Greatest gaming sequel of all time? (Half-Life 2 (PC))

Member Name: shaneo632

Product:	Half-Life 2 (PC)
Date:	05/09/09 (5 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Stunning graphics, plot and gameplay

Disadvantages: None

The original Half Life was an incredibly revolutionary FPS game, boasting superb visuals and a crackling sci-fi plot - the long-awaited sequel somehow manages to live up to the impossibly high expectations, taking the mess of the first game out into the real world, as nerdy action hero Gordon Freeman attempts to survive yet another harsh outing against not only alien monsters, but also the alien force known as the Combine, who have enslaved humanity and run them into slum-style camps.

Gameplay-wise, the game doesn't change something that wasn't broken - it merely introduces a few new features (such as the ability to drive vehicles), enhances the graphics greatly, and also throws a bunch of new weapons your way (chiefly the gravity gun - a superb weapon that allows you to throw items at your enemies, and later in the game, to even throw the baddies themselves!).

The game also delivers the same compelling plot as the original game - leaving where the first game left off, with Gordon being confronted by the G-Man and being offered a position working him, or being threatened with death, Freeman decides to conform and is currently in the slum that is City 17. However, soon enough he becomes involved with the resistance, which has him meeting Alyx Vance, a feisty young woman who is trying to bring the Combine down and win her freedom. Soon enough, you're on the run, and will have to contend with the seemingly endless combine forces if you want to both survive and win your freedom.

The game is extremely smart and has some wonderfully engineered set pieces - it also has a lot more variety than the first game, such as the superb Ravenholme level, which is more like a zombie game than a sci-fi FPS. Also, the balancing of racing, action and puzzle elements is very strong, and the game gives you your money's worth for sure - there's a good 15 hours of gameplay here to be had.

With incredible graphics that are very well optimised for lower end systems, Half Life 2 not only ensures that most people can enjoy it, but that fans will be satisfied with new plot developments, gameplay mechanics, and some scintilating set pieces throughout. Stunning, and one of the greatest gaming sequels ever.

Summary: A massive achievement