This is not just a game one plays. Oh, sure it can be, but TF2 is an entire universe to explore. Valve's originally-humble, unique shooter has grown into an even more unique shooter that continues to stand out amongst other multiplayer-centric titles for numerous reasons, and has grown popular across the globe, dwarfing even Valve's own Counter-Strike. Is this game for everyone? Maybe not, but they're in the minority.

This game stands out mainly because it continues to receive support and updates seven-plus years after its initial release, and Valve seems to figure out the next big thing from time to time. The growth of TF2 has allowed people entering into this microcosm of gaming to play it the standard way, play it more vanilla-style (like when it first came out), play a co-op mode, make replays and SFM videos, play on custom maps and modded servers, and more.

All of this is at the fingertips of anyone with Steam access. See that "Play Game" button up there? Click it and give this game a shot, at least.

EDIT: The X-Years-Later-Or-So Update:

TF2 has lost a fair bit of luster since I posted this review, but underneath, the core elements still shine, even when buried underneath a whole heap of tropes associated with multiplayer games from the past decade, such as MMO-style queues, automated matchmaking, lootboxes, and a reduced emphasis on house-ruling.

But every time I try out some other multiplayer shooter, I sometimes find them lacking in things TF2 already accomplished (mostly the technical and Quality-of-Life things, but it's those bits that really help). TF2 is getting left behind, but it still has important lessons to teach other games. I think, to me, TF2 has ascended to that same level as Quake III where it not only was an important moment and era in gaming, it also continues to have the love and devotion of players and fans that will make it echo through the years.

Who knows what the future holds for it: maybe Valve will just turn developent over wholesale to the community; maybe they'll just end up closing the matchmaking servers and it'll live on through community servers like TFC before it; maybe Valve will even make a TF3 and make it the RTS-FPS hybrid TF2 was going to be long, long ago.

This is not just a game one plays. Oh, sure it can be, but TF2 is an entire universe to explore. Valve's originally-humble, unique shooter has grown into an even more unique shooter that continues to stand out amongst other multiplayer-centric titles for numerous reasons, and has grown popular across the globe, dwarfing even Valve's own Counter-Strike. Is this game for everyone? Maybe not, but they're in the minority. This game stands out mainly because it continues to receive support and updates seven-plus years after its initial release, and Valve seems to figure out the next big thing from time to time. The growth of TF2 has allowed people entering into this microcosm of gaming to play it the standard way, play it more vanilla-style (like when it first came out), play a co-op mode, make replays and SFM videos, play on custom maps and modded servers, and more. All of this is at the fingertips of anyone with Steam access. See that "Play Game" button up there? Click it and give this game a shot, at least. EDIT: The X-Years-Later-Or-So Update: TF2 has lost a fair bit of luster since I posted this review, but underneath, the core elements still shine, even when buried underneath a whole heap of tropes associated with multiplayer games from the past decade, such as MMO-style queues, automated matchmaking, lootboxes, and a reduced emphasis on house-ruling. But every time I try out some other multiplayer shooter, I sometimes find them lacking in things TF2 already accomplished (mostly the technical and Quality-of-Life things, but it's those bits that really help). TF2 is getting left behind, but it still has important lessons to teach other games. I think, to me, TF2 has ascended to that same level as Quake III where it not only was an important moment and era in gaming, it also continues to have the love and devotion of players and fans that will make it echo through the years. Who knows what the future holds for it: maybe Valve will just turn developent over wholesale to the community; maybe they'll just end up closing the matchmaking servers and it'll live on through community servers like TFC before it; maybe Valve will even make a TF3 and make it the RTS-FPS hybrid TF2 was going to be long, long ago.