Mouseover to zoom or click to enlarge
Half-Life 2
- ESRB Descriptor: Blood and Gore Intense Violence
- ESRB Rating: M - (Mature)
- Publisher: Vivendi Universal
- Genre: Shooter / FPS
- Game Series: Half Life
- Overview
-
Reviews
- Compare Prices
User ReviewRead All Reviews »
592
Look! I'm actually playing!
Pros
Great storyline, immersive, great graphics and physics
Cons
Still somewhat generic feeling, imprecise control
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
Great single player FPS with a storyline that keeps you entertained. Keep a barf bag close, though.
Half Life 2 - what can I say? It was an experience in installing, activating, and downloading all on its own. And this is before the Valve logo against a black background loaded up!
Valve chose an interesting way of distributing games. Although part of me like the concept - download games, no CDs to worry about - if you loose the CD, you can still download it again! But you still pay about the same price as the retail packaging, and no disc. Either way, you don't want to loose that CD key, or you're screwed. Same goes for that username and password you created for Steam as your login. Loose that, and you're out of luck.
Downloading was another ordeal, as the game was about 4GB in size (about the size of a DVD). Even on a 1.5Mbit ADSL connection, it took a full 24 hour day to complete the download. I can't imagine what dial-up users would have to do! I guess it's the retail package or bust for them (which is unfair, because you get much more on the online version).
I guess we should look at it this way - it's just like having UPS deliver it to your house - only with half the wait time. *sigh* Whatever makes us sane, I guess - or to make the wait a little more bearable. :)
Packages
Standard Retail Package - $54.99
In the retail package (standard), you get Half Life 2, and Counter Strike Source (which is Counter Strike remade with the Source engine - the HL2 engine). From what I heard, there were many complaints of the CDs that do not look like it was professionally pressed, and there were no manuals - just a little "Get Started" card. Just as well, the CD covers were just cheap white paper envelopes. Everyone (game forums) agree that their money was better off spent on the online version, where they also get the entire "back catalog" of games (older games that included the original Half Life, Counterstrike, etc - see below).
The "Get Started" card can be downloaded in PDF format here: http://www.half-life2.com/manual/HL2_quickrefcard.pdf
There are three different boxes - one of Gordon Freeman, Alyx, and the G-man (your rival/partner?)
Collector's Edition Retail Package - $79.99
There is also a Collector's Edition has everything that the Standard Retail package have, plus a T-Shirt, as well as a strategy guide (which is not complete - they want you to purchase the full thing, and the bundled one is just to whet your appetite). Lastly, it also includes Half Life Source, which is the original Half Life made with the new Source engine. Of course, many users complained that it is nothing like Counter Strike Source - the models were not redone, nor was the textures. Only a few effects (such as water and explosions) were redone.
Steam Bronze Package - $49.95
Steam (as stated before) is Valve's new way of distributing games now. Since there is no physical packaging, it should be much cheaper, right? Well... how about five bucks cheaper? Ugh. Granted, no one will want this package - it is exactly the same as the Standard Retail Package, just without the CDs or the flimsy "Get Started" Quick Reference card - which you can download and print out anyways. Five bucks more and you could get it online - sometimes free shipping - and you get the box and the physical CDs. But wait! Why do that, if you can spend $10 more on the Silver Package?
Steam Silver Package - $59.95
This package makes the most sense. Not only does it come with everything that the Bronze Package has (which is not a lot), but it adds Day of Defeat: Source, and all of Valve's back catalog games (all their old previous released games such as Half Life, Day of Defeat, etc.). For just $10 more, you get a huge collection of games at your disposal! But that means more games to download, and more time it takes to get them. At least you can start playing HL2 once it is done, and have the other games download in the background.
