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TF2: "I might have had to much sorry if I did dumgb stuff"

tofutofu Registered User regular
edited September 2010 in Games and Technology
Let's talk about TF2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZiek3QxpWY

Hey You's awesome PA community map project

Possible PAX meetup. Contact deveric for details.

Like Mapping? Check out Valve's Art Pass Contest!

ETF2L's Highlander ladder + touney info (FREE BADGES)


Polycount Pack Winners:

Soldier:
tankbuster.jpg

Scout:
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Pyro
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Spy
saharanspy.jpg

Sniper
crocostyle.jpg


TF2 for mac?! Wuuuuutt!?
Write up from [URL="ttp://www.tf2pro.com/"]TF2Pro.com[/URL] via Hey You under spoiler:
After a long triumphant wait, the TF2 update on June 10th, 2010, allows Mac OS X users to play Team Fortress 2. As we put one more TF2 update under our belts, we can’t help but feel like the Engineer update is now closer than ever. New or confused about all this information? Well here’s everything you missed and more:

First off, Valve kicked off this Mac update with a Free Weekend and new blog post. All Mac users that log in this weekend and play, will receive a pretty white pair of Apple Earbuds in game. (Must log into a mac, launch TF2 and die on a server at least once to receive the ear buds.) If you don’t have the Earbuds yet and have access to a mac, make sure to do this soon, as the offer end Monday June 13th, 2010. Blog post also contained a new video, TF2 cartoon, and update information.
earbuds.jpg

Next! Training is finally here. Team Fortress 2 players can now train their aim against cardboard cutouts and TF2 bots. Unfortunately it is only available for the Soldier currently, but there is speculation that more classes will come in the future.
training1.jpg
training-2.jpg

new-menu.jpg
Then, small but kind of important things! TF2 also received a menu makeover, a new crafting icon, and a new practice option, where users can test their skill on official Valve Koth maps and Dustbowl against bots. As part of the new menu system, TF2 characters show up in the upper right hand corner with player records. Players have reported that the Pyro shows up as a him and her on the main screen, which further questions the Pyro’s gender.
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Also! If you haven’t seen the video yet or heard all the speculation, you have a lot of catching up to do. First off, the video has a windows comparison. Take a look at the screen below if you didn’t catch it. Engineer is also wielding a new shotgun with what appears to be a scope. Could it be a laser pointer, a scope, or something totally different. At the end of the video it says, “Think Bullets” which has been speculated to have something to do with the Engineer update.
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Finally! One last bit. This showed up in the texture files in TF2 which can be easily viewed in hammer. Tobor is written in the middle which is Robot spelled backwards. Which further hardens speculations that the Engineer will be receiving a Robot as a new unlock (as hinted at in the recent Engineer Video.)
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New to TF2?
Read the manual.

NEWEST CRAFTING INFO
Fabricate Crit-a-Cola= 1 Kritzkrieg + 1 Bonk! Atomic Punch
Fabricate Dalokohs bar = 1 Sandvich + 1 Bonk! Atomic Punch
Fabricate Gunboats = 1 Chargin' Targe + 1 Razorback
Fabricate Homewrecker = 1 Eyelander + 1 Equalizer
Fabricate Pain train = 1 Sandman + 1 Scrap Metal
Fabricate Scotsman's skullcutter = 1 Axtinguisher + 1 Jarate
Fabricate Tribalman's shiv =1 Huntsman + 1 Dead Ringer

The rest can be found at http://tf2wiki.net/wiki/Crafting


So, you want to play competitive TF2?
This guide will set up you up with the basics on how to get in on some quick 6v6 competitive play without having to commit to a clan, schedule, practice, etc. This is purely for 6v6 and not Highlander (9v9 with a class limit of 1 for each class) because I do not believe highlander has their own pug gather system yet.

PUG stands for Pick Up Group, which is what it sounds like; A group of players interested in playing a tight 6v6 game. The 'gather' system is a system built into the #tf2.pug IRC channel that automatically assembles players who've opted in into teams and provides a server with league rules to play on.

