Any tips before I start?  I'm fairly experienced with class based FPS games, but I've mostly done deathmatches or team deathmatches.

Just try all the different classes.

The most important tip is to GO FOR THE OBJECTIVE.  Don't be one of those idiots who worries about their personal stats.  Either go for the objective yourself or help the people who are going for the objective.  If you don't want to go for the objective, play a different FPS game.  I'm serious.

Second most important tip: NEVER GIVE UP.  If you keep getting owned, try a different approach.  Figure out what the enemy team is doing that's owning you, and adjust your tactics accordingly.  Just as important as going for the objective is removing the obstacles that the enemy team puts in your way.  Also, remember that players leave, join, and get switched to the other team all the time.  The opposing team may have all the good players now, but that doesn't mean that it won't be the other way around 5 minutes from now.  Make every second count.  I've been in many matches that have been won at the last second or in overtime.  Attack fervently on offense/never let your guard down on defense until you hear the buzzer.

Third most important tip: COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR TEAM.  If you have a headset or a microphone, this is ideal, if not, you can still type.  Inform your team when you've taken out a key sentry gun or defender so they know that it's safe to rush.  You'll be amazed at how quickly your team will coordinate just from someone saying "SGs down RUSH RUSH!"  The same thing goes for listening to your teammates.  You don't have to do everything someone suggests, but usually the more players you have trying to accomplish the same goal, the more success you'll have.

PC?

Sweet, whats your steam name so we can play with you?

And just play around with the different classes so you can see what your good at and what you like.

Yeah I'm thinking of buying it too, but it seems so expensive, 30$!!

cool48, then buy it, Portal, HL2, HL2: Ep1, and HL2: Ep2 for only $20 more! It's definitely the better deal, even if it's a little bit more money total.

^^ I know but I already have Episode 1 and Half Life 2. I'll probably end up buying the whole thing though just for Episode 2 and Portal.

I'd get The Orange Box because the individual prices of the game through Steam are pretty expensive with Portal ($19.95) and Episode 2 ($29.95) costing a total of $50 and that doesn't even count TF2. I think the better option would be to get the Orange Box and then 'gift' HL2 and Episode 1 to a friend... You could also be a bastard and say "$20 for HL2 and Episode 1 and I'll give them to you" and recoup some cash, lol.

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Anyway, I rented The Orange Box on the PS3 and I didn't like it. I'm sure TF2 has improved with more people having the game that know what they're doing, but it felt like people running around like bumbling idiots back when I rented it. Still, I think the PC would have the most intense experience and when the DSL at my apartment isn't acting up and giving me a ping from 100 (annoying) to 600 (ugh.....), it's a pretty awesome game.

My most favorite aspects of TF2 would be from my favorite class, the sniper. It's pretty intense to nail scouts, soldiers, and demomen that are jumping across the top of the bridge or 'rocket jumping' directly at you and it's the funniest thing to watch people stand on the enemy battlements (2fort) and just sit there like they want me to headshot them. Even better is when you get a Heavy on the enemy battlement that tries to hit you with his main gun.

 Yep.  I really need to get a mic, typing is almost instant death unless you're already dead.

@Icka:  You're my friend... It's tarheel91, in case anyone else is wondering.