Team Fortress 2 beta - first impressions

Graphically, as well, the game is just on another level to its contemporaries. As already mentioned, the game isn't designed to be realistic, but rather uses a mix of cel-shading and various engine tweaks created by Valve’s dev team to create environments and models that are incredibly polished. Even effects like motion blur are implemented exquisitely, giving the sensation of speed and movement, but without inducing nausea after five minutes of play like we’ve found with some games recently.

Let's not forget though that this is a Beta we're talking about and that the dev team still has time to iron out the few wrinkles that do crop up from time to time (namely the occasional crash to desktop). TF2 will also be coming down the tubes through Valve’s infamous content delivery system, so updates should be quick and seamless.

I could continue writing about the marvels of TF2 for days, or even weeks (perhaps you should start a bit-tech fan club? – Ed.). Instead though, I will confine myself to stating that while Crysis may have left us speechless with its graphical prowess, TF2 seems, to me at least, a refreshing break from the norm of multiplayer first-person shooters. I simply can’t wait for the full release and the influx of thousands more noobs ready to succumb to my baseball bat of doom. Muwhahaha!!"

Check it out at Bit Tech.