This is done through 2 programs:

-Mumble, for voice chat
-IRC, for the gather system.

Personally, I love getting in a few 6v6 matches here and there, especially when the PA servers are empty. It's active at all times of the day, and you'll be set against players of a wide range of skill, ranging from merely interested folk like maybe yourself, to ESEA and CEVO level players.

As well, I think the gather system is a great way for people who knock 6v6 or have the wrong impressions about it to try it out for themselves and see what people like myself mean when we described it as just another level of play.

IRC
Open up your preferred IRC client it, be it something like mibbit.com or mIRC.

You need to connect to the irc.gamesurge.net server, and go into channel #tf2.pug

There is also a #tf2.pug.na channel, but its regulars are a bit more advanced, most coming from the top place teams, so #tf2.pug is much more entry level, which is what you'll want if you're looking to get into 6v6. Being immediately put up against slardel when you're a scout isn't going to do much good for your skills or your love of the game.

Mumble
Mumble is a third party voice chat software similar to Ventrilo and is used for communicating with your teammates during the match. Every team, clan, what have you uses a third party voice chat program instead of the in-game voice because it allows you to communicate when you are dead in-game.

Mumble is preferred over Ventrilo because of its ease of use and it provides several nifty features like an in-game overlay and pop-up messages telling you who's coming and going.

Download Mumble Here

Once installed it just needs some basic set up, and will ask you to create a certificate. Just enter in a name and an email, and then save it on your Desktop or any other place you keep misc. files.

Once you have Mumble set up, you will want to hit 'Add New' and enter in the relevant information. The tf2pug mumble server is:

Voice server IP : mumble.tf2pug.org:64738
Password : tf2pug

You'll want to keep the user-name you use in mumble and the server the same as the one you use in-game and in the tf2pug IRC channel so you can be easily identified. You will also want to stay in the 'Root' channel until you are assigned a game. Each of the respective channels (Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta) are server locations and each have a Red and Blue channel which you'll use during the matches

It may ask you if you want to run Mumble in compatibility mode when entering the server, just say yes to that.

First thing you'll want to do is make sure your Mumble is set to 'Push to Talk' instead of 'Voice Activity'. If you have it set to 'Voice Activity', your mic will turn on whenever you say anything without having to press a button, which can be annoying for your teammates.

Just go to Configure > Settings
settiings.jpg

and under Audio Input changed the Transmit drop down box to Push to Talk. Hit Apply.
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Then go to Shortcuts along the left side, and hit add. It will add a new field into the white box. Double click on the 'Unassigned' and change it to Push to Talk, then double click the blank field under shortcut and select what button you want to use with the voice activation.
settings3.jpg

And that's it!


***

Getting into a match
So now that that is all set up, you're ready to look for a game.

Once you enter the #tf2.pug channel, the first thing you typically do is type !players
playersn.jpg

This will show you everyone who is queued up to play and what as. Because this is basic 6v6, the class layout that is supported in the pug channel is:
2 Scouts
2 Soldiers
1 Demo
1 Medic

Once there are enough of the above for two teams, the game will start. To add yourself to the queue, just type !add [yourclass]
addm.jpg

I am now added to the match queue.

Now you simply wait. The queue will fill up with 12 players, and the following message will appear
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It will then sort you into teams
teamso.jpg

You may sometimes get a message similar to this:
readyl.jpg

All you have to do is type !ready into the #tf2.pug channel and it will leave you in the match

Your final message will be:
22648206.jpg

This provides the ip and password of the server you will be playing on, but as well as the mumble room you will be using. In this instance, I will be using the Atlanta 1 room, under Red team. Connect to the ip, get on your assigned team, and wait for everyone else to get ready


The Game
So as we know, the standard class make up is as follows:
2 Scouts
2 Soldiers
1 Demo
1 Medic

Demo and medic are limited to 1 per team, and everything else is limited to 2, but you won't see much deviation from this. The most common change is one scout switching to sniper on maps like badlands, gravelpit, or well. Heavies and engies are rare but still appear when some last ditch defense is needed
on gravelpit or badlands, typically when you're down to your last point. Pyros and spies are sometimes used to try and kill the opposing team's medic quickly in a clutch play situation.

