Next TF2 update: August 19th (Heavy unlocks/achievements, new game mode, 7 maps)

[Crushed]

http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/54148

The update will include seven fresh maps and a new game mode, in addition to new unlockable weapons and achievements for the Heavy class. Valve plans to reveal each element of the patch--as well as a "special installment" to the "Meet the Team" video series--in a series of daily updates to its website.

The unknown game mode will come supported with five maps. A "new Payload map focusing on more open spaces than Goldrush" will also be released, according to Valve's Robin Walker.

http://steamgames.com/tf2/heavy/

[Tauntaun]

Valve

I JUST READ ABOUT THIS HOLY CRAAAAAAAAAAPPPPPPPP!

  I can't wait.

Edit: It's gonna be nothing but heavy's and snipers for like 3 months.

[Crushed]

Valve

I JUST READ ABOUT THIS HOLY CRAAAAAAAAAAPPPPPPPP!

  I can't wait.

Edit: It's gonna be nothing but heavy's and snipers for like 3 months.

Or a bunch of spies trying to get their backstabs on, meaning it's gonna be a good time to be a pyro.

[CajoleJuice]

HOLY FUCKING SHIT

[Vizzys]

iam hyped

let us play this on release

[Hitler Stole My Potato]

Wait.  So this is for the 360 too or just PC?

[Crushed]

Wait.  So this is for the 360 too or just PC?

Ha ha ha ha ha, consoles. You haven't gotten a single TF2 update yet, I doubt you'll get this one.

[Hitler Stole My Potato]

Wait.  So this is for the 360 too or just PC?

Ha ha ha ha ha, consoles. You haven't gotten a single TF2 update yet, I doubt you'll get this one.

 :'(

[Joe Molotov]

Wait.  So this is for the 360 too or just PC?

 

You are so small! It's funny to me!

[Crushed]

I almost want to play the 360 version of TF2, for archaeological purposes. It must be like the early beta.

[demi]

If you do let me know, I need to boost all the TF2 achievements

[archie4208]

who would want to play TF2 on a console anyway?

[demi]

I dunno, I didnt want to play it on either, but unfortunately Orange Box came with it

[CajoleJuice]

I almost want to play the 360 version of TF2, for archaeological purposes. It must be like the early beta.

[Tauntaun]

I gotta get my 3rd medic unlock before tues. 

[JustinP]

i don't like the one update at a time stuff.  i haven't really been playing TF2 much since its beta/launch, but i'll definitely want to get back into it.  i just feel like waiting until there's a few more class updates.  unless something else comes up, i'll probably start making TF2 maps again after my current project. 

[laesperanzapaz]

Wait.  So this is for the 360 too or just PC?

lemme put it this way

360 operates like China

you are 'free' to create great things for it

under MS's strict, um, vetting process, of course.

spoiler (click to show/hide)

lawl kunsols

[close]

I almost want to play the 360 version of TF2, for archaeological purposes. It must be like the early beta.

you always have the biggest weapons to post dont you


ok i have a complaint about all these maps, all the way since goldrush:

they are all excellent except for one thing: they're all next-gen-ish brown/red vomit color.  Not enough blue.  It's like evertyhing happens on a desert.

- the goldrush maps
- dustbowl
- steel cp, and muchm more

are all red/brown shit.  whereas only turbine and well is completely blueish, and 2fort/hydro [which no one plays] is half blue/red.

this is terrible, and many map makers dont realize this. i think i'm gonna make a thread bitching about this in steampowered.

[Vizzys]

steel cp is good Ive played it a bit

my problem with it is you can, as a scout, double jump and get to the last cp before the ramp comes out when its supposed to

hope they fixed this

[JustinP]

i don't like the one update at a time stuff.  i haven't really been playing TF2 much since its beta/launch, but i'll definitely want to get back into it.  i just feel like waiting until there's a few more class updates.  unless something else comes up, i'll probably start making TF2 maps again after my current project. 

It's kinda fresh way to update games. VALVe could make it the old way: release one huge patch (expansion pack) a few years down the road like id did with Quakes and Dooms. Instead they "leak" features in patches every few months.

I can't say this is a good idea but at least it's different.

yeah i like that it's different.  it just doesn't work so well in terms of balance.  i'm sure they have these mini-expansions already thought out for all the classes and are playtesting them all in their 'advanced' state, even if not all of it is finalized.  if it was possible, it would have been better, i think, to work on all the classes simultaneously, and release smaller chunks of the achievements for all the classes instead of releasing everything for one class at a time.  that way you still get more frequent updates, but you don't interrupt the class balance or severely interrupt the player behavior where you have everyone playing the same class at the same time working on the new achievements.  i can understand why they went the way they did though. 

