Team Fortress 2: Pyromania

June 19, 2008

My favorite game at the moment, Team Fortress 2 (TF2), is scheduled to be updated today. As I suggested in my TF2 video (sadly, my server is no more), the PC version is so much better than its console counterpart. Today’s patch is one reason why. The medic class has already received an update which includes new achievements which unlocks new weapons. Today’s update addresses the Pyro (flame thrower) class and does not disappoint.

The Pyro class is getting three new weapons:

The Flare gun - The first Pyro unlockable is The Flare Gun, which replaces the shotgun. It allows the Pyro to ignite an enemy at long range, but does require careful aim on their part. It’s particularly useful for causing havoc on Snipers and Engineers who want to keep their distance.
The Backburner - The second Pyro unlockable is The Backburner. This flamethrower is built for the Pyro who likes to ambush their opponents. It removes the compression blast capability, instead guaranteeing critical hits whenever it’s used on an opponent from behind. To aid in survivability, it grants the Pyro an extra fifty health.
The Axtinguisher - The third Pyro unlockable is The Axtinguisher. This mighty axe guarantees critical hits on any enemy that’s currently on fire, although it’s significantly weaker against enemies who aren’t. A great combination with the The Flare Gun, or with another Pyro buddy riding alongside doing the igniting.

As with the medic patch, these new weapons will become available as you unlock the Pyro’s achievements. Along with these new weapons, two community maps are moving to official status: cp_fastlane and ctf_turbine. I’m glad to see a new capture map so fast since the new playmode was introduced in the medic patch. You poor Xbox 360 and PS3 owners of the Orange Box (which includes TF2) are not getting these yet. I’m sorry.

Got a computer that can handle Half Life 2? Well Valve is offering yet another free weekend of play for Team Fortress 2 (June 20 - June 22). The game is absolutely free to download and will be active on steam until June 22nd. I suggest downloading the game today since it’s pretty big, and you’ll be ready to play on June 20th. If you missed out on the last free weekend, now’s your chance to dive in and have some fun with Team Fortress 2. I guarantee, you’ll have a blast!

“Spy sappin’ my dispenser!” Well gotta go! Add me on steam (iobuffa) so you can help me burn these stupid spies!