Steam Gold Package - $89.95
This package is up for debate whether it is worth getting or not. It is $10 more than the retail Collector's Edition, but it certainly offers more, too. But you still do not get the physical discs, so it defeats the purpose of having a collector set like this. It does, however, come with a collector box to hold your DVD burns of the game itself. :) Here's what else you get besides the Silver Package:
-Complete Strategy Guide from Prima Games
-3 different Half-Life 2 posters
-Half-Life 2 hat
-Half-Life 2 postcard
-Half-Life 2 stickers
-Half-Life 2 Soundtrack CD
-Chance to win a trip to Valve! (1 trip offered for every 5000 Gold packages purchased)
So if you are into posters, then great! And finally, you get a FULL copy of the Prima strategy guide, and not just a sampler. The Soundtrack CD may also entice real fans of the series. Because of these items, you will have to pay for shipping and handling as well on top of the $89.95 charge.
The Game Itself
Okay, let??€™s go on with the game. Upon loading it up, there is a good amount of load time (even for my system - a P4 3.2 GHz with 1GB of RAM, 2x 36GB Raptors RAID-0, and an ATI 9800 Pro). When the menu comes up (you can go thru system settings, but lets get on with the game, yes?), you select New Game, and you will get going.
You are then greeted with the first amazing Source-engine effect - realistic facial expressions, as the Gman gets up in your face. It's a dream sequence - he is telling you to get up and smell the ashes. Once you get out of that daze, you find yourself on a train (just like in the original Half Life), only that you are now heading to City 17 with 2 other inmates (so it seems).
You pretty much wind thru and try not to anger any of the guards (which you will later find out are called the Combine soldiers). You are pretty much in a very policed-state city. Someone plays over the large monitors and speakers above, brain-washing people, and to comfort them that what they are doing is a good thing.
And you, Dr. Freeman, is going to find rebels to help you get out, and fix this whole mess!
Graphics
The graphics are awesome, to say the least. The facial expressions are shocking - even after watching countless videos from E3 and other tidbits. Why? Because when it is playing out in front of your eyes, you realize that it's your own video card rendering this, and NOT a pre-recorded pre-rendering. Indoors are a bit drab, as textures start to look alike. The outdoors is where your jaws will drop, with the seemingly amazing "go anywhere, do anything" kind of freedom feel you will get. The bright sun and the beautiful outdoor lighting hitting those buildings, cars, and - yes - rusted canisters and reservoirs. But what is now amazing is that everyone (every character in the game) looks different - unlike the first Half Life. And everyone seems to have their own personality and voices. Too bad this time around, you can't shoot or hurt them yourself. :)
Some of the effects, such as water, heat vapors, and explosions are stunning. Organic beings, such as humans, aliens, etc. - all were rendered with much realism, as if they were soft to the touch if you were able to touch them. The crates, barrels, and supply boxes all look generic, however. But at least when they break, they look a little more realistic. So much so that you can grab the pieces you just broke off and toss it at someone.
Sound
The soundtrack is greatly integrated into the game to make it feel more like a movie. Most of the time, there is no music at all. Only at turning points (such as when you get into your suit for the first... uhm... make that 2nd... time) would music start to play.
Then there is what I call chatter - it makes the game that much more realistic. From the sounds of the Combine yelling orders at the inmates, to warnings coming from the overhead speakers, to the way the brain-washing audio/video being broadcasted to televisions and the train station's "welcome" screen. There are random chatters as well between the Combine and the inmates themselves - talk of daily worries and of that "Seinfeld" nothingness. And it seems real enough as it doesn't seem to repeat. You do find yourself using the "closed captioning" option in the Option Menu so you won't miss what you are suppose to hear versus the random chatter. Of course, part of this game play is that you ARE Freeman, so you MUST pay attention to what you are suppose to pay attention to, and not just wander off to what the hell the others are saying.
Explosions do not sound as convincing as most games, but it does it's job. It's definitely not earth-shattering. In fact, most explosions just sound like a large loud POP! Materials sound very generic - shooting at (or hitting) metals sound the same no matter what and where you hit it, and cracking wood sounds very much the same.
Voice acting, though, is spectacular. You'd swear you're in a movie. The dialog flows very well (except for you - you don't speak a word at all). The voice acting do give the characters their (ahem) character. They are very much human, or so you will feel.
