Battlefield Heroes Redux

Well folks, I seriously think that the ice is starting to thaw in my brain. That strong dislike for DICE for the BF2-shafting and 2142 debockle. This unrest permeated all that DICE and EA could brainstorm. So my first impressions of BF Heroes was that of a lackluster reception. That was before. Now, after seeing this gem on the official site, I see in a different light. Lets roll down to the basics here.

Battlefield Heroes is a free-to-play 3rd person action game from Swedish developer, Digital Illusions CE. This is the latest iteration of the Battlefield Series. Using a cartoon-like art style, similar to TF2, BFH looks to break ground with its free-to-play browser based game play. The game is slated to run on older machines, thus widening the market for gamers. As seen from the video above, character customization is going to be a big part of the game. Character customization and persistent character data are many of the MMO features DICE has incorporated into their shooters to make gaming addicting.

I think what DICE is trying to do here is bring a little levity to the gaming scene. If you have played an online Battlefield game in the last 4 years, you probably know that by the end of the map that the game has degraded into a redneck beer drinking 4x4 rally with jets and tanks. I think DICE wants to capture the best part of the "stunts" and goofing off element to make the game's cartoony graphics to really bring out the action.

What I liked about TF2 is the fact that the characters have life. Each class has a unique personality, and that quirkiness is used to bring a levity to the game while playing. No matter how awesome or shiteous you are playing, a character will always say something that catches you off guard and make you laugh. Online matches turn into cursing 12-year old homophobic racist shout-offs, it would be nice to see a change with a little less seriousness in games.

All in all, I'm most definately wanting to play this game. I mean after all, its free.

The Casualties of War: UPDATED

Well, the newest TF2 update has been released. New maps, some bug fixes, but no new weapons or game play mode. Hmm...what happened. I guess the fun stuff wasnt quite ready for show time. Either way, it will automatically be downloaded when you restart steam if you haven't already.

[UPDATE NEWS]
I've registered a notable difference in play since the update. I have not scientificly proven this, but I can see it with my eyes. Or maybe its just the warm glow of a hulking CRT. Anyone else?
[UPDATE 939pm PST]
A server update casusing chrashes has been released.

TF2 Getting New Game Modes and Unlockable Weapons

Team Fortress 2 has been, to many, a suprise hit (maybe not). However, Valve's commitment to consistant improvement should be the talk of the community (talking to you Digital Illusions C.E.). The announcement made in late January via the PC Gamer blog, sheds some light as to what will be included with the new update due some time around the end of February. Starting with the Medic, Valve will gradually release unlockable "load-outs" after the player has completed a signifigant amount of new achievements. According to the blog, these unlocks will signifigantly change the way that the class is played. Read the blog for more details. Lets just say that these improvements will allow for a variety new techniques to be used in game.

Along with the unlocks, a new game type and 2 new maps will be included. The new game mode that will be similar to a VIP escort map in the original Counter-Strike. In a series of map fragments (ex. dustbowl and hydro), a team must escort a train car to the opposing teams base.

I don't know about you, but I'm foaming at the mouth over this. The possibilites are endless, adding more playability to an already awesome game.

My Latest Creation

After being bit by the creativity bug, and a need to get back in the director's chair. I made a short video from TF2 shots. It's not the greatest, expect better to come when I can get the full cooperation from the entire LPC. Maybe I'll have a good one by the next LP.

It's Friday

Well, its Friday everyone. The week is just about over. You can commence party sequence now. There are a few tidbits I thought everyone might want to know.

First off, there is a BF: Bad Company petition going around. Only sign it if you want to bring abouts the end of the World. The dudes at the Battlefield podcast are starting this to get BF:BC ported to the PC. After my last post, I hope none of you will be signing it, except to get your digs on BF and DICE in the comments section.

Secondly...I added a Terror Alert button. Just in case...Hey, I didn't make it up, I'm just trying to do my part.

Thirdly...looks like there was a signifigant update to TF2 last night. Check out the official change log here.


