This is one of the best deals on the market!
Half-life 2:
This is essentially a port of the 2004 masterpiece from Valve, so if you have played through this before, you probably don't want to play through it again (unless you're playing for achievements). But, for those like me who hadn't played it before, this will feel very fresh. You will realize what all the fuss was about. The story is kind of confusing even for someone who has played the first one. But, I will stay spoiler free, and just tell you that the story is very immersing once you get into it. I'll admit, the gameplay is a little linear, but that's really how the Half Life formula works, and it works well. Levels are pretty long length the first time around. The levels usually start out slow, but heat up as you keep going. The setting is spot on, and some of it is a bit sad actually. The combat ranges from very good to OK. Sometimes it can feel a little "I'll shoot you, you shoot me" gameplay (especially at first). But once you get the gravity gun (a super awesome gun where you can pick up objects and throw them at your enemies), the combat gets more varied. The graphics are still impressive today, even though this is a 3 or so year old game. Despite a few flaws, you will be impressed by Half-life 2.
Half-Life 2: Episode 1:
This is sort of an expansion to Half-Life 2. It picks up where the last one left off, and goes from there. It feels a lot like Half-Life 2 (which is really good), and fans should be pleased by this. The graphics have been enhanced to make it look more modern. This one is a little on the short side, but it still is a fun one. It kind of stands out as the weak link of the Half-Life games included in The Orange Box.
Half-Life 2: Episode 2:
The Half-Life 2 saga continues with this expansion. This is what most buyers of The Orange Box came for. The story really starts to heat up, and the ending is well I'll let you find out for yourself, but I really gets you pumped for Episode 3. Gameplay is much of the same with something people have been asking a lot more of, combat. There is a lot more combat in this one and it is sure to please fans. This is a very good entry into the Half-Life series, and should be welcomed by fans.
Portal:
Portal is unlike anything I've played before. It's kind of weird at first is really hard to describe and review. It runs on the source engine, and although it is not as graphically impressive as the other games in The Orange Box, it is really fun to play. Portal is well named because well you create portals with your portal gun to help you get past rooms, and the rooms get more complex as you keep going. It's kind of like a puzzle game or I should say "is" a puzzle game. The puzzles are very clever, and it's a heck of a lot fun to play. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention, the game is really funny (the cake joke gets old though). This is a very welcome game in the Orange Box.
Team Fortress 2:
A collection can't be complete without multiplayer right? Well you would expect Counter-Strike to be in this collection considering it's like most popular game on the planet! But, they decided to go with this, the long awaiting sequel to the "classic" Team Fortress Classic. If you remember the original, you pick your own class, each being unique in their own way. These classes are divided into more general classes. Each class has their own advantages against other classes, and there's a little something for everyone. I like to think of the classes as the type of multiplayer FPS gamer you are. The classes are very balanced and will please fans of the original. Team Fortress 2 also has a very unique art style. It looks very cartoony, but at the same time is very impressive. There is no single player, like the new Counter-Strike have, but think this game fit for multiplayer only. My only complaint is controls on the 360 feel a bit spotty, but other than that, great game.
Achievements:
The Orange Box promotes a whooping 99 achievements for each. That should keep Live users busy for a long time.
I should mention that there is a Left 4 Dead trailer included.
Overall this game has to go down as one of the best deals in video game history. It has five great games for 60 bucks. Even if you have played Half-Life 2 and Episode 1, this is still worth picking up. This is a great package that any FPS fan should consider picking up.