Control
As with the first Half Life, this game doesn't seem as refined when it comes to control. Digital inputs just don't cut it. The mouse to aim certainly helps, but I feel like Gordon just have only one speed when it comes to walking/running. The hazard suit certainly allows him to sprint a bit faster for a while, but sometimes, I find the normal "walk" or "run" speed to be too fast for fine-tune controlling (such as to position himself in a good spot so he won't get shot, or to move certain items around). I find that crouching will help position him better. Although I like the fact that Valve gave Freeman the ability to jump/duck (jump into a pipe, then duck to fit in), or duck/jump (to jump higher than normal), it isn't very exact, and can sometimes foul you up when you need those abilities the most. This makes certain parts of the game very frustrating.
I also find that controlling vehicles the same way, such as the water craft. "In-exact" is the word(s) I will use to describe the controls for this game. However, I must admit that it doesn't take out ALL of the fun.
With that in mind, your basic WASD buttons are used for moving forward, backwards, and strafing left and right. The mouse you use to look and aim. "E" is used as an action key - opening doors, picking and dropping things, etc. "R" is used to reload your weapon. "CTRL" is used to crouch, while the spacebar makes Dr. Freeman jump. The shift key is used to make you sprint for a limited time. Gordon runs much faster while using limited energy supply from the HEV suit. Of course, the energy will recharge itself if you stop sprinting.
At the beginning of the game, the game will instruct you on how to move about and get you acquainted with the controls. I find that perfect way to learn, since most will just want to jump right in and play, and find the new info to be useful. Who reads the manual anyways? Especially when one doesn't exist...
Game Play
Overall, Half Life 2 is a first person shooter that is very much a puzzle game. You must keep your eyes peeled for everything and anything that may be clues on how to get you out of a situation and keep moving forward. Find yourself stuck? Look up - maybe there are platforms. Well if there are, there may be ways of getting up there (find ladders, elevators, etc).
Some of the interesting ways of getting you to think are ramps that don??€™t seem to go anywhere. You then find out that you have to place heavy objects (barrels, bricks, etc) on the other end of the platform (think seesaw!) so that you are able to tip it and use it to reach a door, a drain pipe, etc.
Another unique way they use the physics engine to keep you guessing was using buoyancy. Buoyancy (or things that float) allows you to pick things up and swim to the bottom of the platform, and let the empty plastic canister float to the top, pushing the platform higher and higher with more buoyancy. This allows Dr. Freeman to use the platform to reach another platform that may be otherwise too high to get on.
Then there are weapons. I like they way they start you off with the same old crowbar first. It made you feel like you can still take on anything. When you first get your automatic pistol, you instantly feel like a god! A couple of rounds would kill off the Combine soldiers, who were also packing the same thing. You will then encounter a sub machine gun, which makes you feel inadequate carrying that old auto pistol around. And so on, and so on. You will then find pros and cons for each weapon, and be glad that someone threw you a shotgun for a part of the area with fast-moving enemies that come right at you!
You definitely have to look around in the game. Sometimes, to open something, you must break something so small, it didn't seem like it had anything to do with anything! For example, a gate that would not open - if you look around, you see that a thin cable is holding on to a ton of lumbar. What is that cable connected to? Follow it, and you will find the source - the reel of cables. RELEASE IT, and you will find that the bundle of lumber will come crashing down onto the gates, opening it up for you to walk on through.
I'll admit - I was stuck on Half Life very early on, and gave up. After starting up this game (and finally figure out how the game play works), I am ready to play the original Half Life with the same gusto I have for this game.
Overall
There is no multiplayer game in Half Life 2. However Counter Strike: Source is included for that. I still think that is not enough, as it really should be Half Life-themed to make me happy. It is, however, a great single player game, and I have yet to finish it. Many have said the game play is too short. Well, for those who received a copy for free via ATI's bundle, I say you should feel good that you didn't pay for it. :)
I have yet to finish it myself, so I still feel that it is left pretty wide open for me. I couldn't play straight through anyways, as I get motion sickness every 10-15 minutes into the game. I take many breaks, so the game will last a while for me. Many have also complained of this as well, while there are others who are numb to it.
