Half-Life 2: Episode 1

[Queeaqueg]

Wow, wonder where they got such an original title.....

Anyway, this was expected. Half Life had its follow on(accept that was a different character). Dr Gordon Freeman is still fighting the nasty Combine

Spoiler

Even though their Leader Breen has disappeared

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The story takes off right after you blow the Dark Energy Reactor

You still have to fight the Combine with Alyx and Dog. The game looks good.

[The Laughing Man]

just downloaded that the other day....somehow Steam makes me uncomfortable, in that I don't get an actual disk in my hand to keep, and without internet access I don't think you can even play it...other than that, I'm still having Godfather withdrawals and can't get into it right now. i hate getting used to a "style" of gameplay, then having to "retrain" myself everytime a new game comes out....part of the process to make the game last longer I guess, but it's still a bitch sometimes. same thing with the game Gun, (which I bought just for the cool deck of playing cards you get with the bonus pack, same with Hitman:Bloodmoney, nice collectibles, heh. I think they found my new weakspot, I will buy a game just to get the dam trinkets now..... ), I can't get used to the gameplay and keep quitting the game all pissed off.

[Loredoctor]

I played it for a minute then my pc died.

[Worm of Despite]

Teamwork with Alyx was interesting and non-obtrusive, and the scripted sequences and sheer gameplay were far more refined than Half-Life 2. The writing was as sharp as ever; Alyx had some great jokes and one-liners. The story kept me engaged like few shooters do; Valve wisely dropped enough hints to lead you along but kept the great questions unanswered. Only problem was shortness--4 to 6 hours at best.

On the bright side, episodic content means that we won't have to wait as long for more Half-Life. Episode 2 is planned for release late this year. Will probably get delayed, but even a year between the next episode is better than six years for Half-Life 3.

There were some great moments of action, but I won't spoil them. Will only say that at times I felt that old adrenaline rush that single player games used to give me. Last time I remember feeling it was as a kid playing Super Mario World.

[Queeaqueg]

It is strange but not surprising why Half Life is always so successful. Great enemies(Striders and Combine Gunships are the best), levels are beautiful and tense, story is gripping. The only other games taht do that is Final Fantasy 7 and Dues Ex.

[Loredoctor]

Best Ending to a game, ever.

[Worm of Despite]

Yah, definitely! I'm replaying the game at the moment, with the commentary on. Some of the scripted sequences were among my favorite in the entire series, especially:

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The beginning, when Dog throws the van you're in into the Citadel. The van safely lands--and then abruptly plummets through the inner-workings of the citadel. Very visceral.

Some of the set pieces were just mesmerizing, though. The lighting, the clutter, the chaos, etc. Can't wait to see where Episode 2 will take us.

[Loredoctor]

They've just confirmed that Episode IV is being made - independently.

[Worm of Despite]

Are you kidding?! Valve not making Episode IV?! Better be somebody good. Gearbox made at least one respectable Half-Life expansion: Opposing Force.

[Esmer]

they better not mess it up.....the world will not be forgiving, and they won't make a penny, people only steal crappy games....

[Queeaqueg]

Hmmm, it would be interesting to see where the stories goes. Hopefully hen it gets that far, the stroy doesn't become lame or silly.

Here is a pic from Episode 2.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/ ... trider.jpg

I have also just noticed that he above poster, Father Grigori is one of the characters from Half Life 2... the weird guy Ravenholm I believe