I hope Im not breaking any rules by posting a link to a PCGamer article here but it is relavent for TF2 fans. A wee bitty of interest on the "new unlocks" that will be being added. I dare say most of you know this anyway but anyway...thoughts on TF2's steps towards BF2 style progression?

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=180201&site=pcg

The first Medic unlock, for example, is called the Overhealer. Instead of temporarily buffing people's health to 50% above their normal maximum, it permanently boosts them to double their standard health. The downside is that it'll be dramatically worse at building Ubercharge - in fact, Valve are toying with not letting it Uber at all.

No details on what the second unlock they'll be rolling out in this update will be...

You are breaking the hallowed "This news has already been posted here before" rule!!

http://www.simiancage.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1616

(It is the most recent post under TF2 so -20 points for not looking beyond your nose)

I had read that thread I was wanting to know peoples thoughts on the unlocks more than anything else. :p

I dont personally want to see TF2 becoming something akin to BF2 where people (myself included) went all out for getting unlocks through kills/points at the expense of team play and enjoyment. Dont get me wrong I enjoyed getting all the medals and unlocks and awards etc when I first played BF2 but it started to become and obsession and ultimately lead me to getting bored of it.

Well based on the informations submitted so far from Valve, the awards system in TF2 for gaining the new kit types would encourage team play more than hinder it, it also offers to give the classes a touch of diversity & new tactics which will keep the gameplay experience entertaining & enjoyable for longer. For example the medic alternative kits will offer an entirely new set of tactics & aspect of play to the simple & somewhat boring medic class.

We all know medics are a necessary team element in TF2, but they aren't all that diverse, nor are they that enjoyable to play. Adding these new alternative kit types will tempt more players into taking on the role, as well as providing veteran medics the opportunity to be a certain kind of medic, which can suit a teams role on different maps. For instance the permanent health buff/no uber kit, would be of greater benefit on CTF, where as the classic kit would probably be preferable on CP.

I'm interested as to what can be done with engi or pyro...

Perhaps pyro gets a napalm thrower which sets floor/walls e.t.c. on fire providing area denial... But then it needs a corresponding disadvantage...

Not really sure what the engineeer could get...

Perhaps could build 3 sentrys, but a maximum of 3 levels, so 3 level 1 turrets, or 1 level 2 and a level 1, or one level 3...

Stabbing at ideas in the dark here =D

Ow my foot...

Well its good to hear the new stuff is meant to encourage team play. I really did have visions of the lone soldier on a mission to get unlocks and badges that used to happen in BF2. I was very guilty of it myself because like most gamers I have that weird semi compulsive obsessive thing with shiney stuff in games! :D

Im very interested in the Pyros new toys too. Its my new favourite class (sort of abandoned Heavy and Scout for the time being). Obviously this is guess work but I was thinking a Pyro may get some sort of thrown area of effect flame weapon i.e. molotov cocktail. I also had a wee think about the scouts and my money is on dual pistols for the wee guy. Or possibly the scout will get his nail gun back like on the trailer videos.

Well any mention of what the unlocks will be aside from what we have heard from valve about the medic is hearsay or guesswork, but expect to see the more troubled less used classes get the new stuff first. Medic, Heavy & Pyro are the likely candidates. With classes like soldier, scout & sniper coming in last. But we could be in for a few months of real dramatic change to the game as they tweak & explore these new idea's.

Well any mention of what the unlocks will be aside from what we have heard from valve about the medic is hearsay or guesswork,

Totally I was just guessing or postulating anyway. I dunno if thats even a word but anyhoos...

I really hope the unlocks wont unbalance things too much. One of the main attractions for TF2 for me is its simple straightforward relativley well balanced fun. Reminds me in many ways of what Wolfenstein and Wolf ET were like back in the day. No real complexities just well balanced team based carnage.

Well TF2 is that rare thing, a well balanced team game. Each class has its own rock beats scissors.

Well TF2 is that rare thing, a well balanced team game. Each class has its own rock beats scissors.

And may I add: And yet it still allows for players to prosper if they are skilled - whilst juggling the needs for teamplay?

Oh the joys of TF2! :)

I like the game the way it is.

I'm not bothered about "unlocks" - I just wanna be able to turn up whenever I want and play the game on a level playing field. I don't get to play a lot.

If the "unlocks" create an obvious advantage for players who play the game constantly and have built up their profiles I'll probably get bored quickly! IMO "unlocks" should affect your own gaming experience and not have an adverse affect on the gameplay of others.

I like the game the way it is.

I'm not bothered about "unlocks" - I just wanna be able to turn up whenever I want and play the game on a level playing field. I don't get to play a lot.

If the "unlocks" create an obvious advantage for players who play the game constantly and have built up their profiles I'll probably get bored quickly! IMO "unlocks" should affect your own gaming experience and not have an adverse affect on the gameplay of others.

Hence why I am thinking of ditching my 360, since everything is focused of achievements and "leet skillz". There's no community on Xbox Live anymore...

there never was....
and the achievements are only for you
if people get that bothered by my 'lack' of achievements then thats there fault and not mine

I like the weapons the way they are. Valve seem to over engineer to the point of failure....however, the cart idea sounds fun.

I like having something to work towards. I'm looking forward to trying the Medic unlocks. I'm hoping for a "health" medic unlock and an "aggressive" medic unlock :)