Blurs the line between PC entertainment and cinema
I am floored by the climactic action piece at the end of this game and extremely impressed by the cinematics that follow. I've played so many shooters dating all the way back to Doom and I honestly think this is the best of them all. I had been leaning that way throughout the game and then the ending clinched it.
The graphics, sound, voice acting, and plot all come together on this one making it the best in the series. Action here is phenomenal and you really have to stay on your toes and keep your strategies fast and tight to survive some of the set-pieces first try. The shootout at the Inn is as good as it gets in a game of this type and the ending fight is an intense and total rush, evoking visceral feelings of actually being present in the middle of a war. Set this game and any Half-life entry at its hardest difficulty and you damn well better take cover, be accurate, and make your shots count.
Due to the emotional way this game ends, I imagine there are thousands of people who can't wait until Half-life 2: Episode 3. I won't spoil it, and in fact to experience the full impact of the plot's turn I recommend playing all three Half-life 2 games. I'll definitely buy the final episode the day it's released.
Valve...hats off to you.
Gamespot...you didn't review this game; where are your heads at? It's not too late to write a professional review for this one.
It's only $7 to download Episode 2 from Steam. Really good deal. I was thoroughly warmed up from playing HL2 and HL2: Ep 1 back to back, so as a result I played through HL2: Ep 2 quickly and it still clocked in at 12 hours. Some would say it's short, but for the price and quality I would have to disagree.
Enjoy.