I'm new to Team Fortress 2… now what?
 

I bought TF2, despite this not really being my type of game. I like the look of it (of course) and I got it fairly cheap, so I thought I'd give it a try. But this adventure gamer find the game completely overwhelming. The game doesn't seem to have any tutorials or anything else aimed at the new player. I found how to look at a game being played, and don't think I'd last a second if I'd try to join in. Most likely I'd just make people annoyed and get asked to leave.

So, any of you have any tips for a newbie, or should I accept that this is not a game for me to play and just look at the pretty pictures?

Speaking as someone who manages to plumb new depths every time I play TF2 (I swear, one day I'll actually be good at a game that I enjoy playing), I can virtually guarantee that you won't be told to leave.

Dive on in. It's the only way to learn. Sadly.

There are the videos that usually show before you join a server which tell you a few things and the "Meet the ..." videos give a pretty good idea of the general attributes of each class.

Other than that just diving in is indeed your best bet. I've played it for a good bit and I still suck pretty badly at most classes.

Actually, one tip: try out each class for a little while and see which ones suit you best. If a particular class doesn't work for you don't feel obligated to pay your dues or something like that. Me, I like the Spy, the Sniper, the Heavy and the Pyro.

I felt like you do - tried the game during the free weekend a few times, couldn't make any sense of it. It's very fast, there is waay too much stuff going on for a newcomer, and sucking hard at a multiplayer game is no pleasant experience for you or your teammates.

I finally gave up on it and didn't buy it for exactly those reasons, I prefer something much simpler - like Battlefield Heroes for example.

In fact (thread hijack!), I recommend you to try out BFH if you get sick of TF2, it has only three classes, much simpler game mechanics and a similar art direction. Besides, it is still in beta, so everyone sucks at it ;) PM me if you need a beta key.

I'm happy to know that I'm not alone in sucking at TF2. I swear everyone is twice as fast and twice as accurate as I am.
The only class I'm ok at is Pyro, and it's considered a noob class.

Anyway, here are some tips that might help you feel less overwhelmed:
- Watch "How to play" videos on Youtube. Especially for Spy and Engineer since they can be somewhat confusing when you start.
- Play on an empty server at first. That way you can learn the maps and some of the class skills without getting killed.
- Keep watching people play. See what the players at the top of the board are doing.
- View the Commentary. It has a bit about each class.
- If you have the patience, go here: http://tf2wiki.net/wiki/Main_Page

Thanks for the hints. I'll give it a try.