with your PC until some invents a force feedback codpiece."

http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/17/zero- ... es-portal/

I like his message to those who want him only writing negativbe stuff..

Yes, Yahtzee. F@^& them! Portal Rules!

Slumberland · Post by **Slumberland** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 2:07 pm

Trying to play through ep.1, but I feel like I have to force myself. Is it worth pushing ahead? I really liked HL2 a couple years back, but some switch has been flipped in the past couple years that makes me feel like I've been there and done this already.

macsomjrr · Post by **macsomjrr** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 3:21 pm

Slumberland wrote:Trying to play through ep.1, but I feel like I have to force myself. Is it worth pushing ahead? I really liked HL2 a couple years back, but some switch has been flipped in the past couple years that makes me feel like I've been there and done this already.

Episode 1 got terrible reviews but maybe it is worth drilling though and it'll make Episode 2 (which everyone loves) that much better? I'm having a tough time getting through HL2 as I keep getting distracted by either Portals or TF2.

Orange Box rules!

Feanor · Post by **Feanor** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 6:34 pm

Ep. 1 is a bit crap but it'll be over before you know it, and I thought Ep. 2 was excellent.

Slumberland · Post by **Slumberland** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 9:26 am

Feanor wrote:Ep. 1 is a bit crap but it'll be over before you know it, and I thought Ep. 2 was excellent.

Thanks, that's what I needed to hear. Even Ep. 1 has gotten a bit better since leaving the Citadel. (SPOILER) Once we were in that train car full of dangling stalkers, that old bleak feeling I like was back in spades.

Slumberland · Post by **Slumberland** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 3:38 pm

I went ahead and 'kept it' from Gamefly last night. I don't want to feel like I have to rush through the episodes, and there's something about playing as a spy in TF2 that really intrigues me. If only I can figure out how to help my team win while playing as one...

Naples39 · Post by **Naples39** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 6:16 pm

Count me in with the crowd who have been wowed by Portal. I really had no expectations for this 'mini-game', but I just can't put it down. After beating it I found it irresistable to go back to do advanced levels, as well as go for medals and achievements.

In a bizarre way, reminds me of playing Blast Corps on the N64 way back when. Totally unexpected, but completely addicting.

LAking · Post by **LAking** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 6:28 pm

Naples39 wrote:Count me in with the crowd who have been wowed by Portal. I really had no expectations for this 'mini-game', but I just can't put it down. After beating it I found it irresistable to go back to do advanced levels, as well as go for medals and achievements.

In a bizarre way, reminds me of playing Blast Corps on the N64 way back when. Totally unexpected, but completely addicting.

I too found portal to be a great game. Very creative and humorous. Love the ending.