Its the Steam sale and The Orange Box is on a killer discount and I'm thinking of getting it. Have never played TF2 before... Is it too late to jump in?

It's a little tough to get started on TF2, but once you learn all the rules and purposes of the classes, it's still a hell of a lot of fun. I'd at least try it.
 
The community is generally nice too.

I'd say go for it. It's a lot of fun and the community isn't too bad.

I recently got back into it and it's still a lot of fun. The items and whatnot seem ridiculous for an FPS, but it's pretty easy now to get them and they make the gameplay of classes a lot different.

No. Just fucking buy it.  
 
Amazing game.

lols I'll be getting it then. Thanks folks. 
 
Also, do I need a Mic to fully enjoy this game? Do people talk? Might ave to dig up my headset.

TF2 is effing amazing.

Done. Just purchased The Orange Box. Thanks guys!

" Done. Just purchased The Orange Box. Thanks guys! "

" @SpikeSpiegel:  It'll be worth a shot. Also be a nice way to play Half Life 2 (Plus Episodes 1 and 2) and Portal because, while sad I know, I haven't played any of those games...  It won;t be a loss in the long run and I for the most part get enjoyment even when I get my ass kicked so its cool. "

" @Zereta said:

" Done. Just purchased The Orange Box. Thanks guys! "

You liking Team Fortress? "

" @Zereta said:

" @SpikeSpiegel:  It'll be worth a shot. Also be a nice way to play Half Life 2 (Plus Episodes 1 and 2) and Portal because, while sad I know, I haven't played any of those games...  It won;t be a loss in the long run and I for the most part get enjoyment even when I get my ass kicked so its cool. "

You haven't played Half life 2 and the episodes? Oh man are you in for a treat I wish I could play those games like I never played them before. "

I recommend playing Soldier/Medic until you get used to the maps a bit more, and get a few unlocks, then branch out into specialised classes.

Started Half Life 2. Man, doesn't feel like an old game at all. Its feels really good and already, they've got me hooked. "

" @Zereta said:

Started Half Life 2. Man, doesn't feel like an old game at all. Its feels really good and already, they've got me hooked. "

Episode 1 is the weakest of the bunch but still leaps and bounds over most stuff but Just wait until you play Episode 2 it is seriously one of the best games ever made. "

Play the medic so you can observe various strategies.  Then go with the Heavy, as that is what I did and mimicking me is the only way to have fun in that game.
 
Don't worry about mics.  A lot of the time, whole games are played with nothing as much as a Spy warning.  Other times, it's talk heavy.  It all just matters on the server.  However, you will NOT get kicked without a mic.

Mmmm... What I would give to play Portal again for the first time...

Great people not to late to get in just please don't go to achievement severs.