The maps you will be playing on mostly are:
cp_badlands
cp_granary
cp_follower
cp_well
cp_gravelpit
sometimes cp_yukon

These are the maps that have just been found to be the most balanced and enjoyable, offering some great back and forth play over the center and second to last points. cp_follower is a custom map that combines the spawn areas of granary with a middle area similar to badlands. It is very fun and worth having in your maps folder.

In terms of gameplay, no matter what class you are, conservation is the key. The only outright battles you'll be fighting are in the opening minutes on the middle point and in pushes (either uber, counter, or when opposing team's medic is down). With everything else, you should be holding back, building uber, sticking with teammates and trying to pick off a few members of the enemy team. Never try to engage alone unless you're a decent scout. Attempting to jump into a group of opposing players alone will only get you killed again and again.

Hit and run strategies are never frowned upon, and knowing when to fight and when to fall back is a key skill you'll need to learn quickly.

As well, the opening moments of the game, where each team are heading to the middle, are critical. You'll soon pick up on the paths each class takes for each map, but generally scouts and demos should arrive first, with soldiers and medic not far behind, with medic sitting at about 50-60% uber. As a soldier/demo, you really should only be walking the last few bits of the map towards the center, the rest should consist of rocket/sticky jumping. The medic will heal you as you go down.

The following are some general strategies and expectations from the standard classes:

Scout
-Typically, unless stated otherwise, the two scouts are supposed to act as 'roamers': They move away from the rest of the team and work in tandem to try and take out the enemy medic or pick off fleeing soldiers/demos.
-They also play a crucial role in the opening of the game, as they will, along with the demo, be the first people to get to the middle point, where they will engage the opposing scouts/demo for about ten to twenty seconds. Any kills or damage that can be done during this time is integral for your team's position post-mid-fight.
-Do not try to engage a combo (soldier + medic) alone
-Engage demo + medic combos, try to get into close and try to take out the medic or jump around him and peck off the medic if you can
-When all else fails, just kill the medic. You are expected to die much more than anyone else, but if you get this one job done, it is worth it in spades.

Soldier
-You and the other soldier are the blunt force of the team. You deal the damage, jump the jumps, and protect the medic.
-The soldiers are typically designated as pocket and roamer.
-Pocket soldier stays with the medic and protects him from everybody. He is not expected to go rocket jumping onto points or pushing the objective (unless the medic has an uber)
-The Roamer is exactly that, he has some leeway to rocket jump onto points and push without a medic, but typically, unless he wants to get screwed over, he will stay close to the pocket combo or the team demo
-Pockets should always use the normal rocket launcher and shotgun as it is the best to counter to scouts
-Roamers can use the DH if they're good but it's not expected.
-You should know how to rocket jump everywhere. This takes practice.
-Airshots are balla and will look nice in your frag videos

Demo
-You got to know the sticky jumps. For pretty much all the maps listed above, you must be able to sticky jump decently enough to get to the middle point at the same time the scouts would, or just behind them. This is particularly critical on badlands and granary, where a good few stickies set up at where the enemy team are coming out could decide who gets mid.
-You're a bigger damage dealer than the soldiers, and can fire more indirect. But you're all alone, so you dieing is kind of a big deal. Hang back and spam pipes into the middle point, and sticky up essential choke-points.
-This pretty much applies for both attack and defense.
-Stickying up choke-points is particularly essential when you're getting pushed back. A sticky trap on the gates on cp_well can practically turn the game to your favor.
-Personally not a big demo, so can't say much either way, but you have to be fairly competent in sticky usage and knowing when and where to fight, but also how to use your regular pipes to smack down scouts and soldiers

Medic
-You're the key to a lot of what goes on. Your uber and kritz are essential, and your death means your team is unsupported and will probably get pushed in on.
-That said, hang back. Stick with your pocket soldier at all times, don't try to advance ahead of him
-Scream ungodly sounds into the mic when being attacked
-Don't pull out your needlegun or saw unless you are completely and utterly alone and there is nowhere to run to. You will have people defending you, your job is to keep them up and to build the uber/kritz
-Jump a lot
-You can pop your uber if you're in trouble, no one will blame you, just stay alive.


