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TF2 Wednesdays – An Introduction To Competitive Team Fortress (Part 2)

Published

11 years ago

May 15, 2013

Every Wednesday, Patrick Panebianco (better known by his online alias ‘Shintaz’) shares his knowledge, opinion and passion for competitive gaming in Team Fortress 2. Each week holds something different, ranging from interviews, to tips and guides, to past experiences. All things said in this series of articles are his opinion and do not reflect the opinions of anybody else.

This week, he continues to tell you about a different competitive game-type (Highlander) and why he thinks that TF2 is best player competitively! If you haven’t already read the first part, go here!

Before I start the second part of this series of TF2 articles, let’s just recap what we’ve already been through:

Competitive TF2 is different to public TF2. This doesn’t make it bad
There are ups and down to both competitive and public TF2
Somebody had to correct me on the origins of TF2
My writing has a lot of randomly bolded words or sentences

So, this week, let’s cut to the chase. We’ve discussed public TF2, the “standard” format of competitive TF2 (6v6), and now we’re going to go through (for want of a better phrase) the other format of competitive TF2: Highlander (that’s 9v9 to you and me). So, readers, I hear you ask: What is Highlander? Well, that’s what I’m here to tell you!

Picture source: ETF2L (I’m sure that lovable lot won’t mind)

Some of you may already know what Highlander is – after all, it is a game-type which you can find on a public server! I hate to say that I’m not amazingly experienced in Highlander, but I have played it, and I definitely see the appeal. Highlander, by many, is seen as the gateway into competitive TF2 from public TF2. Many others see it as how competitive should be, as it utilises every class in a match, rather than sticking to the regular format of two scouts, two soldiers, one medic and the most overpowered piece of sh- er, one demoman. As with 6v6, let’s have a quick rundown of what Highlander is all about:

‘Understandable’ class limits – only one of each class can be played at any one time (per team, obviously)
Lenient weapon limits – many more weapons are allowed in a Highlander match than in a 6v6 match.
Maps: a diverse range of maps, and it doesn’t revolve around 5CP mirrored maps – you’ll actually be able to play payload and cp_steel!

If you’re interested in the full rulesets, here they are: Europe, America

Now, I know what you’re thinking: not only is this Patrick guy great at writing articles, but I bet he’s really good looking too. But that’s beside the point, let’s stay on topic. In comparison to 6v6, Highlander clearly allows more diversity, lets you play your favourite class and is generally less ‘structured’ than 6v6 to encourage the use of multiple load-outs, maps, etc. Not many people know it, but I was actually part of a Highlander team once, and I had great fun – but to me, and many others, Highlander was simply an ‘escape’ from the seriousness that 6v6 needed in order to be the very best! This isn’t to say that I’m cussing down Highlander in any way, but, personally, I’ve had better experiences with 6v6. I may be coming across as a bit biased currently, and my words can only deliver so much of what Highlander has to offer – so once again, I present to you a video which captures the wide range of possibilities in Highlander:

Once again by the lovely CUBE – check this article out for some of his other work

So: at this stage, we’ve discussed public TF2, 6v6 TF2 and Highlander. As always, let’s list the pros and cons of Highlander:

Pros

Class diversity (how many times will I use that word in one article?) – a multitude of load-outs is at your fingertips, and every class is available for the taking
Map diversity – as much as they like to complain against it, the 6v6 community is bound by mirrored 5CP maps. In Highlander, you get to play the likes of Badwater and Lakeside
Similar to what you may already know – the chaos of public TF2 brought to competitive by simply adding a few more numbers and different rules
It also has lovely, lovely prizes!

Cons

Not seen as prestigiously as 6v6 – if you’re the best at Highlander, you’re not going to get sponsored to travel
It’s harder to put a team of nine together than it is to put a team of six together
Time constraints (again) – unlike public TF2, you’ll need to put aside some of your spare time to practice if you want to reach the top

If you want to get started in Highlander, ETF2L is your best bet if you’re European, and UGC if you’re American.

So, that’s it – I’ve told you what I can about public TF2, 6v6 TF2 and Highlander. But why have I done this? Is it because I’m obnoxious and want my voice heard? Is it because I want to show you that if you dislike 6v6 you are wrong? Well, actually, neither of these are the case. What I want to do by the end of the article is to convince you that competitive Team Fortress 2 is definitely a venture worth your time!

Competitive vs. Public – the ultimate battle!

Beginning note: competitive will be 6v6, not Highlander.

LG| Mackey showboating at the finals of i46 after a big play

So, I guess it’d be a great time for my introduction to finally be relevant. Hi, I’m Patrick “Shintaz” Panebianco. I used to be in one of Europe’s best Team Fortress 2 teams, Epsilon eSports, and my main class was scout. Throughout my time in TF2, I was able to win some money (and hardware prizes!), meet great people and refine my FPS skills in general. I entered competitive TF2 in early 2008 – so the fierce range of weapons and hats were yet to be introduced to the game.

