Difficulty:

Just Right

Time Spent:

10 to 20 Hours

The Bottom Line:

"Masterpiece"

Despite how seamless the plot goes, Gordon Freeman seems to always have to start from zero with every new episode. Ep2 starts off somewhat like Ep1, with the Gravity Gun, some puzzles, then works your way up with the pistol onwards. This formula works very well, and engages you all over again even though the weapons are more or less the same since the original game.

Just when you thought it's the usual level design formula, Ep2 will surprise you again, and this time with a higher adrenaline rush via the scavenged Mustang. Combat and overall gameplay is a bit harder than the previous episodes, given new deadlier enemies, but if you played through the first two before, it shouldn't be a problem.

I shall say, Episode 2 scores high on creativity and sincerity in the FPS genre, not just due to the Gravity Gun puzzles, but in the overall interaction process and the excitement of anticipation the game provides for the player. Lastly, they finally made great use of grenades here!

KingLim