That just about covers the basics of it.

GotFrag has a great page that goes a little more in depth not just into general strategy, but particular strategies for specific maps and such

Click here for GotFrag's Tips & Tricks section

Of particular interest should be Jaeger's general tips and tricks videos. There's only 5 so far, but they look at some specifics that are definitely worth knowing if you're looking to pursue this type of game-play a bit further

Tips & Tricks Volume 1 - Scout Energy Drink
- A few points about the Bonk, although the recent Valve fix made the first-person tip impossible :(
Tips & Tricks Volume 2 - Soldier Jumps on cp_gravelpit, point C
- Examples of how to quickly get up the C tower on cp_gravelpit out the left and ride side of spawn.
Tips & Tricks Volume 3 - Spamming Through Doors on cp_freight
- This is technically a glitch, and is not allowed by ESEA.
Tips & Tricks Volume 4 - Pre-firing Rockets
- Some safety tips for soldiers about spamming around corners.
Tips & Tricks Volume 5 - Medic Healing
- A little love for our healers as guest star creepin outlines the basic healing order, and why.


Now it's time for....


!!!PRO VIDEOS!!!


Post with any questions for clarifications.

Hey You & Quaz and Wally's
TF2PRO.COM / TEAM ZISSOU SERVER Donate!
Come test custom PA made maps and mods for the PAMTU (Contact an admin to join).
Server IP: 208.167.242.188:27015
Password: wang

Job's
Hyperbolic Drama Chamber Donate!
Normal server with SourceMod.
Server IP: 216.155.146.69:27015
Password: wang

JonXP's
JonXP's server Donate!
Regular vanilla server. No plugins whatsoever.
Server IP: tf2.finalmeasure.com
Password: wang

PMAvers'
House of Non-Conformity Donate!
Custom map server.
Server IP: 208.167.243.68:27015
Stats page
Download the Map Pack. 232 MB download.
Contents of the map pack (updated: July 1st-ish):
cp_coldfront_rc1
cp_indulge
cp_generator_b4b
cp_mainline_rc5
ctf_cloudburst_b3
ctf_landfall_a9
ctf_mercy_b5
koth_garbage_day
koth_lighthouse_rc5
koth_moonshine_rc
koth_persia_b4
koth_switcheroo_b3
koth_trainwreck_b1
pl_cashworks_rc2
pl_swiftwater_frc3a1
Extract to: Steam\steamapps\<your account>\team fortress 2\tf\maps
Password: wang

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SICK OF 32 INSTASPAWN PUBS?
Try the Blacklist Updater
Follow the info in the link and it'll provide you with all the info you need to create a customized blacklist.

Want to chat about TF2 or other inane bullshit? Join the IRC channel!
irc.slashnet.org #paforums_tf2

tofu on
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Posts

  • BlindPsychicBlindPsychic Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    Repostan Bearstronauts tourney info
    Ok the team is:
    arikado - demo
    boots -
    cruciality - engy/soldier
    deveric - spy
    ebo - heavy
    guarmond - pyro
    hey you - demo/ heavy
    mandy - medic/scout
    proyebat - medic
    roland - soldier?
    shyfted - pyro/sniper
    tofu - engineer/sub-spy
    UEAKCrash - sniper
    myself - soldier

    Unless someone steps up for scout I might have to make mandy the scout

    There's a lot of wiggle room in this list being highlander with 14 people, obviously I won't be able to have everyone in the opening lineup.
    Optimal opening line-up would be something like:
    scout - ???
    soldier - me
    pyro - guar
    demo - hey you
    heavy - ebo
    engineer - tofu
    medic - mandy
    sniper - crash
    spy - deveric
    Good practice tonight guys, despite the shuffling. I'll try and set up another for late night sunday maybe.