Like many reading this article (I hope so anyway, these are the people I’m trying to reach out to) I was huge about public TF2. I loved it. I was 15 years old when I started playing and I couldn’t get enough. I’d rush my little legs home from school every day, slam my bag on the floor, boot up the PC and [try to] frag people all day. It was my first “real” game, in which I spent most of my spare time on. However, as days went on, I began to realise that nearly every day was the same – no matter what class I played, I was getting bored. Now, the problem is, that may not be the case for some of you – what with the fact that each class has approximately 100,000 unlocks, I’m sure you’re still loving it. But that’s no reason to stop reading and disregard everything I say.

I don’t want to run you through my journey (let’s save that for another article, shall we?), but the point I’m trying to make is: when you play competitive TF2, no two games are the same. A pretty lame point to make, considering the same is also statistically true for every game ever made, including Chess. So why not go competitive in Chess? Well, if you have a passion for Chess, go for it. However, there are many other points I’d like to make about TF2 before you go off and beat Viswanathan Anand (he’s the current World Chess Champion – yes, I Googled it):

No two games are the same. Sorry for making the same point twice, but I figured listing them would stop you from falling asleep. I wouldn’t want this part of the article to look like one of AcidreniX’s comments (that’s funny to the competitive EU lot. If you start playing competitively, you’ll get that joke!)
Companionship. As cheesey as it sounds, it’s absolutely true. Personally, I much preferred making and interacting with great friends than hearing somebody scream at me whenever I didn’t Über him. The memories you make with your TF2 friends will stick with you for life. I still have mad amounts of love for people I met way over three years ago (again, maybe save this for another time).
Side note: I had my playlist on shuffle here, and ‘Aerodynamic’ came straight after ‘One More Time’. ON SHUFFLE. It was immense.
Competitiveness. Well… duh?! Obviously, this is a bit of a pointless comparison to make, but it’s definitely worth looking into. I’ve literally had my heart racing in times I’ve played Team Fortress 2, but only ever competitively. It gets the blood pumping, it gets the adrenaline going, and you get to kick the crap outta that guy that’s been annoying you for weeks. Why has he been annoying you for weeks? He posts inane nonsense on the forums.
The community. There’s not much here that I can elaborate on – the community are amazing. There is no doubt in my mind that at this time, competitive TF2 has the most friendly group of people in any game. Sure, you get one or two bad eggs (admittedly, I may have been one of them… MAYBE), but experiencing a LAN with your TF2 buddies will be something that you’ll never regret doing. To compare it against people in a public server who yell at their team for having five spies… Yeah.

The Team Fortress 2 community that attended i46 (sadly, I missed this photo!)

The learning experience. Hell, I didn’t even know what Scandinavia was before I started competing. More importantly, I learnt how to become good at the game. To link with the previous point, most people at the top of the TF2 ladder are willing to help their fellow man – you have YouTube videos of premiership players analysing their demos, you have top-end players mentoring bottom-end players, and much more! I also learnt that Finnish people are hella attractive (couldn’t resist mentioning you Jh).

The end result. After a win or a loss, you won’t simply just leave the server and forget all about it. Results are tallied, and discussions with your team are had. Did you do well? Celebrate by congratulating your team and getting the drinks in. Didn’t do so well? Spend time with the friends you’ve made discussing what can be changed. Win some money? Buy some more hats!

I’m never great at concluding articles, but I do want to say this: there is no reason for you not to at least try competitive TF2. Sure, you may have encountered one little prat who thinks he’s the don because he’s played in a team (yeah, that was probably me, sorry about that), but I can assure you that one person does not reflect the attitude of everybody in the community. The above reasons is why I think you should get started – you’ll almost certainly find your own passion for the game in due time.

I’d like to give a huge thank you to the Arie over at VanillaTF2. I’m sure that site will play a huge part in articles to come.

Next week, Patrick takes to the streets of TF2 and asks a range of people why THEY like playing competitively, and why they think you should too!

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1 Comment

HarveyMam

November 4, 2015 at 7:41 pm

In TF2 s case, the split is even more pronounced, as current competitive formats ban a majority of the game s numerous weapons. Hopes are high that a global system for matchmaking integrated directly into the client will unify a competitive standard and surge interest toward the competitive format. Of course, exactly how that is to be done, will be the dev team s great challenge.

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Top Fighting Games on Android

Published

1 year ago

February 21, 2023

Charles Brown

Fighting games have been a major sub-genre of the industry since the dawn of gaming. While the original fist-fighting game came out in 1976, the genre arguably peaked in the 1980s. Dozens of franchises came smashing down arcades, from Mortal Kombat to Tekken.

