*****HOOPSTAR789's REVIEW ON HALF-LIFE 2 LOST COAST*****
1. GRAPHICS- This game has the best original Source graphics next to Day of Defeat Source, this game is the first game to feature Valve's famous HDR and bloom effects. The character models are set to perfection, but the true star to the visuals is the environment. The water looks top notch, the moss on the hill looks real, and even the "SUN BLIND EFFECT" is top notch. The Rim shine for the weapons and metallic objects have been far increased since the original release of Half-Life 2. That said this game is a treat to look at and that If you wanna game to see if your video card is good or not, play this game to the max to find out.
2. GAMEPLAY- Half-Life 1 and 2 are known for having some of the best keys on a keyboard, I will tell you that over the last 10 years, Valve has continued to use the same keys and I will say that it doesn't get better than this. The gameplay is some of the best in a video game. The gun play is solid and the enemy A.I. plays smart. The A.I. will fire and flank while your pinned down and if you don;t react quickly enough, you will find your heart monitor beeping until it stops, but don't worry, this is only for the higher difficulties. That said and done, Half-Life was always know for having the best gameplay ever, and believe me when I say this, this is a true "HALO KILLER". No matter how hard Bungie tries to make another Halo, it will never match the greatness of Half Life.
3. STORY- This game features a bonus chapter in Half-Life 2 that was named "Lost Coast" but was removed for certain reasons. The game has a interesting plot as Gordon Freeman must stop the Combine from bombing a local town filled with civilians. Yes this a bonus chapter but I have to say this was waaaay to short to even be a chapter in Half Life 2. This game takes about 20 minutes on your first run, and 10 the next run. Even though the chapter was not lengthy it was still a blast to kick some more Combine alien ass, but it was to short, that may be the fact that Valve removed it from the original game.
4. OVERALL- Overall Half-Life 2 Lost Coast is fun to play at least twice, the only reason why you should ever play this game more than twice is to check your graphics card or just to listen to Gabe Newhells's ingame commentary. "Is this game worth downloading?" Yes, this game is definalty worth downloading for the amazing plot and to see how good your PC can run Source games with HDR and Bloom effect. This game is not to be missed for hardcore Half Life fans. That is my review on Half Life 2 Lost Coast.
Total Score: 7.0