Team Fortress Classic is a free add-on for Half-Life from the creators of the original Team Fortress mod that took the action gaming community by storm in 1996 and has since been downloaded by more than 500,000 people.

   This enhanced port takes advantage of the underlying technology of the Half-Life engine and features a wide variety of character classes--from Medic to Spy to Demolition Man--enlisted in a unique style of online team warfare. Team Fortress Classic also features several innovative team play options usually reserved for real time strategy games. In addition, this free add-on includes enhanced graphics, an updated user interface, and two entirely new maps from David Sawyer and Matt Armstrong, the developers of the acclaimed Canal Zone map.

   Extending the gameplay of Half-Life, Team Fortress Classic also serves as a point of reference for those who are interested in what Valve has in store for their next full title, Team Fortress 2.

   Team Fortress Classic is obviously based upon the Half-Life engine, therefore using the exact same technology with new maps, textures, animations, and models. For information on the Half-Life engine, turn your attention to the Half-Life section on the right-hand menu, and the "Technology" sub-section underneath it. Clicking that, you can find an in-depth guide to the technology put into Half-Life.

   Team Fortress Classic may be downloaded from various mirrors listed at http://www.sierrastudios.com/games/tfclassic/media.html.

   Team Fortress 2 is destined to change the way online games are played. With Team Fortress 2, you'll experience the thrill of battle while performing as part of a team or battle squadron. This unique approach more closely approximates real-life battle and enables new and experienced players to play together in a way that challenges each individual and enhances the overall experience.

   When you first log on for a game, you'll be recruited immediately by a team and cast in one of nine roles, or character classes, such as Medic, Spy, or even the "machine-gun toting Heavy Infantryman." Once you join a team and pick a class, you'll function in that class as part of the team, working together to complete any number of map-specific objectives. The success of your team depends not just on the skill levels of each individual, but on your squad's cohesiveness and teamplay.

   The map objectives range from traditional Capture-the-Flag styles of play to spy missions and beyond, including complex missions similar to those found in real-time strategy games.

   Team Fortress builds on all of the technology advancements that first appeared in Half-Life. For example, while Half-Life was the first game to use skeletal animation for realistic character movement, Team Fortress 2 pushes the envelope even further with parametric animation. This technology gives characters completely lifelike moves, such as heads that turn in the direction they are looking and leg strides that adjust depending on stance and condition.

   With its advanced technology, challenging teamplay scenarios, and ease of use, Team Fortress 2 sets a new bar in multiplayer action gaming.

• Nine classes of players.

• 20 unique maps stretched over four expansive campaigns.

• More than a dozen sophisticated weapons which are based on real weapons used by armed forces around the world.

• Computer-controlled opponents and teammates with advanced artificial intelligence (AI). This allows you and your teammates to play against a group of computer-controlled opponents, or you can have computer allies on your side to fill out your own team. These Team Bots are the next step in the development of Bot technology.

• A variety of vehicles, including Armored Personnel Carriers, Tanks, and Helicopters.

• An easy-to-use communication system for in-game strategizing between teammates.

• An easy-to-use interface that makes it easy for players to get online and into a game.