I don't believe it is worth the $54.99 that Valve asks for, as it is a game that doesn't seem to hold much replay value. This is, of course, unless Valve updates the game (for free) to have multi player support (death match, capture the flag, or a coop mode), I would say it's worth it - for free. Thank you, ATI. :)
UPDATE: Valve did it! They updated the game with multiplayer - for free! The Steam client will give you the option to download this add-on. So far, I haven't touched HL2 in a while. I would like to give this new part of the game a go. Well... let me finish the game, first. :)
Valve chose an interesting way of distributing games. Although part of me like the concept - download games, no CDs to worry about - if you loose the CD, you can still download it again! But you still pay about the same price as the retail packaging, and no disc. Either way, you don't want to loose that CD key, or you're screwed. Same goes for that username and password you created for Steam as your login. Loose that, and you're out of luck.
Downloading was another ordeal, as the game was about 4GB in size (about the size of a DVD). Even on a 1.5Mbit ADSL connection, it took a full 24 hour day to complete the download. I can't imagine what dial-up users would have to do! I guess it's the retail package or bust for them (which is unfair, because you get much more on the online version).
I guess we should look at it this way - it's just like having UPS deliver it to your house - only with half the wait time. *sigh* Whatever makes us sane, I guess - or to make the wait a little more bearable. :)
Packages
Standard Retail Package - $54.99
In the retail package (standard), you get Half Life 2, and Counter Strike Source (which is Counter Strike remade with the Source engine - the HL2 engine). From what I heard, there were many complaints of the CDs that do not look like it was professionally pressed, and there were no manuals - just a little "Get Started" card. Just as well, the CD covers were just cheap white paper envelopes. Everyone (game forums) agree that their money was better off spent on the online version, where they also get the entire "back catalog" of games (older games that included the original Half Life, Counterstrike, etc - see below).
The "Get Started" card can be downloaded in PDF format here: http://www.half-life2.com/manual/HL2_quickrefcard.pdf
There are three different boxes - one of Gordon Freeman, Alyx, and the G-man (your rival/partner?)
Collector's Edition Retail Package - $79.99
There is also a Collector's Edition has everything that the Standard Retail package have, plus a T-Shirt, as well as a strategy guide (which is not complete - they want you to purchase the full thing, and the bundled one is just to whet your appetite). Lastly, it also includes Half Life Source, which is the original Half Life made with the new Source engine. Of course, many users complained that it is nothing like Counter Strike Source - the models were not redone, nor was the textures. Only a few effects (such as water and explosions) were redone.
Steam Bronze Package - $49.95
Steam (as stated before) is Valve's new way of distributing games now. Since there is no physical packaging, it should be much cheaper, right? Well... how about five bucks cheaper? Ugh. Granted, no one will want this package - it is exactly the same as the Standard Retail Package, just without the CDs or the flimsy "Get Started" Quick Reference card - which you can download and print out anyways. Five bucks more and you could get it online - sometimes free shipping - and you get the box and the physical CDs. But wait! Why do that, if you can spend $10 more on the Silver Package?
Steam Silver Package - $59.95
This package makes the most sense. Not only does it come with everything that the Bronze Package has (which is not a lot), but it adds Day of Defeat: Source, and all of Valve's back catalog games (all their old previous released games such as Half Life, Day of Defeat, etc.). For just $10 more, you get a huge collection of games at your disposal! But that means more games to download, and more time it takes to get them. At least you can start playing HL2 once it is done, and have the other games download in the background.
Steam Gold Package - $89.95
This package is up for debate whether it is worth getting or not. It is $10 more than the retail Collector's Edition, but it certainly offers more, too. But you still do not get the physical discs, so it defeats the purpose of having a collector set like this. It does, however, come with a collector box to hold your DVD burns of the game itself. :) Here's what else you get besides the Silver Package:
-Complete Strategy Guide from Prima Games
-3 different Half-Life 2 posters
-Half-Life 2 hat
-Half-Life 2 postcard
-Half-Life 2 stickers
-Half-Life 2 Soundtrack CD
-Chance to win a trip to Valve! (1 trip offered for every 5000 Gold packages purchased)
So if you are into posters, then great! And finally, you get a FULL copy of the Prima strategy guide, and not just a sampler. The Soundtrack CD may also entice real fans of the series. Because of these items, you will have to pay for shipping and handling as well on top of the $89.95 charge.
