TF2 Mann-Conomy update

[The Mighty Gerbil]

TF2 has had a new update released for trading, new items, and a item store. You can read all about it on http://www.teamfortress.com . I couldn't find any secrets of note just two enlarged pictures, one of a monkey and one of the Mann tower. Tell me if you guys find anything. The actual store is not up yet and the inventory server is down too.

I really, really don't like the fact they made you have to wear hats to get a set bonus. Whatever the weapons you had previously you largely weren't forced to look or feel like a moron to get their abilities. Point in case is the community spy Fez, I hate it, I don't want to look like a Muslim. I already feel dirty using the Ambassador with it's juvenile name and then there is Jarate. I'm depressed I sleep now T_T .

 

[Keero]

Soldier stuff looks cool, as does the Snipers can't-be-head-shotted set. Kinda meh about the Pyro items though.

Edit: The Fez isn't exactly Muslim though...

 

[The Mighty Gerbil]

Edit: The Fez isn't exactly Muslim though...

Seems like the origin is fairly associated with Muslims http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fez_(hat) . That's not to say other people don't wear them but it's like saying other people wear cowboy hats so they aren't associated with cowboys. Regardless I've never liked the way Fez's look even without the association but if I want the buff I have to wear it.

 

[Keero]

Check out that scout Pistol. Natasha on the go!

 

[Tek7]

Not feeling the new item sets (especially the nasty new trend of regaining health for kills), but indifferent to the item store announcement because:

Q: Does this mean the updates are over? Are you going to stop releasing free content now?
A: No. Our plan is to continue updating TF2 just like we always have, adding free maps, game modes, new features, and more. The Mann Co. Store is simply an alternative way of obtaining items that other players can earn during gameplay.

Q: Are you going to start charging for other kinds of content, like maps?
A: No, we have no plans to do this. Segregating players into groups that can't play together, based on who bought what, is something we'd like to avoid.

Q: Will I have to spend money to remain competitive?
A: No. Any items affecting gameplay, and even most purely cosmetic items, will still be obtainable simply by playing the game.

Source: Team Fortress 2 - The Mann-conomy Upate

I'm more motivated than ever to find a SourceMod plugin that blocks specific unlocks. (Yes, including Natascha. "Slow target movement" weapons, like random crits, have no place in competitive first-person shooters.)

EDIT: Found it.

I don't plan on buying anything from a TF2 item store ever, so I'm largely indifferent to the Mann-conomy update.

Side note: Leagues and ladders will likely not allow certain weapons viewed as disrupting the balance of the game (like they did with the Sandman) in competition games, which makes me want to play competitively again all the more.

 

[Keero]

I can understand blocking crits, but why unlocks? Snipers > Heavy. Natasha > Scout attacking mah medic. If we block that unlock just because it's annoying, why not block the default Pyro flamethrower? Plus, Heavy with Natasha is great against me, but no one really tries that.

These things do have counters.

 

[Tek7]

I can understand blocking crits, but why unlocks?

"Slow target movement" weapons, like random crits, have no place in competitive first-person shooters.

3char

 

[Tek7]

Wow. The official TF2 forums have (predictably) asploded with rage.

Makes me want to wait until Tuesday to play TF2 again.

Oh, by the way, the trade system is live. Check out this thread if you're interested in trading items with other ToJ members.

 

[The Mighty Gerbil]

I'm more motivated than ever to find a SourceMod plugin that blocks specific unlocks. (Yes, including Natascha. "Slow target movement" weapons, like random crits, have no place in competitive first-person shooters.)

With the Sandman I could agree with you but not here. As a Heavy you need an improved weapon for countering scouts (and the ability to actually kill enimies before they all run away) which role Natascha is seemly supposed to fill, unfortunately it only works on un-skilled Scouts and you still get rolled by skilled ones which is soooooo wrong when you can do nothing skillful to counter it . In a twist of fate Scouts that know how to jump go from becoming the most effected to the least becuase they won't slow in the air (plus Valve's wonky hit detection). Be continuously shooting point blank around a corner and have a Scout duck out to kill you at full health while RUNNING ACROSS YOUR BULLET STREAM, then tell me how you feel about Natacha. Also Natacha vs Sasha = Sasha wins and that's usually why I have to switch guns. Even though I don't agree with you if it will improve your fun factor I will personally stop using Natacha anytime you ask me too Tek though I'll probably need to be asked sometimes becuase I won't remember. I do think the Heavy's needs some kind of nerf though, can you say mass Heavy-medic rush on payload = win?

I don't plan on buying anything from a TF2 item store ever, so I'm largely indifferent to the Mann-conomy update.

I'm actually for a TF2 item store due if it gets us more free content which Valve has dried up a bit on lately. Of course that does not mean I'm for the way they are doing it. Hats that alter game play are fail imo. Consider the drop rate on them is probably the same as other hats and you've got gameplay altering item's that are very difficult to get.

Side note: Leagues and ladders will likely not allow certain weapons viewed as disrupting the balance of the game (like they did with the Sandman) in competition games, which makes me want to play competitively again all the more.

Agreed and predicted too.

Wow. The official TF2 forums have (predictably) asploded with rage.

Agreed and predicted too. You can give people everything in the world but the moment you take anything they whine like crazy. It's not like Valve can afford or promised to make free updates until the end of time people >.< .

I'm holding back on my opinions on the items until I try some of the stuff. I've got many items so I may make some or I may wait now that everything I have is probably marked "vintage" rolls eyes and goes to look.

 

[Grimbeorn]

"Slow target movement" weapons, like random crits, have no place in competitive first-person shooters.

Going to disagree with the first part, there. I'll give you the random crits one, but the Natasha is not unbalanced and it just adds another bit of strategy to the game. It makes the heavy less effective against snipers, other heavies, and sentries, but more effective against scouts, pyros, and things that try to run away. Sometimes the heavy needs that ability to slow enemies down because the heavy can barely move when it is shooting.