But gamers do not need to visit the local gaming center anymore to get in on the action, as platform fighters and hand-to-hand combat have long gone mobile. So, are you up for a brawl? Whether you’re into brutal MMA fights or formidable superhero battles, let’s round up some of the best fighting games to play on Android.

Marvel Contest of Champions

While movies and comic books are still at the core of its extended universe, Marvel has also expanded to the gaming medium. Much to mobile gamers’ dismay, though, exhilarating brawler games like Marvel’s Avengers and massive crossovers like Marvel vs. Capcom never made it to smartphones. But Marvel Contest of Champions is more than epic enough to make up for it.

Developed by Kabam, this versus-fighting action game features a pretty strong line-up comprising virtually every Marvel character in the book. Beloved heroes like Wolverine, Spider-Man, and Hulk are all set for battle throughout iconic Marvel locations, such as Asgard, Stark Tower, and Wakanda. Yet players may as well pick supervillains to pit against the good guys. So, assemble the strongest super-heroic team and combine each champion’s unique set of devastating attacks and special abilities. Better yet, this mobile Marvel game allows for competitive multiplayer fighting.

Skullgirls: Fighting RPG

Skullgirls is a solid contender for best mobile fighting game out there. This fighting RPG by Autumn Games has got some incredibly responsive battle animations going for it, and just enough grind to keep players engaged for hours on end. Fun special moves and combos take fast-paced combat to the next level, serviced by colorful background visuals and a jazzy soundtrack that may feel out of place but gives the game that much more flavor.

And all kicking and pummeling aside, Skullgirls has much in the way of the story, too. In an original twist on the genre, this 2D RPG features an all-female cast of quirky yet fierce hand-animated characters. Players may even customize their fighter while searching for the elusive Skullgirl and stopping her from destroying the city of New Meridian.

Mortal Kombat

Alongside Capcom’s Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat is probably the best-known fighting franchise in the world. The series stemmed from the idea of making a video game starring action movie superstar Jean-Claude Van Damme. Funnily enough, JCVD would eventually play center stage in the live-action adaptation of Street Fighter. Still, Mortal Kombat spawned countless installations, TV series, and feature films.

And gamers can now experience the visceral fighting and trademark Fatalities that made the franchise so infamous straight on mobile. Mortal Kombat shows off a whopping roster of over 130 warriors, who level up through challenges of increasing difficulty. Teaming up fighters with matching synergies, mobile players can tackle ferocious enemies in online competitive mode or all on their own. This mobile version of the legendary game also includes a card collection feature.

EA Sports UFC

The intensity of the Octagon translates superbly to the gaming medium. Released by Electronic Arts on multiple platforms, EA Sports UFC quickly became the go-to title for gamers with a knack for mixed martial arts. And the mobile version doesn’t disappoint, pitting up to 97 UFC fighters against one another in heated fashion – and even martial arts legend Bruce Lee as an unlockable bonus. EA Sports UFC may thus be the perfect mobile game to dive into while waiting for the next big superstar comeback.

Meanwhile, prominent fighters like Valentina Shevchenko and Nikita Krylov will keep fans on the edge of their seats in upcoming UFC events. And MMA enthusiasts can even spruce up the experience with a gamble. Reviewers like SBO have laid down the most profitable online bookies for punters to explore. The best sportsbooks offer a range of betting options on MMA, ranging from method of victory to total rounds. Lofty bonuses and welcome packages also await newcomers. And online punters can make bank out of even more sports, from the ultra-popular to the niche.

Fighting games are as old as time. But with improved gameplay and ever-so-striking aesthetics, they’ve remained fresh throughout the decades. And players can now get their fists to do the talking on mobile, from retro titles to inventive entries.

Mainstream

What to Expect from Gaming and Online Casinos in the Next 10 Years

Published

1 year ago

January 30, 2023

Charles Brown

The 21st century has been a great time for gaming and online casinos. We’ve seen explosive growth in both sectors, with new technologies and platforms emerging constantly. The following 10 years promise to be even more exciting, as we’ll see even more innovation and growth in the gaming industry, as well as the online gambling industry.

In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the trends that we think will shape the next decade of gaming and online casino development. So whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore gambler, read on to find out what the next 10 years have in store for you!

The increasing popularity of online casinos and gaming

With many people stuck at home, they turned to digital platforms for entertainment, including gaming and slots sites. As a result, these sectors have seen explosive growth over the past few years. With the increasing popularity of technology, games have moved from physical pieces to digital pixelated ones, allowing for even more immersive and engaging gaming experiences.

