Hmm … yes, I think coming generations will likely refer to the recent HL-patch as “The Patch”. The one that changed everything. The one that destroyed TFC. Or evolved. Whatever.
Let’s make one thing clear from the start: The patch happened. No whining or bitching or begging or reasoning will make it disappear and magically restore 1.0.1.6. That is history. Deal with it.
What options does that offer us?
A number of people are already displaying their strong dislike on the patch based on the gameplay changes. Those intelligent enough are even making some very valid points how the changes effect the playability and the feeling of the game.
As it is unlikely that TFC will ever be what it was before the patch I encourage those people to look for “more truthful” versions of TF. Q3F is already known as a very truthful remake of QWTF. TeamAssault as another TF-Mod for Quake3 is still under development, as well as the TF-Mod for UT. So there *are* alternatives to TFC.
The rest of us will have to adept. Period.
Whatever reasons Valve had to implement those changes to the game, don’t expect them to change their mind now. Valve knew that these changes would cause a major outcry on the community, so no petition will make them change their minds.
I will not start to speculate about Valve’s reasons for these changes. I have my own ideas, but that’s not the point of this editorial.
However, it’s obvious that Valve tries to give gameplay a new direction. If for better or worse has yet to be seen. But TFS (the original creators of TF, now working at Valve) had a long history for making changes on the game. Maybe one of my fellow warriors Bundy or Totentanz will offer a better insight in the ever-changing face of TF during its time as QWTF. Or ask your friendly TF-veteran next door. But for the moment let me quote PainkilleR by one of his excellent posts on the PF forum: “This is a game that once had teleporters, flares, and flash grens. There was a time when some of the classes that people consider their favorites didn’t even exist in this game. There were times when scouts were faster, when snipers could jump and shoot at the same time, and when hwguys could not move while they shot their asscan.”
So whatever the new gameplay turns out to be, it’s not necessarily final. I’m confident that after some time of adapting TF1.5 will show that some of the changes (beyond the technological advancements) were useful and enhanced the gameplay while others didn’t work out. Hopefully Valve then will keep the good aspects and correct those which didn’t work out by further tweaking or restoring. One could call this some kind of evolution.
The question remains if there were any need to change the game in the first place. Don’t look at me, look at Valve. I would be just as curious as you to learn about the motivation of Valve on these changes.
I guess now you’d like to know my take on the patch itself?
Well, let’s say I have no take so far 
.
I’m convinced noone can make any valid predictions about the way TF1.5 will turn out until having played it a few days. The new gameplay will require different teamwork and different tactics, as well as a completely different approach towards certain classes. Before the patch snipers were just an annoyance. Now they are a deadly force. HWG’s were fastfood for skilled soldiers and pyros, but now it’s not so easy anymore (In fact now the HWG is more than a match for the former uber-soldier). Medics were the flying kings on many maps. Maybe they will be it again, but only time will tell.
Let me get this straight: I don’t like every aspect of the patch. I think Valve made a few mistakes here. On the other hand some other aspects are looking very promising. I will watch how all these things turn out, what works for the game and what doesn’t.
So don’t expect any premature judgement on the patch from my side. IMNSHO there are already enough people out there making rash (and therefore unqualified) statements. And it doesn’t matter if people are praising the patch or condemning it. It’s way to early for both of it.
On a closing note allow me to link to an excellent post written by NatBone on the PF-forum about the poor behaviour displayed by many people during these last days. I liked it very much.
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