TFC is dead, TF1.5 is a completely new game!
… or so they say.
Yes, the changes are there and it’s no use denying they influence the game to some extent.
But let’s give it a closer look.
The gameplay relevant changes are:
- Netcode
- Changed behaviour of C-Jumping (basically removal of the handheld jump)
- HWG runs faster while firing AC
- General limited of type1 grens to 2
All other alleged changes are unconfirmed and would have to been proven first before being taken into account. In fact Robin Walker denied the rumour that the Scout would have been slowed down (read it here).
Let’s get even more closer:
Netcode:
It was impatiently awaited by almost everybody. And I think most people are quite satisfied with it. It has some effects we have to get used to (like being killed by a HPB sniper after retreating behind a corner) and it influenced almost every class in a varying degree.
The class most profiting from the netcode is the sniper, followed closely by the HWG.
I suspect that some of the reports about slower rockets or pipebombs could actually be more netcode related than to changes in the game physics. But I’m no rocket scientist, so take this just as a guess.
All in all I’d say the netcode is the least controversial change in TFC.
C-Jumps:The more I play the more I ask myself why Valve bothered to remove the handheld jump in the first place. I’d bet my soul (if I’d had any to begin with 
that in one month most people will c-jump as easy as before. Sure, it looks like a few jumps are not doable any more, or require double c-jumps. But basically it will be much like nothing had changed.
Yes, I’m sure the difference will be more visible in clan matches, but I guess it won’t change general gameplay after adaptation.
HWG:Faster and more deadly now. A “running and thinking sentry gun”.
Yes, I can see the impact that will have. The HWG have become a greater threat to light classes as before, yet here we have a class to counter the all-too-powerful soldier. Quite devastating in higher numbers.
But the question is if the increased power of the HWG lies more in the new netcode (faster spin-on, easier to lead) or the fact that he moves faster.
No personal opinion on my side yet! Just allow me the remark that conc-grenades should work well against HWG’s.
Gren Limit:In my unworthy opinion this is the change with highest impact on gameplay (given that those darn snipers let you get close enough to use your grens).
Some people claim Valve did that to reduce spam (also a very popular opinion when they limited the mirvs in 1.0.1.6). But on the other hand these people who supposedly limit grens to reduce spam give you a map which single content is spam? (for those who would not have guessed: dustbowl). Does that make sense?
Let me give you my theory: Less type1 grens force you to use them more sparely and therefore smarter. If Defense is good even the most efficient use of those few grens won’t suffice. Ergo you will need assistance on O. You will need a teammate to make up for the damage you no longer can hand out.
It has been stated several times that the sum of the changes favour D to O. Though I’m not completely comfortable with this statement I think it’s safe to say that Offense will have to be better organized and working closer together than before to get through enemy D.
I’m sure I will be immediately corrected by clan people stating that in clan matches teamwork is already excellent with few room for improvement.
But allow me to say that with D being easier you will have more people you can use on O (something which has been pointed out before by other people as well).
When clan matches previously featured 5D to 3O clans now might work with 4D/4O or even 3D/5O.
To sum it up: I think the gren reduction was a measure to encourage (or maybe even enforce) teamwork. This makes definitely more sense for pub games than clan matches, yet I think the “superior” teamwork (yes, that was sarcasm) should compensate the loss.
In a post on the PF forum I mentioned compromises clans would have to endure in favour of pub games. This IMO is one such compromise.
I expect to be flamed for that 
So, is TF1.5 a new game? I don’t think so.
Does it feel different? Yes. But one reason for that is the netcode with its multiple small side effects. Together with all other changes it is a bit overwhelming. Each change alone would not have been that “alienating” (annoying probably, but not alienating), yet all together gives the game a more unfamiliar face than it actually should have.
Please note that even with all said above I’m still working on my opinion about the patch.
Right now I feel people overreacting to the changes without really evaluating how the changes will work out in the end.
They played in very good clans and were barely able to cap against other good clans. Now they have less grens to start with so the chances to cap drop, easy equation, right? I think these people should step back for a moment and try to give the game a fresh, unbiased look. The new netcode alone should force you to give the different classes a fresh approach and consequently you should re-evaluate all your tactics and O/D-layouts.
I don’t think TFC is dead. Yet I think it has to be redefined.
The rules have changed a bit. Not that much as people claim. Yet enough that some old procedures no longer apply. The sooner some people realize that the sooner they might discover that the game can still be played efficiently after all, maybe even on a competitive level.
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