Author: John Irwin

Valve drops a huge update on us. The once fabled Source 2 is real, free to developers and looks shiny on low spec graphics. Sadly no word on when it comes to TF2. Also announced and earmarked for release before the end of the year are the Steam Universe devices SteamVR headset, Steam Machines, SteamOS, Steam Link and of course the Steam Controller.

In Overwatch news we have two new characters to look at; McCree (the cowboy with ‘deadeye’ as his special) and Zarya (the Russian bodybuilder (shoots beams of pure sandvich out of her eyes (do people actually read the show notes?))).

Star_ and Banny give us their takes on the Overwatch experience, without saying too much, because that would be against the NDA.

We hit it. Episode Pi. and what do we have on this most Pi-full of episodes. Obviosuly we cover the most recent updates and their implications on the game. Plus we also show you some of the latest TF2 Merch Available from WeLoveFine. Awesome concepts, but be warned, if you click on that link, you will be angry…..just saying. Its all very cute…..just very unstoppable

Over at PAX East, There are TF2 pin badges available for trade with none other than overwatch badges. hhhmmmm. Speaking of overwatch, Blizzard really seem to be aiming the game at us. In fact, they have invited several TF2 streamers and youtubers over to their headquarters to play the game first hand. Including friend of the show Muselk. Although he can’t legally say much at this time. This also on the same week that blizzard hinted at a new character and a new….very TF2 looking map.

You get a fix, You get a fix and guess what…..even YOU get a fix of kritzkast. The updateless spell is over. Plus its crate rotation time, crate 90 & 91 have been added to the drop list. but be warned, 90 is not as rare as one would have you believe. But with that update, a hint of a new cheat reporting system. Could this be steam wide….is this meant for public eyes? who know, we sure don’t. Doesn’t stop us guessing mind you.

Also joining us for the rise this week, we talk about the new TF2 Tech support sub reddit. So if your having issues with the game, big or small, you now have a sanctuary to go to. Plus news of Overwatch at PAX East and we all sit and watch a simply fantastic piece of animation. Spy & Sentry.

First, Sorry for the delay. The next episode should be with us shortly. In the mean time you’ve have this episode to play with. At the time of recording there was very little that happened in the world of TF2. But that couldn’t stop us from talking about our new servers and how we feel the state of servers currently is. This leads us from, Personal experiences on servers, all the way to future ideas and some of the best we’ve seen.

We also talk about a great little piece of SFM. showing us all how it should be done. Sit back and relax with this chilled out and relaxed episode of kritzkast.

After paying our respects to Kitty0706, We talk about the update to manpower which has started to tweak how the power-ups work with individual classes/weapons. We also stumble upon possibly the best and only way that man power should be played. Want to know what it is? then download and tune in.

We also make it very aware that Greese will now have a financial minster that was once in charge of letting us play with hats. Yanis (no last name) the once valve economist is look for world domination. we chat about how the item makers can get a breakdown of what items are giving them what money, The news that Overwatch is looking like a game of 2016 and we ask the burning question that everybody has forgot about. Is Steam OS relevant anymore?

There is only 1 thing worth talking about this week. That would be TF2maps The 2015 72hr Winter Special! But instead of just chatting about it as if we knew what we were talking about, We’ve asked YM to put down his thoughts on the process, this years mappers and how the contest is going.

But why would we have somebody as note worthy as YM and just talk about whats new. This is the man behind Hoodoo don’t forget. Plus a map that you will have heard about, but possibly not played. Snowplow. The map supposedly deemed as too confusing for new players and cut from the End of the Line update. We talk all that and more with YM and get his thoughts on how a modern day map maker feels.

Medals from a year ago, Promo items being purchasable and some fixes from the last update. Seems like standard stuff from the update. But that’s not good enough for us. We want to talk about player rankings. Where do you place, Are they acurate, how are they even made?

Plus, have you heard about the possible TF2 series? Yeah, thats right a web series on machinima prime called Escape from Team Fortress. It seems to be about a group of friends that get trapped in a game of TF2 and can’t get out. Seems like an interesting idea. Who knows if it will see the light of day or if it could possibly live up to our expectations. If that’s not the TF2 viewing pleasure your looking for, then take a look at EVL’s slick new trailer. EVL are a new casting team starting their broadcasts very soon.

In OverwatchWatch, we bring the news that we may have to change the name of that segment as overwatch may also have to change its name due to a patient issue. Plus we show you crossovers already creeping into working there way into other blizzard games.

Not happy with the changes they made to the demoman recently, Valve have had another try. This time, they have fixed more things than changed them. But this has resulted in a clearer idea of what we think valve were looking for when they changed the demoman. But in the process of doing so, they have made Ruskey a sad man, by slowing down the heavies reaction times to anything and everything.

Outside of updates, somebody has discovered a way to make your weapon models semi transparent. Letting you read all the information your weapons give you but still being able to see through the heavies screen filling fists. However, is this breaking Steams TOS? We discuss. Plus, 2 major collectable items have suddenly been added to the Community. Another burning team captain and another golden pan. Don’t forget out video of the week, Backstab Jumping……..yes, its a thing.

Don’t worry, its not all serious talk. we have a Sean Connery off. yeah, deal with it.

Some weeks we are flooded with content from valve (see last week) Other weeks its all about the community (See this week). Join us as we talk about TF2mixup 7 event which helped raise $927,495. Yeah, your right, that is a lot of money. We also talk about how TF2center went out of beta and promoted their Archimedes Cup. Whats that? Think of a 6v6 cup where only new player are able to play. Yes. that means you! (Unless of course you currently play in 6v6)

We also chat about how the price of keys compared to metal are dropping dramatically. Why is this? How does it affect you? Why are we asking so many questions?

We can’t forget, Bandolier scarf. Yes. doesn’t it look lovely. Also overwatch art

Tempest called it wrong. He said we would have no Smissmas Update. Boy was he wrong. Not only do we have a new set of nice and naughty crates, BUT THATS NOT ALL. we also have 3 new weapons to play with. mix that with a whole pile of changes to the demoman and we suddenly have a new playing field for competitive demomen. BUT THATS NOT ALL. Valve also used this time to show us their latest beta project. Mannpower. Take CTF, add grappling hooks and powerups and you suddenly have a brand new way of playing TF2. This has been a great Smissmas present.

Thank you Valve.