    BlindPsychic on
  • guarguar Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    Was someone recording those practice sessions?

    guar on
  • BlindPsychicBlindPsychic Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    proye was I think?

    BlindPsychic on
  • tofutofu Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    The later the better for me on Sunday

    tofu on
  • nealcmnealcm Alvarian AlvarianRegistered User regular
    edited August 2010
    sick pwnage frags - greatest video to ever grace the internet

    nealcm on
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  • nealcmnealcm Alvarian AlvarianRegistered User regular
    edited August 2010
  • gunwarriorgunwarrior Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    I don't get the first vid. Reflect spycheck or something?

    gunwarrior on
  • UEAKCrashUEAKCrash heh Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    Oh hey new thread.

    UEAKCrash on
  • BlindPsychicBlindPsychic Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    Ok yeah proye recorded the demos, he's gonna post the uploads at some point

    BlindPsychic on
  • nealcmnealcm Alvarian AlvarianRegistered User regular
    edited August 2010
    gunwarrior wrote: »
    I don't get the first vid. Reflect spycheck or something?

    sometimes rockets blow up on impacting a soldier

    it is just funny that he reflected and hit a teammate, and it was an "airshot"

    nealcm on
    19ZUtIw.png
  • facetiousfacetious a wit so dry it shits sandRegistered User regular
    edited August 2010
    That mind games vid is awesome.

    facetious on
    "I am not young enough to know everything." - Oscar Wilde
    Real strong, facetious.

    Steam: Chagrin LoL: Bonhomie
  • devericdeveric MinneapolisRegistered User regular
    edited August 2010
    oh hey, new thread. and subscribed

    deveric on
  • AdusAdus Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    This title is boring. How about Team Fortress 2 - Trading Firstborns for Hats.

    Adus on
  • hailthefishhailthefish Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    Speaking of which... *waggle*

    hailthefish on
  • proyebatproyebat GARY WAS HERE ASH IS A LOSERRegistered User regular
    edited August 2010
    Ok I have three demos thanks to P-REC. I'm only going to show the first, I'm ashamed of the second, third has that_guy killing mans from inside spawn.

    http://www.megaupload.com/?d=15DPHG2P

    proyebat on
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  • FaffelFaffel Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    What's up in PA TF2 these days? I played for the first time in a while - launched up QL to warm up as I haven't played any multiplayer shooters for a while, then went to TF2. I ended up going on a disgusting solo-pubstomp and learned to love this game again. 5-in-1 crit rockets never get old.

    Is there some organized PA play now, or something?

    Faffel on
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
  • DaiusDaius Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    WTT Rag 4 Tyrolean

    Also never willing to play Spy in highlander mode ever again

    Daius on
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  • agoajagoaj Top Tier One FearRegistered User regular
    edited August 2010
    Guys, how do I beat these Terrans, all they do is minigun rush!

    agoaj on
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  • BethrynBethryn Unhappiness is Mandatory Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    At very least, HatCraft 2.

    Bethryn on
    ...and of course, as always, Kill Hitler.
  • Metal Gear Solid 2 DemoMetal Gear Solid 2 Demo Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    hats of liberty

    Metal Gear Solid 2 Demo on
    SteamID- Enders || SC2 ID - BurningCrome.721 || Blogging - Laputan Machine
    1385396-1.png
    Orikae! |RS| : why is everyone yelling 'enders is dead go'
    When I say pop it that means pop it
    heavy.gif
  • Pablo the PenguinPablo the Penguin Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    who's the person with the "I'm an engineer, that means I slap shit" spray? because that thing was the funniest part of my week when I saw it.