[JustinP]

i'm sure they considered it.  but their way is more marketable (they get to promote 'this' character's patch--a "soldier" patch is more interesting and attractive than an "achievement patch #4"), and while being more 'marketable' might seem slimey, it's also about attracting players and keeping players coming back to play--it promotes a healthy online community.  when it's all said and done, their way may be better in terms of keeping the community coming back.  the balance issues are temporary problems that will get better with each new character patch, but doing it the way i proposed could potentially result in less player activity overall--which would be a more permanent problem.  the more i think about it, i think they were smart about it--we just have to deal with a minor side effect. 

[Crushed]

The Achievement names and icons (but not what they are!  ) and the first unlockable have been revealed.

THE KGB (Killer Gloves of Boxing!)

http://steamgames.com/tf2/heavy/kgb.htm

[Tauntaun]

The Achievement names and icons (but not what they are!  ) and the first unlockable have been revealed.

THE KGB (Killer Gloves of Boxing!)

http://steamgames.com/tf2/heavy/kgb.htm

[Crushed]

Rumored unlockables:
-new minigun that does 25% less damage, but a target being hit by it moves 50% slower
-a sandwich that heals you 

The new gamemode may be a CS-style deathmatch where you wait until the round's over to respawn.


Oh, and the achievement showing the Spy silhouette? That's not his revolver he's holding.

[laesperanzapaz]

  all those soviet puns

[Smooth Groove]

We should have another EB game sometime.  Cajole kicked my butt last time but that was before I got my G9.  With the G9, I got 7 kills in a row even though I've barely played TF2. 

[Joe Molotov]

I played some TF2 tonight for the first time in a long time. It was my first time playing with the Pyro since the update, and I knocked down 27 of the achievements (19 legitimately, and boosted 8 with my brother).

[chronovore]

who would want to play TF2 on a console anyway?

People with Macintosh computers and a 360?

[Tauntaun]

who would want to play TF2 on a console anyway?

People with Macintosh computers and a 360?

Or they could grow a pair and get a PC.

[CajoleJuice]

We should have another EB game sometime.  Cajole kicked my butt last time but that was before I got my G9.  With the G9, I got 7 kills in a row even though I've barely played TF2. 

When this update comes out, I'll be playing a lot again most likely. Right now I'm pretty addicted to Geo Wars 2.

[Crushed]

New Payload map: Badwater Basin

Badwater Basin is a Payload map focusing on more open spaces and less chokepoints than Gold Rush. (A) Right out of the gate is a multi-level area where the Blu team needs to control the high ground while moving the cart through a tunnel below. This open area has few natural choke points, allowing Scouts, Soldiers, and Demomen to move creatively through the space, forcing the Red team to rapidly respond to choices made by Blu. (B) As the track winds its way into tighter spaces, vertical control becomes more important. Each successive checkpoint requires the Blu team to take control of defensive positions above the track, usually occupied by Red Engineers. (C) Eventually the track winds down into a large basin which the Blu team must assault from all sides in a final push to destroy the Red base.

Unlike Gold Rush, where the track is split into three separate stages, Badwater Basin uses a single large stage with several checkpoints. As a result, the Blu team is highly encouraged to push the cart hard after beating their way through the Red defensive line.

[CajoleJuice]

I AM CUMMING

[laesperanzapaz]

wish the map was far less brown/red

oh well. valve at least has listened to the community again.

[Joe Molotov]

Got 13 medic achievements and the first unlock tonight. They're a little bit tougher than the pyro achievements.

[demi]

I played some TF2 tonight for the first time in a long time. It was my first time playing with the Pyro since the update, and I knocked down 27 of the achievements (19 legitimately, and boosted 8 with my brother).

is ur brother as hot as u

[Crushed]

We all know the Heavy's trusty ol' gal Sasha...

...now meet Natascha.

The second unlockable for the Heavy, Natascha allows the Heavy to slow enemies with her bullets. Enemies taking damage from her will find themselves moving slower for an instant, encouraging them to find cover or deal with the Heavy. Unfortunately, her firepower is somewhat weaker than that of Sasha, so the Heavy will find it takes longer to finish them off. As a result, Natascha's great to use against those that want to get away, like Scouts & Medics, and not so great against those trying to kill you. Heavies that like to jump around corners to surprise groups of enemies will also find it very useful, although it's best to make sure there isn't a Sasha-wielding Heavy there.

[Tucah]

It's decided, I'm going to actually play TF2 again this weekend, it's been tooooo long (like six months or so, hah)

I say this every weekend, but it will happen this time.

Really.

