While I've played a lot of computer games, the greatest enjoyment I get out of games is playing with teams that work together. In many games that include teammates, Team Fortress, Tribes, Battlefield 1942, TIE Fighter Vs X-wing, (a few that I have played) the people that I played with were completely oblivious to the concept of team.

I recall once playing Battlefield 1942 with 3 friends. Once the game began, they all went in their own separate directions and didn't respond to communication. Another time, I recall playing Tribes with a friend, who spent the whole game sniping the enemy spawn. While he was doing this, the members of the enemy team were able to capture our flag. When I said to him that he wasn't benefiting the team, he said something like "I got killed the highest number of team mates" Good for you, but this isn't deathmatch.

So many times in team games, there is no coordination, communication or strategy, meaning there is no team. At the very least, knowing the game's objective and responding to threats to that objective will help the team. I have found two different types of team's on Team Fortress 2 new mode Mann Up: Mann vs Machine. Those who work together and win, and those who don't and lose, repeatedly.

I've been lucky to play with some great teams, who worked together and when necessary changed strategies (and sometimes even class) to over come the enemy.

But on a lot of teams, people don't get the concept of team. I will join a game with 2 or 3 of the same class, or people will not respond to the bomb being moved near the capture point. Then they start blaming other people for not doing something. Honestly, there isn't a whole hell of a lot you can do if a team mate isn't playing the way you want him to, but bitching about him certainly isn't going to improve the situation. While a team game requires some sacrifices, you have to remember you are part of that team too. Maybe you are the one that needs to make a sacrifice. Maybe it's change strategy or class, or maybe just encouraging other players rather than berating.

What I am trying to say is, that finally there is a mode of play in Team Fortress 2, where team play really makes a difference, and it's the first time I have ever played with teams (in any game, except StarCraft) who understand the meaning of teamwork, making for one of the most enjoyable gaming experiences.