To those deciding on whether or not to download this game, GO FOR IT! This game is sick.
The download: Using a bit torrent, this mod took a total of 30 minutes to download. it also had 38 active seeds with 45 total... not bad at all. Can't speak for the others though.
The install: The install was a little lengthy, but my
bf2142 download took longer.
Welcome screen/connecting to server: This game is a mod of half life, and the welcome screen behaves a lot like it. The background image is very stylish and the music is themed appropriately. Apparently, if you mess with the grafics settings, it provokes a crash upon joining a server (at least for me). So after you change any graphics settings be sure to restart the game. Be sure to take a look at the controls because they vary a lot from traditional CS keybinds.
Joining a team: Why make a section for joining a team? because its kind of a big deal in this game. It will take a while to get used to this (i still get confused after 3 days of playing). Basically, theres 2 teams, the marines, and the insugrents. From there you have 2 squads to join per side. "Squads" for the Marines, and "Cells" for the Insurgents. Join a squad, and you'll have to select a class. Theres many classes to pick from, each with their own weapons and some have 2 weapons to chose from ie. the Marine sergent can choose between a M16 normal and a M16 with Aimpoint. You can even customize your characters clothes! Pretty good work, insurgency crew!
The Game!: This game is beautiful! Most maps are highly detailed and fit the mood quiet well. For using the steam engine, the maps are quiet large. This takes quiet a toll on FPS... If your computer can handle it (check the requirements), keep the settings on high. There are no crosshairs, and right clicking will bring up your iron sights. This is a nice feature for those familiar with battlefield, and players will feel quiet at home. Respawns vary according to whoever is winning, and usually they're okay. Sometimes spawn camping becomes problematic, but on
TG, expect no problems. The weapons behave like they would in real life, and 2 shots can kill someone with an M16. There is no radar, so you NEED comms. I REPEAT YOU WILL NEED TO COMMUNICATE. FF is on maximum. enemies and friends look similar.(Tip: look for helmets on the marines). Squad leaders will be issuing orders, and you have to work together.
This game plays a lot like the BF series, in that you have to capture and hold command points. I feel that these dont really influence the game much other than they direct the flow on certain maps, and make it easier for squad leaders.
Respawns are interesting. After you die, you begin to spectate. You only respawn when your squad leader calls for reinforcments, or on a set timer. It depends on how your server works. This seems to work because it keeps your squads working together. You all respawn at once, which makes regrouping a breeze. I really like this method.
THE BOTTOM LINE.
This game is great. It doesnt feel like a HL2 mod, which is rare. The levels are beatiful, the skins are nice, and the character models are good as well. The weapons are pretty balenced also. Not much to hate on.
CONS!: Sometimes you just get owned. you're walking along, ready to kill some insurgents, and suddenly you get sniped from no where. Some levels can turn into run and gun, but again
TG will stop this. The lack of a radar often leads to team killing, so be sure to play this game in a good mood.
Overall rating: 8.0-8.5 (depends on if im winning =])