With the online world ever-growing, it was only a matter of time before gambling followed suit. Nowadays, casinos are looking for ways to pull in more business through rewarding online slots promotions, as opposed to the regular operations in brick-and-mortar casinos. In addition, advancements in technology have allowed for the development of online slots, poker rooms, and other casino games that are not only secure and safe to play but also offer a level of quality that is comparable to land-based casinos.

Although we have made a lot of progress, especially with online casinos and online slots games, there is still more to come. Here are some of the changes we predict for this billion-dollar online casino industry in the next ten years:

The increasing legalization of online casinos globally

As online gaming becomes more and more popular, we are seeing an increased push for the legalization of online gambling in countries all around the world. With more people playing on digital platforms and experiencing the benefits of online casinos, governments are recognizing this trend and moving towards changing laws to allow for wider access to these online gambling sites.

For example, in the United States, more states are beginning to implement legal gambling solutions due to the US federal government softening its regulations. And this trend will likely continue in the coming years, as more countries begin to recognize the benefits of legalizing online casinos which include increased tax revenues and a better way to regulate gambling in the digital age.

Virtual reality gaming

With the rise of virtual reality technology, we can expect to see casinos offer more immersive gaming experiences. Players will be able to experience realistic casino environments and games through VR headsets, allowing for an even more realistic gaming experience. Game developers are constantly releasing new concept games to online casinos, and we can expect these same sorts of fun, attractive experiences to be available in the next few years.

Blockchain Technology for Transparent and Fair Gambling Systems

Another major trend that we will see in online casinos and gaming over the next decade is the use of blockchain technology. With this technology, players can rest assured that they are getting a fair chance to win while enjoying secure transactions and transparent gambling systems. Blockchain technology allows for all casino transactions to be recorded on an open ledger, making it difficult for casinos to manipulate the outcomes of games. As a result, players can enjoy more trust, transparency, and fairness in their online gaming activities.

Game development

When visiting an online casino, it is essential to find an operator that provides a good variety of games. For instance, slots games are very popular in the digital environment, finding a provider with a good variety of slots games will chance your experience. You could find different slots themes and choose the slot game you like the most. In the next ten years, we could be expecting new games integration with better graphics, creative and fun. Game developers will have a higher demand and they will be providing cool slots themes and other casino games.

Top of the line Live Dealer Games

Finally, we will also see more sophisticated live dealer games in online casinos and gaming over the next decade. With the rise of 4K and 5K resolution cameras, online casino providers have been able to offer gamers a much more realistic viewing experience.

These live dealer games can be streamed from various locations, allowing more people to join and play different types of online games. With a more advanced streaming quality, players can now interact with real dealers in real time and enjoy a variety of table games such as roulette, slots, blackjack, and baccarat. With so many exciting changes coming our way, we can look forward to even more engaging gaming experiences in the years ahead!

In Summary

Overall, it’s clear that the gaming and online casino industries are undergoing major changes as we look toward the future. Whether you’re an avid gamer or just a casual player, there are exciting developments on the horizon that will shape how we interact with these platforms – and how they affect our daily lives. So if you’re looking for the best possible experiences from the gambling and casino industry, in particular, be sure to keep an eye out for these exciting online casino trends as well as online slots promotions that suit your playing style.

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TF2 Wednesdays – An Introduction To Competitive Team Fortress (Part 2)

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TF2 Wednesdays – An Introduction To Competitive Team Fortress (Part 2)

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Top 7 Video Game Based Movies You Must Watch on Hulu in NZ

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Rampage (2018)

Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)

Mortal Kombat (2021)

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What to Expect from Gaming and Online Casinos in the Next 10 Years

The increasing popularity of online casinos and gaming

The increasing legalization of online casinos globally

Virtual reality gaming

Blockchain Technology for Transparent and Fair Gambling Systems

Game development

Top of the line Live Dealer Games

In Summary

Trending

Unigamesity

TF2 Wednesdays – An Introduction To Competitive Team Fortress (Part 2)

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1 Comment

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Featured

Top 7 Video Game Based Movies You Must Watch on Hulu in NZ

Assassin’s Creed (2016)

Rampage (2018)

Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)

Mortal Kombat (2021)

Warcraft (2016)

Tomb Raider (2018)

Resident Evil (2002)

Conclusion

Mainstream

Top Fighting Games on Android

Marvel Contest of Champions

Skullgirls: Fighting RPG

Mortal Kombat

EA Sports UFC

Mainstream

What to Expect from Gaming and Online Casinos in the Next 10 Years

The increasing popularity of online casinos and gaming

The increasing legalization of online casinos globally

Virtual reality gaming

Blockchain Technology for Transparent and Fair Gambling Systems

Game development

Top of the line Live Dealer Games

In Summary

Trending

Leave a Reply
Cancel reply