Half Life 2

PC

Valve - 2004

By request of Lizstar, here is a computer game review.

This is another game that has been reviewed by many, many other people, but there are a new few points I would like to make, so I will try to make this short.

I hate hype.

It is far too associated with false hope in my mind. I have simply played far too many over-hyped games that were a let down. Half Life 2 has a lot of hype. It is not the alpha and omega of computer games. But it is still pretty damn good. I have played it all the way through. After I beat the game I almost immediately started playing again, and I have never done that before.

What makes this game unique is the incredible graphics, the incredible physics, and great level design. Some of the graphics in this game are staggeringly realistic. The water affects alone are amazing. But every new game always has graphics that are better than we have ever seen, and while impressive, they are not what I like the most about this game. What sets Half Life out from the rest is the combination of the Physics AND level design. If you have read ANYTHING about this game you know that it uses the “Source” engine, which allows you to pick up and /or move practically EVERYTHING. In fact I think one of the widely accepted favorite places in the game is where you are given a room full of propane tanks, saw blades, and a “Gravity Gun” that can levitate and shoot thing at a high velocity. You are then given a lot of zombies…

(Pauses to laugh maliciously)

But this is not the first game to have objects have could be moved. This is where the level design comes in and where I would personally like to tip my hat to the programmers. The levels are designed so that you can, and in some places must, USE the game physics. Unlike other games where you might be able to pick up a pillow on a bed, or throw a can to distract a guard, in Half Life 2 I could pick up a wheelbarrow, use it as a shield, and then throw it at an enemy. If someone throws a grenade at me, I can pick it up and throw it back. If I want to go some place too high to jump, I can grab a table and use it as a ramp. If I throw a metal barrel into the water, it will sink, but I can use a wooden pallet as a raft. Hell, if I throw a metal barrel it will BOUNCE differently than the wooden pallet. I found it strangely hard getting use to a world that I could affect things in.

Head crabs, huh? Why don't you just wash them out? Get a lather going. Great game huh? Yes, but it is not perfect. Like the first Half Life, the plot is very linear, and vague, (which I think might be partially for the realism, since the main character is thrust into the situation without much explanation.) And then there’s my least favorite thing, which really as nothing to do with the game itself, Steam. This has gotten glossed over in a lot of other reviews and on the box itself. If you look at the requirements it says that an internet connection is required. What they don’t tell you is that you must install a program called Steam to play the game. This program goes out and checks if you can play the game you already paid for, EVERY TIME YOU START IT. Valve wants to make sure you are not infringing on their rights by invading your privacy. It offers other services like direct patches, and the ability to purchase software directly, but it is obvious it’s main function is to Big Brother your ass. And if they tried it on any other game, I don’t think that would have gotten away with it.

What I liked: Graphics + Physics + Level design = Great game

What I disliked: Having to ask Valve’s permission every time I wanted to play the game I paid for. The game might have been a bit short as well, but then I don’t think this game could ever be long enough. Oh, and Counter-Strike Source, which comes with the game, is the EXACT same game as the original CS, only better graphics. At least give us some new weapons or maps, or something!! Come on!!

What to Expect: A great FPS.

What not to Expect: The end all, be all of games. (Though I do think it better than RE4, yea you heard me Hawke!) Or an ending that explains everything. Or anything, for that matter.

What's so different from this and other games of it's genre: The combination of game physics and level design that creates new types of problems and ways to solve them.

Ratings on:

Control: 9 – Keyboard configurable, my only problem was, while you could lift object, you could not turn it, which made things difficult at times, especially when stacking stuff.

Graphics: 10 – Some of the visuals are truly amazing. Most of the game is in a decrepit city, and it STILL looks beautiful.

Sound: 8 – There are some cool effects like if an explosion happened too close to you the game would simulate your ears ringing.

Style: 9 – Again, all the graphics, physics and level design. No doubt time consuming, but with a fanatic result.

30 minutes: Don’t forget to play on the playground, or throw stuff and the C.P.s!

3rd hour: I am in an airboat going down storm canals, and this part is sooo stolen from action movies, but it is awesome seeing it in first person view.

2nd week: Jaaaaiiiiilll Break!

3rd week: oh man, over already? well lets just start it again.

#1 reason why I can’t hate this Game: Now I have to wait ANOTHER 7 years to find out what the hell is going on!!!

By Banthor, the Ant Loin King.

The following is a transcript of a conversation between me and my wife at around 2:30 in the morning.

Mrs. Banthor – “dear, it’s late, come to bed”

Banthor – “But, I am the Ant Loin King!!!”

Mrs. Banthor – “That’s nice dear, come on,”

Banthor – “No watch, GO my pretties, KILL!”

Mrs. Banthor – “Dear, Bed, now.”

Banthor – “But, but, they obey my will!”