Team Fortress 2

Team Fortress 2 is an online first-person-shooter. As the title implies, the game focuses on team missions. Different maps have different objectives. For example some maps require one team to capture points while the other team defends the points, while other maps have a capture-the-flag theme. When taking on these missions, players can choose a character from 9 different classes. This not only adds variety, but depth to the game as well. Each different character has a variety of different attributes. These characters also have unique personalities and characteristics that make them completely different from each other. Certain characters have advantages over certain characters, but Valve has implemented a good system of checks and balances to make sure that each class is equally useful and equally important.

The Soldier

Weapons: rocket launcher, shotgun, shovel
Health: 200
Description: The Soldier is modeled after a rugged, all-American soldier. He is always in the middle of the action and is ready to blow someone up with his trusty rocket launcher. His shotgun is also a very strong weapon that is mainly used for close combat. The Soldier is also quite maneuverable, which allows him to dodge attacks and to set up advantageous opportunities on the battle field. These versatile qualities allow the Soldier to be ready for any situation.

The Pyro

Weapons: flamethrower, shotgun, axe
Health: 175
Description: The Pyro is a mischievous masked warrior. Despite his mysterious nature, the Pyro packs quite the punch. He wields a short ranged flame thrower that catches enemies on fire. The enemy will continue to lose health until either the fire is extinguished or he dies. To compensate for his short ranged weapons, the Pyro relatively quick. This way players can quickly run up to an enemy, set them on fire, and run away.

The Engineer

Weapons: Shotgun, pistol, wrench
Health: 125
Description: The Engineer is an American handyman. His weapons seem weak in comparison to the other classes, but you should never judge a book by its cover. The Engineer has the ability to collect metals from fallen guns and item boxes. With this metal, he can build a variety of structures. He can build portals that allow team members to transfer instantaneously across the map. Along with portals, he can also construct dispensers that slowly heal team members, replenish ammunition, and refill the Engineer’s metal supply. Last but not least, the Engineer can construct a century gun that constantly scans for and shoots down enemies. The century gun can also be upgraded by hitting them with your wrench. The century gun eventually evolves from a small tripod with a gun to a fully mounted turret with missiles. The upgrading process however, is slow and costs a large amount of metal.

The Spy

Weapons: revolver, butterfly knife, electro-sapper
Health: 175
Description: This cunning character is by far the most complex character to use in Team Fortress 2; however, a well trained spy can be the difference between victory and defeat. The Spy is a very lightly armored character that is meant to avoid combat and utilize stealth. By right clicking, the Spy can turn invisible for a short amount of time. During this period of time, the spy cannot attack or else his camouflage will disappear. When invisible, the Spy is supposed to run behind a target and stab them in the back. When using the spy, stabbing an enemy in the side or the back will result in an instant kill. Along with his cloaking powers, the Spy also has the ability to disguise himself as any member of the opposite team so that he may sneak by unnoticed. In addition to his stealth abilities, the Spy also can use his electro-sapper on any structure made by enemy engineers.

The Heavy

Weapons: chaingun, shotgun, fists
Health: 300
Description: This heavily armored behemoth can give and receive quite the beating. The Heavy possesses a ridiculously big chaingun that can unload on incoming enemies. Each bullet from his chaingun does a considerable amount of damage. This combined with its fast rate of fire, makes the Heavy an ideal character for taking down large groups of enemies. On the downside however, the Heavy is incredibly slow and bulky. This makes him very vulnerable when walking through open areas.

The Sniper

Weapons: sniper rifle, machine pistol, kukri (large knife)
Health: 125
Description: The Sniper class is for those who do not wish to jump right into battle, but would rather stay back and pick his enemies off. The Sniper has the ability to shoot enemies from a great distance, but lacks the ability to defend himself when the enemy is too close. Sniper shots are relatively weak, so it is best to hit enemies in the head to do a greater amount of damage.

The Scout

Weapons: scatter gun, pistol, metal bat
Health: 125
Desciption: The Scout is another lightly armored character that depends on things other than firepower. The Scout is an incredibly fast character that has the ability to double jump and access new areas faster and easier than other classes. He also has the ability to take over capture-points twice as fast as any other class. If you enjoy a real speedster, the Scout is a good choice for you.

The Demoman

Weapons: grenade launcher, sticky bombs, bottle
Health: 175
Description: The Demoman possesses a wide range of explosive weapons that not only deal a massive amount of damage, but also have splash damage. He can take more damage than most other classes and is also surprisingly mobile. Grenades from his grenade launcher explode on contact with an enemy or explode over time. Sticky bombs can be laid on almost any surface and are detonated by right clicking. This combination of weapons makes the Demoman good for both offense and defense.

The Medic

Weapons: syringe pistol, medi-gun, bone saw
Health: 150
Description: This class is one of the most important classes in Team Fortress 2. When allies are injured, the Medic can use his medi-gun to heal them. Healing allies allows for the Medics “uber charge” to build up. After the gauge is completely filled, the medic can right click on one ally and both of them will be invincible for a few seconds. This is perfect for taking out large quantities of enemies and century guns.