[Joe Molotov]

I played some TF2 tonight for the first time in a long time. It was my first time playing with the Pyro since the update, and I knocked down 27 of the achievements (19 legitimately, and boosted 8 with my brother).

is ur brother as hot as u

He posts here, you can ask him for a pic. I'm the sexy one though.

[Crushed]

The achievements have been updated with their full details: http://steamgames.com/tf2/heavy/kgb.htm

Rasputin: In a single life, get shot, burned, bludgeoned, and receive explosive damage.

[Joe Molotov]

Konspicuous Konsumption: Eat 100 sandviches.

Sandwiches confirmed! 

[demi]

I played some TF2 tonight for the first time in a long time. It was my first time playing with the Pyro since the update, and I knocked down 27 of the achievements (19 legitimately, and boosted 8 with my brother).

is ur brother as hot as u

He posts here, you can ask him for a pic. I'm the sexy one though.

That's all I need to hear...

[laesperanzapaz]

natasha -  very uninspired.  the formula for these unlocked weapons is getting predictable

and while i never give a shit about achievements, those names + descriptions are hilarioua

[bork]

Wait.  So this is for the 360 too or just PC?

After 7 years of ownage when will you people finally learn that there is no friggin point in buying a multiplatform game on the Xbox / 360 / PS3?

1. All my friends play the console version?

2. No bullshit install/HD space problems?

3. No specs to worry about?  No new graphics card needed?

Consoles are good for console exclusives and that's it.

So in other words, consoles are good for 95% of every game out there.  Thanks for clarifying. 

Let's not be fucking stupid here.  Valve could update the game on 360 (PS3, who knows LOL) if they wanted to, but they are choosing not to.  It's not like I'd play it anyway though; imma go play me some gaylo 3.

[CajoleJuice]

gaylo 3 with its 800 point map packs

[MrAngryFace]

lol pc games on consoles.

[Joe Molotov]

Just imagine how points it would take to play TF2 if it were a console exclusive. The update for each class would be at least 400 points. The Heavy update that adds new maps and a new mode would probably be like 1200.

[laesperanzapaz]

Wait.  So this is for the 360 too or just PC?

After 7 years of ownage when will you people finally learn that there is no friggin point in buying a multiplatform game on the Xbox / 360 / PS3?

1. All my friends play the console version?

2. No bullshit install/HD space problems?

3. No specs to worry about?  No new graphics card needed?

Consoles are good for console exclusives and that's it.

So in other words, consoles are good for 95% of every game out there.  Thanks for clarifying. 

Let's not be fucking stupid here.  Valve could update the game on 360 (PS3, who knows LOL) if they wanted to, but they are choosing not to.  It's not like I'd play it anyway though; imma go play me some gaylo 3.

i dont know if you're joking or being fucking stupid, but you do realize that MS requires all updates be "screened" by them? valve is not free to do whatever the fuck they wish in order to serve the community however they wish, like with PC

[Smooth Groove]

Wait.  So this is for the 360 too or just PC?

After 7 years of ownage when will you people finally learn that there is no friggin point in buying a multiplatform game on the Xbox / 360 / PS3?

1. All my friends play the console version?

2. No bullshit install/HD space problems?

3. No specs to worry about?  No new graphics card needed?

Consoles are good for console exclusives and that's it.

So in other words, consoles are good for 95% of every game out there.  Thanks for clarifying. 

Let's not be fucking stupid here.  Valve could update the game on 360 (PS3, who knows LOL) if they wanted to, but they are choosing not to.  It's not like I'd play it anyway though; imma go play me some gaylo 3.

That is not true anymore.

Anyway, don't ban me Lyte I'll scale back on the PC faggotry. I know you are itching to ban me for that Burnout: Paradise post.

How disappointing, Borys.  Begging for mercy is so neofaggish.  I expected better from a hardcore PC enthusiast.  smh

[Crushed]

So before we get today's update, one of the playtesters posted this on SA, then immediately edited it out because he realized he was an idiot for breaching a contract like that.

- New environment: Woodland areas. New Arena maps use this
- Arena gametype: Default 5v5 (can be changed) on new Arena maps and remakes of Granary/Well/Badlands. Perma sudden death (so no health packs). Losing team gets switched out for spectators. If the winning team wins 5 in a row it auto scrambles. After 60 seconds a CP point in the middle goes live and capping it wins (to discourage turtling)
- Crit gauge: New visual indicator of Crit chance

[Joe Molotov]

Ooooh, woodland areas. I like.

