Is it still active and how hard is it to compete against people playing it for a while? Is a mic essential? Also is it a fun game? - stupid question, I know, but I want to know your opinions on it

On the pc ?
 If so very yes to all your questions get it . 
On xbox no
GET IT NOW

PC, 360 or PS3?
 
All 3 are still played AFAIK but obviously the PC is the version to buy if you have the choice as it's still getting free updates but the others are still ok. You could probably get by but the game is very hard as people have gotten way too good at it. You will still have fun playing it, though.

PC still has a lot of active players so I'd say definitely pick up the game

Oh sorry, I meant on the PC.
- I'm buying it as part of the Orange Box - a good deal?

" Oh sorry, I meant on the PC. - I'm buying it as part of the Orange Box - a good deal? "

" Oh sorry, I meant on the PC. - I'm buying it as part of the Orange Box - a good deal? "

I think you can easily start by playing as a scout or a pyro and slowly try out different classes. Final opinion GET IT ON PC.

On 360, PS3 or PC?
 
360 - I'm not too sure. I've heard on here that it can be hard to find games.
PS3 - I used to play it on there. You'll always be able to find a game.
PC - More maps, updates, players etc.. Get it.

Yeah, it still has a really active community, and the learning curve isn't that steep. A lot of servers are really welcoming to new players, and the team based nature of it means that even if you aren't that great at it for a while, it shouldn't stand out too much. And no, you don't need a mic, but it might come in handy.

Yea it's a fantastic game mate, easily in the top 5 online shooters I've ever played.  Well worth the price of the Orange Box considering you get Half Life 2 and Portal with it.  Don't bother with a mic and learning to play it couldn't be easier, just watch the videos at the start of the round and follow whichever team your on, they should lead you to the fight.

Thank you very much! Now to decide whether to get this or borderlands...
:D

" On 360, PS3 or PC?  360 - I'm not too sure. I've heard on here that it can be hard to find games. PS3 - I used to play it on there. You'll always be able to find a game. PC - More maps, updates, players etc.. Get it. "

pc it's sweet!

if on the pc its still going to be active even if you buy it in a year.

On the PC? Without a doubt.

I actually bought it for PC last week (I had been playing it on PS3 before) and your thread reminded me to play it on PC for the first time. It's safe to say I won't be playing it on PS3 anymore :P

Tf2 isn't going anywhere, so don't worry.

I don't know if the game works on mac.  But it's just like C.S.S in all other regards. The game is still fun if play against people who have been playing for a while and most mics work great.

Thanks everyone!

It's an amazing multiplayer game on the PC, I highly recommend it.

Valve don't make a bad game! Buy it on the Pc though way better I have bought it twice! one of the xbox and one for the puter!!!!!!!!