HL wins given its interactive opening that no one had seen before. You literally knew PC gaming had changed forever.

However, to go back quite a ways I have a very strong memory of the opening in a 1991 game called Out of this World. Incredibly cinematic and creative for its time. Someone has it on YouTube actually: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekZ4LbAEZmg

I've been on GameSpot since before it was called GameSpot in the middle 90's. This is the single best video ever. Well said in every way. Congratulations for taking a principled stand and not simply adhering to the old adage that the "customer is always right". They aren't.

The game is great in style and substance while offering substantial length hardly seen anymore in FPS games. That said an I cannot fathom how any legitimate review could possibly not discuss some glaring flaws. Flaws such as the game changing you back to the default pistol after EVERY cut scene (and there are many) rather than allowing you to stay with the weapon you choose. This includes when that pistol has no bullets. Just wonderful to come out of the cut scene only to be holding a crappy gun with no bullets and standing in the middle of a room filled with enemies. It is inexplicable that this could make it into the final product. Additionally there were some areas with checkpoints too spread out and occasionally making you leave an area before you ready (haven't finished exploring but happen to press on the next section's door) is annoying. Moving quickly is not possible and going from one cover location to another is awkward and clunky.

This is a great game that I recommend but to leave out any discussion of the flaws above, or really fail to say much of anything about the controls, make this is an incomplete review.