Here is a partial listing.
---------------------------------------

Source Engine

• Fixed a bug in networking that would cause long stalls (up to 10 seconds) when a split packet would not be reassembled properly, which forced a full update to all clients
  
• General optimization to tracelines
  
• Fix for broken .dem file playback
  
• Added backward compatibility code to allow demos recorded with protocol 12 to continue to be playable under protocol version 13
  
• When showing "WARNING: Connection Problem", now indicate the number of seconds remaining before an auto-disconnect will occur
  
• Fixed a bug that would cause NULLNAME to be shown as the player's name in the scoreboard for a short time
  

Team Fortress 2

• Fixed exploit where spectators could spawn into the world without actually joining a team
  

Hydro map changes

• Fixed an exploit that would allow players to jump out of the map
  

Granary map changes

Cover changes to the first capture points of both teams. Reduces some of the sight lines for defenders, and should make the area easier to capture

Is the weight of the world on my shoulders?

Here is the situation in football terms: 2 minutes left on the play clock in overtime. It's down the final drive. Your team has the ball, and the score is tied. Your team lines up to snap the football, the center's sweaty hands reach for the ball. The quarterback anxiously eyes the field for the defensive formation. The QB yells hike, the play starts, and the players run forward. They keep running and then at midfield, turn a hard right and b-line it to the locker room to hide.

In layman's terms thats what happens on a regular basis in many online matches of TF2. Noobies, wankers, and douche bags. I'm not talking about the usual pussy-ass snipers, but the real idiots who hide out in the base only to wait for their chance to join the rest of the gibblets.

This is a shout-out to all of you PIECE OF SHIT-ASSWIPING-DOUCHBAGGING-SMACKTALKING-DILL WEEDS who need to start acting like men. The next one I see turtling up in your base, I'm going to smack yo' momma in the face...

So there. I said it. It's what we have all been thinking. If you don't like it, go to hell.

A Wonder What A Little CPU Can Do!

Alright. It's been a few days since I installed the new skynet protocols. Holy shiz is it doing the trick. TF2, perfect. Thank goodness for Chef Boyardee. Smooth as a button. I have now successfully tested 1280x1024 2xaa high shaders, low shadows, high textures, Looks pretty sweet...Multi core!

Home Sweet Home

Well, I'm back in my office at home, doing officely stuff. It's nice to have my LCD back. Anyways, 3meg service is awesome. I'm enjoying my preload of Portal, and I'm planning on playing at midnight. The Orange Box Officially launches tonight at midnight, Steam Rocks! So many things going on today that I'm just super excited. Im very glad I'm back home. The city really spoils people. Conveniences are very...well...convenient.

Team Awesome

Team Fortress 2 is here! Hurrah! A game that I have been waiting for since QuakeWorld went out of style. The game delivers a frenetic power punch of intense action mixed with morbid humor, creating a game atmosphere unlike any before it. The art direction is what most people notice first. The cell-shaded, cartoon feel doesn't let the player become too serious, allowing the game to stay fun, even if you end up on a team who can't navigate their way out of a paper bag.

What makes the game interesting to me is the fact that the game seems so "fresh" even though it is based on a game play model that existed long before the niceties of modern online gaming. It feels very much like the original, where it almost seems they want you to rocket jump and bunny-hop. They have taken away some of the previous features like grenades, but added some like persistent character stats. It seems that Valve has painstakingly crafted a game that is fun to play over and over again. Its very refreshing to see a developer this dedicated to the PC platform, something you don't see a lot of now-a-days. My deal with BF2 and others is that it seems to take an act of God to win a game. You don't have to fight your own team of noobs to win a game. I just feel that in BF2 and 2142 you have to rely on 31 others to actually do something to win a game. I'm not saying that TF2 doesn't require teamwork, but you don't have to fight an uphill battle to be victorious.

Why is this game worth buying? Well let me put it to you simply: It freakin' rocks! Its got a little bit of something for everyone. With 9 varied and unique classes, the player can choose one that fits his/her style of play. If its the fast pace of a the scout class or the slow moving tank called the Heavy Weapons Guy, TF2 allows for a diverse game play style that is sure to suit any gamer.

Here is why I can't stop talking about this game.
1. Replay ability - doesn't get boring or repetitive
2. Fun Factor - Art Direction and silly giblets never lets the game get to serious
3. Graphics - The Source Engine renders nice pictures even on slower machines
4. Game Time - 1 person can make a difference, don't have to wait for your team of
douche-bag snipers to get TKed.