Junkies like ME! It's hard to believe it's been more than ten years since the very first TeamFortress -- a modification for the original Quake -- showed us that multiplayer gaming could come alive with specialized roles, teamwork, and tactics. I'll never forget the feeling of awe when I first discovered the sniper rifle or pulled the trigger on the heavy machine gun. It's a real tribute to the balance of the original game that players would play on the same 2fort map -- over and over -- for hours, days, and weeks on end. Just thinking about it right now is making my mouse-hand itch.

After a long dry spell, it's finally a good time to be a TeamFortress fan. Where do I begin? Let's talk about the upcoming TeamFortress 2, part of the Half-Life 2 Orange Box expansion. Get in the mood by Checking out the new Engineer trailer, part of the hysterical series featuring the Heavy Weapons Guy and the Soldier. The next TF is going to be larger than life, that much is certain.


Of course the biggest news this week was that people who pre-order the Orange Box can play the TeamFortress 2 beta next week. It's so close, I can smell the detpacks. I can already hear the flags snapping in the wind -- or is that the sound of scouts getting their kneecaps blown off? Look at me! I'm sweating!

But what are we Frantic Fortress Fans going to do this weekend? Take it easy, man. FilePlanet to the rescue. In lieu of a morphine drip and an extended nap, we're happy to premiere the Fortress Forever mod download for Half-Life 2. Fortress Forever sticks to the feel of TeamFortress Classic for the original Half-Life, but it's got the beautiful graphics and funky physics of the Half-Life 2 Source engine, so it's got extra gravy. One of the most eagerly-anticipated mods of the year, FF was created by an entirely independent team who just happens to be composed of die-hard TFC fans. It's even got classic game modes like rescue the VIP. I consider it a must-download.

...are you listening? Download Fortress Forever Now!

      -Fargo