Flame on, you crazy Team Fortress 2 players. The newest update to an already amazing game has been released. For a game I paid a mere $20 for, the post-release support is simply astounding. Valve really knows how to keep you coming back. Unfortunately, as much as Valve has grasped about maintaining player interest, they have completely missed the point of achievements and in some ways are causing more harm then good to the game.
First comes the fun to the tune of giving the Pyro class a much needed skill to compete on a higher playing field. That addition is the smartly designed compression blast. For 25 ammo, the Pyro can release a blast of air from the flamethrower that will push enemies and reflect projectiles, such as the soldier's rockets. This gives them a strong ability to stop an ubered-up pair, by simply knocking the medic too far away. Also, this compression blast affords the Pyro a chance against better ranged foes, not to mention what service a Pyro could provide a sentry gun. A huge pat on the back to whoever created this interesting class ability.
As with the Medic, the Pyro sees three new weapon options. The first that is available is a Flare Gun, which can replace the shotgun. The Flare Gun offers the Pyro a ranged option that is hampered by an unsteady trajectory and a SLOW reload. It does light the enemy on fire, which can be handy if paired with another of the Pyro weapons.
The second weapon that will become available is the Backburner. This is a new flamethrower that removes the compression blast in exchange for guaranteed critical hit on all back attacks made with it. This is coupled with 50 extra health, which will allow better chances of winning a dance with another class. This is not the most original weapon upgrade, but it will give us two very different types of Pyros.
Finally we come to the Axtinguisher, a weapon that replaces the trusty fire ax. The Axtinguisher will require some very well-plotted play, since it gives critical hits on any enemy that is on fire. The flip side is that standard damage is slower. The ideal situation would be to strike an enemy with the Flare Gun, while running up on them, only to switch to the Axtinguisher to finish the job. This is going to be useful only in the hands of a few, but oh so deadly in those cases.
Before you can try out all of these new toys and tactics, you must get down and dirty with the achievements that seem to be designed only to turn you off. The achievements (like those of the Medic) are not impossible, but require a good deal of luck, MANY hours of play, or the farming that is the most unenjoyable thing, next to waxing your naughty bits. Seriously, it is a shame because the achievements are witty and fun (OMGWTFBBQ – Kill an enemy with a taunt, Weenie Roast – Have 2 scouts on fire at the same time). Achievements work on the Xbox because they are a simple higher score that you use to measure yourself or poke fun at others. They do not prevent any player from accessing parts of a game leaving chasing achievements to those who care.
Until Valve catches on, I feel that many players will simply never experience these additions to the game. I have attempted farming achievements myself only to be bored and frustrated. I still have yet to get the final Medic upgrade, because I do not want to jump through hoops. I just want to enjoy the game.
P.S. This update also included 2 new maps (CP_FastLane and CTF_Turbine). Both maps are solid, but have not been around long enough to fully judge the strategic potential. If you are done with this, go watch the new Meet the Sniper video, it is good stuff.