The Game Itself
Okay, let??€™s go on with the game. Upon loading it up, there is a good amount of load time (even for my system - a P4 3.2 GHz with 1GB of RAM, 2x 36GB Raptors RAID-0, and an ATI 9800 Pro). When the menu comes up (you can go thru system settings, but lets get on with the game, yes?), you select New Game, and you will get going.
You are then greeted with the first amazing Source-engine effect - realistic facial expressions, as the Gman gets up in your face. It's a dream sequence - he is telling you to get up and smell the ashes. Once you get out of that daze, you find yourself on a train (just like in the original Half Life), only that you are now heading to City 17 with 2 other inmates (so it seems).
You pretty much wind thru and try not to anger any of the guards (which you will later find out are called the Combine soldiers). You are pretty much in a very policed-state city. Someone plays over the large monitors and speakers above, brain-washing people, and to comfort them that what they are doing is a good thing.
And you, Dr. Freeman, is going to find rebels to help you get out, and fix this whole mess!
Graphics
The graphics are awesome, to say the least. The facial expressions are shocking - even after watching countless videos from E3 and other tidbits. Why? Because when it is playing out in front of your eyes, you realize that it's your own video card rendering this, and NOT a pre-recorded pre-rendering. Indoors are a bit drab, as textures start to look alike. The outdoors is where your jaws will drop, with the seemingly amazing "go anywhere, do anything" kind of freedom feel you will get. The bright sun and the beautiful outdoor lighting hitting those buildings, cars, and - yes - rusted canisters and reservoirs. But what is now amazing is that everyone (every character in the game) looks different - unlike the first Half Life. And everyone seems to have their own personality and voices. Too bad this time around, you can't shoot or hurt them yourself. :)
Some of the effects, such as water, heat vapors, and explosions are stunning. Organic beings, such as humans, aliens, etc. - all were rendered with much realism, as if they were soft to the touch if you were able to touch them. The crates, barrels, and supply boxes all look generic, however. But at least when they break, they look a little more realistic. So much so that you can grab the pieces you just broke off and toss it at someone.
Sound
The soundtrack is greatly integrated into the game to make it feel more like a movie. Most of the time, there is no music at all. Only at turning points (such as when you get into your suit for the first... uhm... make that 2nd... time) would music start to play.
Then there is what I call chatter - it makes the game that much more realistic. From the sounds of the Combine yelling orders at the inmates, to warnings coming from the overhead speakers, to the way the brain-washing audio/video being broadcasted to televisions and the train station's "welcome" screen. There are random chatters as well between the Combine and the inmates themselves - talk of daily worries and of that "Seinfeld" nothingness. And it seems real enough as it doesn't seem to repeat. You do find yourself using the "closed captioning" option in the Option Menu so you won't miss what you are suppose to hear versus the random chatter. Of course, part of this game play is that you ARE Freeman, so you MUST pay attention to what you are suppose to pay attention to, and not just wander off to what the hell the others are saying.
Explosions do not sound as convincing as most games, but it does it's job. It's definitely not earth-shattering. In fact, most explosions just sound like a large loud POP! Materials sound very generic - shooting at (or hitting) metals sound the same no matter what and where you hit it, and cracking wood sounds very much the same.
Voice acting, though, is spectacular. You'd swear you're in a movie. The dialog flows very well (except for you - you don't speak a word at all). The voice acting do give the characters their (ahem) character. They are very much human, or so you will feel.
Control
As with the first Half Life, this game doesn't seem as refined when it comes to control. Digital inputs just don't cut it. The mouse to aim certainly helps, but I feel like Gordon just have only one speed when it comes to walking/running. The hazard suit certainly allows him to sprint a bit faster for a while, but sometimes, I find the normal "walk" or "run" speed to be too fast for fine-tune controlling (such as to position himself in a good spot so he won't get shot, or to move certain items around). I find that crouching will help position him better. Although I like the fact that Valve gave Freeman the ability to jump/duck (jump into a pipe, then duck to fit in), or duck/jump (to jump higher than normal), it isn't very exact, and can sometimes foul you up when you need those abilities the most. This makes certain parts of the game very frustrating.
