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- Search: More on Team Fortress 2

A light-hearted blood bath.

It took nine years of development, but after one or two restarts, Team Fortress 2 (TF2) is finally ready to see the light. To put things simply, TF2 offers competitive class based multiplayer action. Two teams face-off using classes that range from the fast moving Scouts to the Heavy, firing a steady stream of destruction from a chain gun. Players battle across game modes that include capturing and holding territory and capture the flag, but the general description barely scratches the surface of what TF2's about. With its cartoon-like graphics and off-the-wall style, this game stands out as one of the best multiplayer experiences around.

The most striking feature of TF2 is its cartoon-like visuals, inspired by Pixar animated movies. Though don't think of this as a kid's game, because there are plenty of bullets and body parts flying around. The art lets the game stand out and the comical action helps keep players from taking the game too seriously and focus on having fun, even though TF2 will no doubt attract hardcore players. However, it's hard to get upset after getting killed, thanks to the lighthearted mood. After getting blown up, text bubbles point out where all your various body parts landed. Characters also automatically taunt opponents, but their voices get drowned out by all the gunfire.

Players choose from nine classes, ranging from a Pyro to a Sniper, and face-off in enclosed areas. Enemy bases are pretty much right in each other's back yards, so people won't have to run very far to find some action. The game relies heavily on revenge to motivate players into keeping up the fight. Whenever a player dies, the camera zooms in on the killer so that players can take note of the name and even take a screenshot. Then the player has the option to observe their killers, and maybe learn something about their playing style while waiting to re-spawn. Getting back at people earns big points, especially if the killer takes you out more than once and becomes a nemesis. Altogether, there's plenty of reason to jump into the battle with guns blazing.

Classes encompass Offensive, Defensive and Support roles. The Heavy, for example, is classified as a defensive class, but players often team them up with Medics to blast their way into contested areas. Even the Medic, using a fast shooting hypodermic needle gun, can hold his or her own against low hit-point classes like the Scout. Every class has a special ability, but few are as prominent as the Medic's ubercharge, which builds up after healing teammates (the more hurt, the better) and covers both the Medic and target with an indestructible barrier for ten seconds. If used strategically, the special ability can destroy fortifications and break stalemates.

Although every class works well, the game suffers from a couple of issues. For example, it's clear that the Scout was designed for the intel grab missions (TF2's version of capture the flag), and it can get really annoying if the opposing team goes Scout crazy. The fast-running class can speed right into the base and grab briefcases before Engineers have a chance to set up and upgrade turrets. Teams can take advantage of their opponent's low defense by sending in their own army of Scouts, but that robs the game of variety. Even though the Engineer has a moderately powerful shotgun in its arsenal, duties generally center on making sure turrets, dispensers and teleporter pads stay in working order. If that means staying behind to keep guard in the intel room, the Engineer could miss out on a lot of action. But the biggest annoyance comes from the invasion mode, where one teams runs in and takes a series of control points away from the enemy. The invading team only needs to stand on the control point for a few seconds, and unlike the capture and hold mode, invasion doesn't count when the defending team stands on their control point to contest its capture.

Despite a few rough edges, the crazy style and fast paced action are more than enough to keep the fun and excitement going. Despite its flaws, Team Fortress 2 is one of the best multiplayer games around.

- 9/10