So lately, I've been playing the new TF2MVM Update. And since I haven't written anything in awhile, I thought I'd give it a review.
I know what you're thinking, and yes, I could make the acronym longer.
http://www.gamefront.com/you-can-play-team-fortress-2s-mann-vs-machine-mode-now/
To summarize, the "Mann vs. Machine" update adds a new game mode to TF2 - a co-op mode where you and up to 5 other players face off against hundreds upon hundreds of robots.
And when I say hundreds, I do literally mean hundreds. And that is the least of your worries. Along with trying to keep literally hundreds of robots from carrying a bomb to your drop point, there are hoards of rocket-spamming soldiers, multi-medic-backed heavies, giant walking bombs designed specifically to destroy sentry nests, giant versions of the classes you know and love with their weapons cranked up to 11, and massive tanks that, while not a direct threat, have such a massive hit point total as to make breaking them before they reach your base absolutely vital.
And when I say hundreds, I do literally mean hundreds. And that is the least of your worries. Along with trying to keep literally hundreds of robots from carrying a bomb to your drop point, there are hoards of rocket-spamming soldiers, multi-medic-backed heavies, giant walking bombs designed specifically to destroy sentry nests, giant versions of the classes you know and love with their weapons cranked up to 11, and massive tanks that, while not a direct threat, have such a massive hit point total as to make breaking them before they reach your base absolutely vital.
And these guys. Man, fuck these guys.
http://wiki.teamfortress.com/wiki/Sniper_Robot
The good news for the players, though, is that they all get to buy upgrades at the start of each wave of robots. So now your rocket launcher does 75% more damage, fires 40% faster, has a double-sized clip, and heals you for 25 hp on each kill.
Even with these upgrades, Mann Vs. Machine is by no means easy. I played a few rounds where no one could beat the first wave. And it does not pay to spam a single class, because it seems the game spawns robots designed specifically to screw you over if you do.
So there is a heavy focus on teamwork. This being Team Fortress 2, you'd be forgiven if you thought coming in that was what it was already about, but standard play tends not to foster a spirit of teamwork so much as a spirit of animosity towards the other team. Unless you're on a private server, you have no way of knowing who you're getting teamed up with, and it is difficult to form a team spirit when the only reason you have for working together is to wreck the other team.
So there is a heavy focus on teamwork. This being Team Fortress 2, you'd be forgiven if you thought coming in that was what it was already about, but standard play tends not to foster a spirit of teamwork so much as a spirit of animosity towards the other team. Unless you're on a private server, you have no way of knowing who you're getting teamed up with, and it is difficult to form a team spirit when the only reason you have for working together is to wreck the other team.
Especially with certain classes specifically designed to annoy other players, not that we're naming names.
http://rocketdock.com/addon/icons/21186
In Mann Vs. Machine though, you have a common goal - to beat those damn spam-happy robots. And you genuinely need each member of your team to be cooperating if you hope to stand a chance. Even on the lowest difficulty, if you aren't doing your part, it could be the difference between flawless victory and humiliating defeat.
It works too. Going in and playing a game of Co-Op, you find at first the same trash-talking teens who insist that you're playing your class wrong and demand you switch, even though they know you lose your upgrades when you do and it's four waves in. But gradually, as you play and fight together, you start working together, and earn a respect for your fellow players. I'm not even building up to a joke here, this is literally a full reverse of what you usually get in a TF2 match.
It can be a little difficult getting into a server at peak hours, and Valve seems to have woefully underestimated the level of demand that the new mode would bring, but it is well worth giving a try.
Ah yes, one caveat though - if you're going in as a TF2 Pro and expecting to dominate, be warned that the strategy for Mann Vs. Machine is drastically different, and that you are being paired up with other people who are just starting. And an Advanced wave is leagues more difficult than a normal one.
Good luck!
It can be a little difficult getting into a server at peak hours, and Valve seems to have woefully underestimated the level of demand that the new mode would bring, but it is well worth giving a try.
Ah yes, one caveat though - if you're going in as a TF2 Pro and expecting to dominate, be warned that the strategy for Mann Vs. Machine is drastically different, and that you are being paired up with other people who are just starting. And an Advanced wave is leagues more difficult than a normal one.
Good luck!
You're going to need it.
http://mygaming.co.za/news/news/42844-team-fortress-2-mann-vs-machine-co-op-mode-incoming.html
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