    Pablo the Penguin on
  • savooipeerdsavooipeerd Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    So does anyone actually play this nowadays or is everybody still too busy playing "Space RTS For Nerds: The Game: The Sequel"

    savooipeerd on
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
  • MrDelishMrDelish Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    I enjoyed the new thread title

    MrDelish on
  • proyebatproyebat GARY WAS HERE ASH IS A LOSERRegistered User regular
    edited August 2010
    savoo, I've been playing worse. Anno 1404: Loading screens galore

    Also not playing anything today, going to OZZFEST
    FUCK YEAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!

    Need a medic sub for yellow team.

    proyebat on
    455Bo4O.png
  • FiziksFiziks Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    What I wanna know is how that guy got Quake 3 hit sounds into TF2.

    I must have them.

    Fiziks on
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  • GumpyGumpy There is always a greater powerRegistered User regular
    edited August 2010
    Any big TF2 news this weekend?

    Gumpy on
  • PeewiPeewi Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    Gumpy wrote: »
    Any big TF2 news this weekend?

    A couple of days ago, we were told that the Polycount update will be out next month, which will include another pack in addition to the previously announced winners and trading (for reals this time).

    Peewi on
  • JaramrJaramr Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    New Thread eh.

    I should post in these threads more.

    I should also play Tuftoo more, but what are you going to do.

    Jaramr on
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  • .Tripwire..Tripwire. Firman Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    I'm pretty sure I haven't played since they handed out the 119th update medals. I'm a little frightened of returning to radically new engineers.

    .Tripwire. on
    sigi_moe.pngsigi_deviantart.pngsigi_twitter.pngsigi_steam.pngsigi_tumblr.png
  • hailthefishhailthefish Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    Beat you with a stick until you comply.


    And engineers aren't really.. radically different. Just there's more than one option. The biggest thing is the wrangler's manually controlled sentries. And the ability to build stuff and then move it changes how people think of sentry placement a little, but for the most part it's similar. The rest of the changes just give the Engineer a little boost in combat power.

    hailthefish on
  • BlindPsychicBlindPsychic Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    I'm thinking I'll schedule the next Bearstronauts highlander practice for 9pm edt tomorrow. As before, whoever wants in can join to play against us.

    BlindPsychic on
  • davinciedavincie Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    So does anyone actually play this nowadays or is everybody still too busy playing "Space RTS For Nerds: The Game: The Sequel"

    Nope. Nobody plays this. Only ones who play this are americans and their silly tournaments.

    davincie on
    20qx2bp.jpg
  • PeewiPeewi Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    davincie wrote: »
    So does anyone actually play this nowadays or is everybody still too busy playing "Space RTS For Nerds: The Game: The Sequel"

    Nope. Nobody plays this. Only ones who play this are americans and their silly tournaments.

    I'm not American and I play in the silly tournament too.

    Peewi on
  • crucialityfactorcrucialityfactor Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    It's just a bunch of stoners sniping each other on the same 3 maps these days.

    crucialityfactor on
  • guarguar Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    proyebat wrote: »
    Ok I have three demos thanks to P-REC. I'm only going to show the first, I'm ashamed of the second, third has that_guy killing mans from inside spawn.

    http://www.megaupload.com/?d=15DPHG2P

    I thought it was the first map where I got the tail end of your kritz and I killed a fleeing pyro with a flare? Guess not.

    guar on
  • hailthefishhailthefish Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    Peewi wrote: »
    davincie wrote: »
    So does anyone actually play this nowadays or is everybody still too busy playing "Space RTS For Nerds: The Game: The Sequel"

    Nope. Nobody plays this. Only ones who play this are americans and their silly tournaments.

    I'm not American and I play in the silly tournament too.

    I'm an American but I'm not playing in the silly tournament.

    hailthefish on
  • psyck0psyck0 Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    I'm a Canadian and what is this?

    psyck0 on
    Play Smash Bros 3DS with me! 4399-1034-5444
    steam_sig.png
  • Flippy_DFlippy_D Digital Conquistador LondonRegistered User regular
    edited August 2010
    Nice.

    Flippy_D on
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  • crucialityfactorcrucialityfactor Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    Get on jon's.

    crucialityfactor on
  • UEAKCrashUEAKCrash heh Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    Flippy's English and he says nice.

    UEAKCrash on
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