Moving on to the episodes, since I've never really played those yet. I'll just list the things I like and dislike about this game.
Pros:
- The game just oozes atmosphere. Everywhere you go in the game, you feel the weight of this post-apocalyptic world bearing down on you, and the air seems thick with dissent and suffering as humanity is cast as a second-class citizen.
- The art and level design are still top notch. Nothing is too difficult to navigate, and everything is pleasant to look at. Special mention to Ravenholm and its use of both standard weaponry and traps in order to navigate the level.
- Alyx Vance is one awesome AI companion. She doesn't get in the way, and she's always ready to help you kick some ass. Plus, she's the only character I actually like or remember.
- The gameplay is still functional, even if it still isn't the best (I don't think it ever was though). The weapon variety is great, and they all work really well.
- The chapter where you control ant-lion minions across the desert to rip apart Combine soldiers was too freaking awesome.
Cons:
- The events of the story, while having an interesting setup, are lost in vague sentences and too-subtle environmental cues. While it's a good storytelling method for games, I don't feel it was utilized well in this game, especially with cliched characters and villains.
- Deceptively linear level design. Why go through all the trouble of allowing you to find hidden rooms and travel open deserts if all you're going to reward me with is extra ammo or yet another empty room that serves no purpose other than not making an architect cry?
- Gordon Freeman. Why, if everyone is going to talk to him and mention events, must he always remain silent? If it was for immersion purposes, then why even bother giving him a backstory as a physicist (which very few people are) and an iconic appearance?
- The gravity gun, while fun when just goofing around, has some of the most gimmicky physics-based puzzles I've ever seen. Yes Valve, we know you have your own physics engine. Stop shoving it in my face, please.
- The vehicles in this game control like a lost helium balloon sliding across an icy lake, and turn like they're trying to push a rhino with their ass.
- The AI in this game has got to be some of the most idiotic AI ever. They run into the open, run towards walls, and sometimes they just stay still waiting for someone to get close enough to die. I know AI wasn't all that sophisticated back in 2004, but I know it could've been better than that.
I don't think Half-Life 2 is a terrible game by any means. I enjoyed the time I spent playing it, and I would replay it again one of these days. I just don't think it should be placed on a pedestal as the "greatest game in the universe" or so many people would have you believe. It's a competent shooter with an interesting story...and that's about it.
Hopefully Episodes One and Two improve the experience somehow.
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