[Crushed]

VAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALVE 

[Vizzys]

valve time never fails

[Joe Molotov]

wish the map was far less brown/red

Arena Mode

Lumberyard

Valve

[laesperanzapaz]

thanks crushed.


so basically the 'new mode' is counterstrike?

meh.

at least 'woodlands' seems to get away from the lame ass brown/red map color schemes

edit: 'monday-ish"

edit2: wowwowowowwowowowowowowowoowow

[Crushed]

It's up!

http://steamgames.com/tf2/heavy/arena.htm

TF2 Arena keeps the class diversity of Team Fortress 2 while focusing goals around combat between two teams. Where other game modes lean towards a broad overall strategy for the team over a number of lives, Arena concentrates on the specific tactical choices the teams make in a single fight.

Arena features smaller maps that play out in shorter periods of time. The round ends once one team has no players left in the arena, or when the central capture point has unlocked and been captured. Rounds tend to be very fast and highly competitive, with an emphasis on your team’s class makeup and your plan to counter the opposing team’s class choices. Arena mode is great for smaller matches of three vs. three players, while still comfortably supporting huge knockdown twelve-on-twelve brawls.

Health pick-ups are limited in TF2 Arena (some levels don’t have any Health packs at all) so being careful is a good strategy for any class. As well, with so little health available, having a Medic or a Health dispenser-building Engineer on your team can be a crucial element to success. With their reconnaissance abilities, the Scout and Spy play a far more vital role in Arena than in other game modes. Knowing the location of the enemy team can often mean the difference between a win and a loss. The Soldier and Demoman will find many areas in Arena specifically designed for them to get a vertical advantage. Traditional Heavy/Medic pairings will still be highly useful as the anchor to a good Arena team. However, commit too far in this direction and the enemy can quickly overwhelm you with Snipers and Spies. In Arena, water is as scarce as Health. This makes the Pyro a much deadlier class, as any enemy player he sets on fire with his flamethrower or flare gun will be unable to put out the flames. Igniting enemies quickly, then retreating to safety, can be an effective strategy for the Pyro.

The first release of TF2 Arena comes with five playable maps. Two never-before-seen maps (Lumberyard, Ravine) have been built specifically for Arena, and a further three (Well, Granary, Badlands) have been remade with Arena’s unique play style in mind. Additionally, with the Lumberyard map, Arena takes TF2 from its familiar desert backdrop to a new Alpine-themed environment. Great care was taken to ensure the art style kept to the unique look and time period of the TF2 universe, while still feeling like a departure from the usual maps players are familiar with.

Lumberyard has an unbalanced structure, with one half of the map climbing up towards a large mountain peak, while the other dips down into a valley. A series of rooftops at the map’s center serves as the key battleground area, with lateral flanking being the key maneuver at ground level. When the capture point becomes active after 60 seconds, multiple entrances open up into the central control point, which becomes the focus of the fighting as the match nears its end. Lumberyard is one of the few Arena maps without water, and contains only a single health kit. The kit sits on a log above a deadly pit, making it a great ambush spot for Pyros, Demomen, and Soldiers to send unwary enemies to their deaths.

In contrast to Lumberyard, Ravine has a far more open ground level with emphasis on control of four key choke points. A series of canals in Ravine’s lower level provide an excellent opportunity for stealth kills and flanking maneuvers. Like all arena maps, the capture point in the middle becomes active after 60 seconds.

VALVE

[laesperanzapaz]

omfg

no more desert color schemes

anti-turtling maps

!!

[CajoleJuice]

holy jesus fucking christ this game is fucking amazing

[Crushed]

Site is getting hammered, but here it is: THE SANDVICH

 http://www.steampowered.com/tf2/heavy/sandvich.htm

New video: MEET THE SANDVICH

The Sandvich is the Heavy’s first unlockable. It tastes as good as it looks and heals 120 health. Like in real life, the decision to eat a Sandvich must not be taken lightly; The Heavy is completely vulnerable during the four second eating process, and his loud, happy sounds of vigorous chewing will draw enemies like tiny ant cowards to a picnic. OF DEATH. On the bright side, the Heavy’s Sandvich supply is unlimited, so his only real concern is being caught short while enjoying this delicious edible device. The Sandvich is a great tool for a Heavy defending an area, as it gives him the ability to replenish health between enemy waves without having to abandon his post. Similarly, an offensive Heavy without a Medic can step back from the front line and grab a quick snack before resuming his rampage. Beware, however: the Heavy must set aside his shotgun to take the Sandvich, and enemy Snipers are much more dangerous for a Heavy wielding only a minigun.

Name: Sandvich
Role: Edible Device
Weapons: Toothpick

He was a good lunch who played by the rules, until the rules robbed him of everything he ever loved. Now he's lettuce, tomato, cheese, bread, and a mysterious slice of meat, marching down your throat and straight to hell. He'll satisfy your hunger. FOR REVENGE!

Valve

[Tauntaun]

  I am signing on as soon as I get home. 

[Crushed]

 

[Joe Molotov]

Update is here!