First person action at its finest!!! (Half-Life 2 (Xbox))

Member Name: MrTink12

Product:	Half-Life 2 (Xbox)
Date:	30/06/07 (119 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: non-stop action, great sound effects, the Gravity Gun

Disadvantages: does not look as good as PC version, loading screens

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This game is a science fiction first person shooter developed by Valve Software. The original Half Life was revolutionary due to its cinematic approach and gained millions of fans around the globe ensuring a sequel was inevitable. After countless delays Half Life 2 (HL2) was originally released on the PC in November 2004. Since then, an Xbox edition was released November 2005, and later this year Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 owners will have the chance to play this highly acclaimed game. Today we will be reviewing the Xbox version of HL2.


--------Storyline--------
Players once again control the hero of the original Half Life game, research scientist Gordon Freeman. The game takes place some years after the Black Mesa incident of the original game. HL2 begins with the strange G-Man putting Gordon on a train to City 17. Gamers will learn that an oppressive alien force known as The Combine has taken over the City. Gordon soon meets members of the underground resistance who are determined to oust The Combine. Unlike many games on the market today HL2 contains no cutscenes. Any story development occurs during the gameplay, generally when talking to other characters or by watching various TV screens. One aspect of the game I definitely appreciate is how Gordon never actually utters a word, and we never see his face. It adds great intrigue to the character.


--------Gameplay--------
One has the choice of three standard difficulty settings when starting a new game: easy, normal and hard. At any time you can save the game, an especially useful feature in any first person shooter I find. Alongside well placed periodic checkpoints this ensures that whenever your health meter hits zero you will not have to repeat huge sections of the game. The control system works really well on the Xbox because it is exceptionally responsive. As such it is clear that the developers put much time and effort into this area of the game. For example when players use the analog stick to aim, you really feel that your weapon is pointing exactly where you intended in this fast paced game. Some levels feature an airboat whilst others include a dune buggy. I am pleased to report that each vehicle is never frustrating to manoeuvre, and subsequently enhance the overall game experience.

The action is so frantic during many set pieces that I was literally jumping out of my seat when unexpected enemies tried to annihilate me. As such I think you could get away with stating that HL2 is a first person, survival horror game. At times it certainly was scarier than Resident Evil 4 in my honest opinion. What's more HL2 features some splendid weaponry. Gamers start off with a dependable crowbar but as the game progresses will get to use a shotgun, pulse rifle, submachine gun, grenades, rocket launcher and many others. Providing endless fun, the best weapon in the game has got to be the Gravity Gun (Zero-Point Energy Field Manipulator). Principally this weapon allows players to pick up numerous objects within the game environment and use them to your advantage. For example it can be used to solve some clever physics-based puzzles, and to throw explosive barrels, saw blades, or radiators at incoming enemies.

Many enemies will be encountered during the game, each providing a unique threat. For instance there are headcrabs, which might look small when crawling along the ground but can cause nasty damage when speedily jumping at Gordon. Furthermore there are terrifying zombies that used to be people until headcrabs took control of their body and turned them into super fast killing machines. Other enemies to look out for are gas mask wearing Combine soldiers, and the long-legged 50-foot tall striders who are exceptionally difficult to take down. Moreover enemy AI is high, which becomes apparent when they hide behind walls, hurl destructive objects such as grenades at you, and work as a team to attack. Thus the game should provide a substantial challenge to master. For most players HL2 should take between 15 to 17 hours to complete, not a short game by any stretch of the imagination.


--------Graphics, Sound and Music--------
Character models within the game look great. All the main characters you come across have their own distinctive appearance, as well as mouth moving in sync with the words they speak. Lighting effects in the game deserve a special mention. For instance when climbing stairs one can tell an enemy is approaching not only by the sounds they make but also by their shadow. Level locations in HL2 are wonderfully varied, including sewers, derelict buildings, beaches, a prison and so on. Thus by being well detailed each location certainly looks the part and the visuals never become repetitive.

The voice acting in the game is very impressive, helping to strengthen your interest in the story. Alyx Vance becomes a regular companion on your HL2 adventure, and Merle Dandridge the voice actress who plays her does so with much conviction. The G-Man is extraordinarily mysterious, and it must be stated that Michael Shapiro voices the character absolutely perfectly in a sinister manner. Music is rarely heard within HL2 but the techno tempo feels very appropriate during the few set pieces it is used. On the whole the sound effects are top notch. An illustration is when killing a Combine soldier you will hear his heart monitor flat-line, which sounds totally realistic. In additional, the stronger weapons truly sound like they are more powerful than the weaker options in your arsenal.


--------Critical comments--------
If you have previously played the game on a high specification PC (I have played the demo on a decent PC in the past), it will be painfully obvious that HL2 on the Xbox is graphically inferior by a long way. For example in places the game does suffer from something all gamers dread - slowdown. This is especially apparent during really intense battles involving many onscreen enemies, and occasionally after a new area has just loaded. Even when comparing the game visually against fellow Xbox first person shooters such as Chronicles of Riddick or Halo 2, HL2 does not match those games’ graphical power. Thankfully none of these graphically complaints are so horrific that they significantly upset the gameplay.

Later on in the game a squad will follow you, and hopefully help defeat enemy forces. Unfortunately these allies can sometimes obstruct your movement in confined spaces, which can be a slight nuisance. Additionally plenty of loading screens could become an annoyance as the game proceeds. This is because they break up the fantastic action and can last thirty seconds or so. It should also be noted that there are no multiplayer options or other unlockables to play once completing the game, which could dissuade a few from being interested in HL2 on the Xbox.


--------Final comments--------
To have released this game on the Xbox in the first place was a great achievement. This really is one of the finest first person shooters around and without any question I would recommend buying HL2. However if you have a high specification PC it might be best to buy the game for this system so as to experience gameplay and graphical bliss as well as multiplayer options. At the time of writing the Xbox version of HL2 can be purchased brand new for the very respectable £7.99 from game.co.uk, and a little cheaper second hand from ebay.


> My scores:
- Gameplay: 9.5/10 – in all respects HL2 is an exceptional game to play. The levels are beautifully designed, the enemies smart, and the action is ferocious from start to finish.

- Graphics: 8/10 – visually the game is by no means perfect, but it is a delight witnessing the glorious character models and diverse environments.

- Sound: 9/10 – scores highly due to magnificent sound effects, sensational voice acting work which brings the characters to life, and when the music plays you crave to hear more.

- Storyline: 8/10 – overall very interesting because of the apocalyptic setting, fascinating characters throughout the adventure, and marvellous dialogue.

- Longevity: 8/10 – having completed the game there are no additional modes to unlock. Nonetheless finishing the game in the fist place is an immense pleasure, and you are most likely to want to play all the levels again due to their brilliance.

Final score: 8.8 out of ten



Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed

Summary: Sensational first person shooter!!!