HalfLife2 & HL2: Episode I

In anticipation of the first release of episodic content (the trend of the future) for HalfLife2 I am finishing the original game. The “expansion pack” (which is a stand-alone game) came out yesterday but due to a lack of time I’m behind on my games. Nonetheless, with two chapters remaining I can say with confidence that HL2 is a shinning star among games. The sci-fi atmosphere is slick and polished, the gameplay addicting, and the physics are so critical to the game that you feel as if you electrify the spatial relations centers of the brain by playing. Recently a team of researchers from the Midwest were awarded almost 600k for studying physics using the World of Warcraft engine. HalfLife2 certainly has something to add in this department (can you say Gravity Gun?). One has to be keenly aware of the environment as every object as a potential key for your advancement. The HL2 engine is smooth and the story supports solid character development and plot lines. The audio is unique and adds an important dimension to the game. As a matter of fact, without it you would miss instructions and key plot points. Technically, it runs flawlessly on my machine. I’m going to work until lunch and reward myself with a drive to GameStop to pick up HalfLife2: Episode I.

Note: You can read a review here. Check out the video review.