I also find that controlling vehicles the same way, such as the water craft. "In-exact" is the word(s) I will use to describe the controls for this game. However, I must admit that it doesn't take out ALL of the fun.
With that in mind, your basic WASD buttons are used for moving forward, backwards, and strafing left and right. The mouse you use to look and aim. "E" is used as an action key - opening doors, picking and dropping things, etc. "R" is used to reload your weapon. "CTRL" is used to crouch, while the spacebar makes Dr. Freeman jump. The shift key is used to make you sprint for a limited time. Gordon runs much faster while using limited energy supply from the HEV suit. Of course, the energy will recharge itself if you stop sprinting.
At the beginning of the game, the game will instruct you on how to move about and get you acquainted with the controls. I find that perfect way to learn, since most will just want to jump right in and play, and find the new info to be useful. Who reads the manual anyways? Especially when one doesn't exist...
Game Play
Overall, Half Life 2 is a first person shooter that is very much a puzzle game. You must keep your eyes peeled for everything and anything that may be clues on how to get you out of a situation and keep moving forward. Find yourself stuck? Look up - maybe there are platforms. Well if there are, there may be ways of getting up there (find ladders, elevators, etc).
Some of the interesting ways of getting you to think are ramps that don??€™t seem to go anywhere. You then find out that you have to place heavy objects (barrels, bricks, etc) on the other end of the platform (think seesaw!) so that you are able to tip it and use it to reach a door, a drain pipe, etc.
Another unique way they use the physics engine to keep you guessing was using buoyancy. Buoyancy (or things that float) allows you to pick things up and swim to the bottom of the platform, and let the empty plastic canister float to the top, pushing the platform higher and higher with more buoyancy. This allows Dr. Freeman to use the platform to reach another platform that may be otherwise too high to get on.
Then there are weapons. I like they way they start you off with the same old crowbar first. It made you feel like you can still take on anything. When you first get your automatic pistol, you instantly feel like a god! A couple of rounds would kill off the Combine soldiers, who were also packing the same thing. You will then encounter a sub machine gun, which makes you feel inadequate carrying that old auto pistol around. And so on, and so on. You will then find pros and cons for each weapon, and be glad that someone threw you a shotgun for a part of the area with fast-moving enemies that come right at you!
You definitely have to look around in the game. Sometimes, to open something, you must break something so small, it didn't seem like it had anything to do with anything! For example, a gate that would not open - if you look around, you see that a thin cable is holding on to a ton of lumbar. What is that cable connected to? Follow it, and you will find the source - the reel of cables. RELEASE IT, and you will find that the bundle of lumber will come crashing down onto the gates, opening it up for you to walk on through.
I'll admit - I was stuck on Half Life very early on, and gave up. After starting up this game (and finally figure out how the game play works), I am ready to play the original Half Life with the same gusto I have for this game.
Overall
There is no multiplayer game in Half Life 2. However Counter Strike: Source is included for that. I still think that is not enough, as it really should be Half Life-themed to make me happy. It is, however, a great single player game, and I have yet to finish it. Many have said the game play is too short. Well, for those who received a copy for free via ATI's bundle, I say you should feel good that you didn't pay for it. :)
I have yet to finish it myself, so I still feel that it is left pretty wide open for me. I couldn't play straight through anyways, as I get motion sickness every 10-15 minutes into the game. I take many breaks, so the game will last a while for me. Many have also complained of this as well, while there are others who are numb to it.
I don't believe it is worth the $54.99 that Valve asks for, as it is a game that doesn't seem to hold much replay value. This is, of course, unless Valve updates the game (for free) to have multi player support (death match, capture the flag, or a coop mode), I would say it's worth it - for free. Thank you, ATI. :)
UPDATE: Valve did it! They updated the game with multiplayer - for free! The Steam client will give you the option to download this add-on. So far, I haven't touched HL2 in a while. I would like to give this new part of the game a go. Well... let me finish the game, first. :)
